Clippinger - George (Dr) - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Civil War Regiment: 14th

Place of Birth: PA

Date of Birth: 1822

Place of Death: Indianapolis, IN

Date of Death: 2.20.1870

Schools attended: Un. City of NY

Year Medical Grad or Attendance: 1845

Wife: Anna b. NJ 1828

Children: 1

Obit location: TISMS 1870:160

Comm. Date: 9.5.1861

Final Date: 4.15.1862 Resigned

County: Vigo(Terre Haute-1860) / Marion (Indianapolis)

Sources: 1850c $3000 / 1860c $14920 / $1500 // 1874 deceased

Dr. Clippinger removed to this city four or five years ago from Terre Haute. If we mistake not, he was a native of Va. He was of a kind, sympathetic nature, a warm friend and a generous devoted husband and father. In every relation of life he was strictly, scrupulously, honest and courteous. during the war he was prominent as a surgeon. and in all sanitary movements, redering aid to the wounded soldiers of Indiana when ever the exigency of battle called for extra medical service. many fervent, heartfelt appeals has he made to the friends at home for help, based upon his experience in the field. All will miss him, and many sincerely mourn the loss of an honored friend.

USSC 27 years town experience 9 months hospital extensive surgical practice

Notes: Dr. Anson Hurd has been appointed Surgeon of the 14th Indiana vice Clippinger resigned.

Publication: Indianapolis Daily State Sentinel

Date: April 23, 1862

Notes: Our Hospitals

Through the urbanity and kindness of Dr. Thompson, Surgeon in charge of the Marine Hospital, we were conveyed thither yesterday, and from the thence accompanied by him and Dr. Johnson to Hospital No. 1, and will give our readers the benefit of our observations as far as time and space will permit.

The Marine Hospital

Is located on the bank of the river, enclosed in a beautiful iron fence, and occupying four acres of ground, which is beautifully and tastefully set out with fruit trees of different kinds, and is kept scrupulously neat and free from all dirt or uncleanliness. The building is of brick, four stories high, and surmounted with a cupola, and a very substantial and finely arranged edifice. We were shown through it by Drs. Thompson and Johnston who seemed to be very popular with the invalids and convalescents. We walked through the different wards and confess to no little surprise at the extreme tidiness and regularly every were apparent. Certainly everything that the heart of a sick and wounded soldier could wish for is her provided, good cool, well ventilated rooms, attentive surgeons and nurses excellent beds and plenty of wholesome food. There are thirty-six different wards, besides the attendants' rooms, linen room, dining room, and the culinary department. The invalids were lying on their cots while the convalescents were enjoying themselves in different was - some lounging about the verandas, some reading, and other playing at innocent games. Everywhere they greeted us with smiles, and seemed d to look as with a feeling of reverence at their surgeons. We were shown a patient who was brought to the hospital a short time ago, whose case was almost considered hopeless. The surgeons amputated his shattered leg, and he is now nearly convalescent,. Another had a bad wound in the thigh, and gangrene in its worst form had set in, so that the flesh had soughed off for about six or seven inches in diameter, but the skillful treatment he had received had made him also, nearly convalescent. We were shown into the linen room where we saw piles of mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillow slips, etc., in great abundance, and we will here add that all the beds are supplied with mosquito bars/nets, an actual necessity in these days of mosquitoes innumerable. The atmosphere in the wards is as pure as could be, and it was a great relief to us to get out of the hot sun into such cool quarters.

In short, the patients here almost lie upon "flowery beds of ease," and have every comfort that their circumstances will allow. The convalescents in the hospital have made very nice wardrobes for the different wards, which does away with the necessity of hanging their clothes about on the walls.

After seeing what we could see in the wards, we ascended to the cupola, where we had a fine view of the city and river. From here we descended to the dinging room and culinary department, which are in the basement. Here we found everything in "apple pie order", and as neat as a pin, and we may safely say it is economically administered, as we were informed that there is a credit of $300 on the Quartermaster's books for a hospital fund.

We were informed by Dr. Thompson that he had lately received a "Bill of Repairs" for the hospital, which will include the painting of the roof, repairing the front wall, etc., and leveling down the river bank, and making a wharf, which will make a convenient landing for Government boats, and also prevent the river from washing away the bank. There are in this hospital at present 131 patients and 139 vacant beds making in all 270 beds, exclusive of those for attendants. In case of necessity, 500 invalids can be here accommodated. From here we went to Hospital No. 1

This is one of the most commodious and well-arranged hospitals in the State. It is not quite completed, but when finished it will have few parallel It consists of three separate buildings, 200 feet long by 35 feet in width, with their outhouses and other attachments. It is built of frame the sides, ends, and floors being double. It is situated on a high, level piece of ground, about 300 yards below the Marine, and presents, like it a beautiful and neat appearance, everything being whitewashed or painted white. It is well ventilated throughout, having ventilators at the sides and ends and in the roof. The Surgeon's offices are in the front, and the dining rooms and kitchens in the rear. It reflects credit upon the Architects, Messrs. Merseina & Boyd, and on the Builder Mr. John McCorkle. We were shown through the wards and about the premises by the Surgeon in charge, Dr. Joencon[Jeancon], who is an affable and pleasant gentleman, and loved by all his patients. He is assisted by Drs. Tyrrell and Kress, both gentlemen of professional ability, and particularly qualified for their positions.

Everything works like a charm at this model hospital, and nothing seems lacking for the comfort or accommodation of "Uncle Sam's boys," who are so unfortunate (or fortunate, we hardly know which to say), as to become its inmates. We were also here shown several cases of gangrene which were nearly healed; at least the patients seemed to be enjoying themselves hugely at a game of dominoes, and greeted us with smiling faces as we approached. In the course of a week or two, the hospital will be finished and ready to accommodate two or three hundred more patients. One peculiarity about it is, that in case "bright winged peace" should soon visit our land, it is so constructed that it can easily be taken apart in sections and removed to any place desired. So nothing seems to have been neglected in the planning or construction of this building. There is at present 130 beds, and 95 patients in it, but it is in readiness for as many more as are likely to come soon.

We think we can say, and that without braggadocio, that we are as well off for Hospital room, medical ability and skill and healthful location, with a good and loyal citizenship, to back them as any city in the State.

The Marine Hospital Grounds

Government has, we learn, ordered a survey of the river bank in front of the Marine Hospital, and an estimate to be made of the cost of grading the bank with a view to prevent the further washing away of the grounds in that vicinity.

The survey has been made, by messrs. Mursinna & Boyd, and their report forwarded to the proper Department at Washington City.

This is a work that should have been done years ago, when there was thrice the area between the Hospital and the river that now exists, but it is better to do it now than to permit a further waste of good land to occur, and we hope the Government will order the improvement to be made at once.

A respectable sized farm has been removed from between the foot of Sycamore street and the Marine Hospital since the Hospital was built. The product of the land thus washed away would have been sufficient almost to have paid for the work necessary for its preservation.

October 2, 1863

Our Wounded in the Late Battles

The following letter from the chief Surgeon of the corps of Volunteer Surgeons dispatched by Gov. Morton to Rosecrans army, has been received by Adjutant General Nobel:

Bridgeport, Ala., September 24, 1863

Sir: I have the honor to report our sage arrival here at 11 o'clock last night. Our company numbers fourteen Surgeons. I immediately on arriving reported to Col. Smith, commanding post, and was referred to Dr. Salter, his medical director, who requested that at once some of my corps of surgeons be assigned to duty, a large number of wounded having arrived during the day and evening. Four of the gentlemen at once volunteered for duty, and worked faithfully during the remaining portion of the night. This morning, at the request of the medial director, three of them were assigned permanently to duty at this place. We go to the front in a few minutes, where we learn we are much needed. The surgeons composing the party, I am glad to add are good men and ready to work.

From all we can gather, Gen. Rosecrans is holding his own, but at the cost of desperate fighting. The army, we are assured is in splendid plight for fighting, and all are confident of ultimate complete success. It is pretty clearly ascertained that Gen. Burnside has effected a junction with Gen. Rosecrans. Large trains of the men slightly wounded are constantly arriving, and are being forwarded as rapidly as possible by rail to Nashville. I shall endeavor to have Indiana men sent home, as far as practicable.

I have the honor to be

Your most obedient serv't

Geo. W. Clippinger

Report of the Sanitary Committee

About noon, 25th inst., we received a dispatch from Indianapolis, requesting us to gather up all the Sanitary stores we could, and have them in readiness by 11 P. M. to go by Express Train to Evansville.

The Court House bell was rung at 2 o'clock, P. M. and a large number of citizens assembled at the call. A committee of two from each ward was appointed and the work of collecting stores commenced.

By 11 p.m. we had loaded a car a follows:

2 bbls dried beef

5 bbls dried apples

2 bbls eggs

10 bbls, Corn Meal

6 bbls Canned Fruit Assorted

1 box Pillows

3 boxes sheets, pillow cases, shirts, drawers, towels, bandages and lints.

1 box sage

1 box wines and jellies

1 box wines

1 basket wine

5 kegs liquors

2 boxes assorted Hospital stores, including tea, ground coffee &c

1 box Canned fruit and jellies

2 boxes dried apples

1 box sundries

1 box lemons

6 sacks dried fruits

61 packages

The express train arrived at 11 ½ o'clock with Surgeons and supplies being in charge of Mr. Hannaman, President of the State Sanitary Committee.

Capt James Hook has charge of our stores. He will go with them to Vicksburg.

Drs. Read and Clippienger started for the battle fields on the 11 a.m. train, via Cairo.

The Committee acknowledge the receipt of $319.15,cash collection, a part of which was immediately invested, and proceeds forwarded. The remainder will be used for purchasing things most needed by the soldiers, which will be forwarded the first opportunity.

Considering the shortness of the notice the response was highly creditable to the patriotism of our citizens.

It must be apparent to all, however, that we have only begun the good work - in so short a time we could not reach the great mass of our citizens. We hope every one who reads this, and has not already given of his substance, will come forward and do so without delay. After a series of bloody battles our brave defenders are victorious; but, ah! At what a cost. Thousands have already gone to their reward, and shall never again on earth see the face of father or mother, of wife or child; other thousands with mangled bodies and limbs are languishing on beds of pain. Shall we, who sleep on beds of down, and feed on dainties every day, begrudge them a part of our abundance, God forbid. While enjoying health and strength, they could rough it on soldier's fare, but now they need a different, diet, and must have it.

We hope the loyal farmers of the county will come forward and contribute liberally. Is there anything too good or the soldiers of the Mississippi? They have poured out their blood to open the Great River to our commerce; they have given up their lives to secure the blessings of Freedom to you and your posterity.

During the absence of Capt. Hook, persons who desire to contribute supplies, will please call on the Secretary of the Postoffice.

Cash subscriptions will be received by the Treasurer, Mr. Bement.

A list of contributors will be published soon.

By order of the Committee

Publication: Wabash Daily Express Terre Haute

Date: 5.17.1863

Surgeons for the Army

We had the pleasure of meeting in the city last evening Drs E. Read and G. W. Clippinger of Terre Haute, who are on their way to Vicksburg in response to the call of Gov. Morton to assist in caring for the sick and wounded of Gen. Grant's army.

These gentlemen will be valuable acquisitions to the medial corps in that field, for in addition to being distinguished physicians and surgeons, each have had experience in the field, the former as surgeon of the 21st Indiana through the brilliant campaigns which resulted in the capture of New Orleans and recovery to Federal rule of a large portion of Louisiana, and the later as surgeon of the glorious 14th, for many months, in which he won the esteem and affection of every member of that cast iron regiment. He shared with them the perils, suffering and glories of Green Brier, Bloomery Furnance and Winchester.

Another train was to arrive during last night with a large corps of surgeons and nurses, with sanitary stores, to go forward this morning by the fleet Courier.

Publication: Evansville

Date: 5.26.1863

The following are the names of the physicians, agents and nurses who left Evansville for Vicksburg on the 26th:

Dr. Bullard, chief physician

Dr. W. H. Wishard, Johnson county

Dr. W. B. Fletcher, Marion

Dr. J. W. Hovey, Marion

Dr. James H. Dodson, Jay

Dr. T. B Elliot, Marion

Dr. Ezra Read, Terre Haute

Dr. G. W. Clippinger, Terre Haue

Dr. B. Cramer Thornton

Dr. Thomas H. Harrison, Lebanon

Dr. C. W. Osborn, Thornton

Dr. John M. Youart, Lafayette

Dr. W M. Hitt, Vincennes

Dr. M. Powers, Vincennes

Dr. J. C Stanley, Cambridge

Dr. A. P Taylor, Cambridge

Dr. H E. Cowgill, Greencastle

Dr. J.S. Bell, Dublin

Dr. A. G. Preston, Greencastle

Dr. J. P Carmpton Anderson

Dr. Wm Mitchell, Princeton

Dr. W. J. McGowan

Dr. A. G Boynton, Elizabethtown

Dr. N. B Sprarks

Dr. Jas S Ewan, Jennings county

Dr. T. A. Wilson, Brownstown

Dr. J. H. Payne, Brownstown Dr. W. C. A. Bayne, Seymour

Dr. Joseph Stephenson, Pendleton

Dr. J. W. Stranghan, Parkersburg

Dr. J. T Boyd, Indianapolis

Dr. Wilson Lockhart, Danville

Dr. W. G. Kidd, Princeton

Dr. J. R. Hinkle, Sullivan

Dr. J. G. McMeachan, Crawfordsville

Dr. Solomon Davis, Columbut

Dr. T. G. Mitchell, Pendleton.

Sanitary Agents

F.B Noffsinger, Indianapolis

A. A. Trueblood, Indianapolis

A. G. Crane, Indianapolis

E. C. Mayhew, Indianapolis

J. H. Baldwin, Seymours

Capt Thomas G. Williamson, Evansville

Gustavus Williams, Greencastle

James Hook, Terre Haute

J. Finney Deen, Indianapolis.

Nurses

Miss Bettie Bates of Indianapolis

Miss Ellen Child, Indianapolis

Miss Emma Henry, Indianapolis

Miss Nancy Hadley, Indianapolis.

Publication: Indianapolis Daily Journal

Date: May 29, 1863

Letter from our Sanitary Expedition.

Indiana Sanitary Steamer Courier,

Friday, May 29th, 1863

Leaving Memphis yesterday morning we stopped three hours to coal at Fort Pickering, one mile below the city. Col. Chas. Murray, of the 89th Indiana, was the commanding officer. He had gone into the country blackberrying, which reminded us, by contrast, of the strawberry season just commencing at home. We had a pleasant interview with Lieut. Col. Cravens, whose health is somewhat impraired but is now improving. Nearly one hundred men of the of the 89th are in hospital; mostly suffering from diseases incident to the climate, but generally doing well and likely to recover.

Our company is now increased in number to over one hundred, by officers returning to Vicksburg after temporary leaves of absence. We held another rousing Union meeting last night.

Col. Wood, of the 1st Arkansas (contrabands), gave us a narrative of his efforts and success in raising black troops. After considerable early opposition the project now meets with the almost universal approbation of the soldiers in service. There are now on the lower Mississippi 12, 000 negroes organized into regiments and abieng perfected in drill. Most of these regiments are new, and as yet without arms andequipments, but they will soon be ready for active service.

Col. Wood was formerly of the 1st Indiana Cavalry, but gladly left to engage in his new enterprise, to which he was called by Adjutant General Thomas. He has the only colored regiment on the river that is fully equipped. It has now had four weeks of drill and discipline. Col. Wood speaks in the highest terms of its proficiency, and invites our party to stop an hour at Lake Providence and see the drill.

Dr. Clippenger, of Terre Haute, gave an interesting account of the services and sufferings of the 14th Indiana among the mountains of Western Virginia and with the Potomac Army.

This morning we find ourselves at the mouth of White river, snugly moored along shore, protected from all imaginable dangers by three ugly gunboats. We arrived about two o'clock in the morning –reported to the officer commanding - and under orders laid up to wait further orders. We are told this morning that we were fired on during the night by guerillas on the shore with musketry and grape. Several balls entered the cabin - nobody heurt and nobody frightened. We are now deep within hour lines, and the frightful ball of red tape begins to wind us in its folds. We report to the naval officer commanding at two o'clock in the morning, "Sanitary boat from Indiana sent by Governor Morton, with surgeons, nurses and sanitary stores for the relief of the sick and wounded Indiana troops at Vicksburg. The officers in charge want immediate dispatch as the necessity is urgent." "All right," says the brisk Ensign on the deck of the ugly gunboat, "will report ot the Captain commanding this morning," "Report at once - we want to go on."

The brisk little ensign informs us that we can't go on, and that the slumbers of the Captain cannot be disturbed. So our boys must suffer several hours longer at Vicksburg, in order that the accomplished naval officer may sleep. At seven in the morning, thinking in the course of nature, his repose is broken, we essay another report in person. We are mt by a polished Lieutenant with a pretty gold band, who reports that the Captain is not yet up, and can not be disturbed.At half past nine, the naval officer commanding, refreshed by sweet sleep; gives an audience to General Stone and Dr. Bullard. He is "Under orders" to convey all boats down, with a gun boat. "Three gun boats her, --can we not leave without further delay?" The accomplished officer commanding was so polite as to give the assurance that there was a remote possibility that we might get under weigh by noon. Noon arrives and we do not go. We went to get a sufficient reason for the delay. Our answer is that other gun boats are expected and we will wait for them. At two o'clock the gun boat Emma Duncan arrives from above, and at half past four goes on with us, with a sutler's and commissary steamer in company. The later steamer is a tub of a boat, with not half the speed of the Courier, and will detain us seriously. So we go down the river after fourteen hours longer time before the boys who fight our battles and are wounded, can get relief, and ice and cold water. Fourteen hours is a long time to the wounded boys before the rebel batteries at Vicksburg. But the naval officer, with three gun boats, and "under orders," waits for the fourth. We start and we poke for the commissary steamer can not keep up.

Five steamers are observed coming up the river in company. Are they loaded with wounded? One hundred earnest men what to know. They are crowded. Their lower decks are full; their upper decks full; their hurricane decks crowded. The yards are hung with clothes and blankets, and bundles, on which hundred of men are resting. It cannot be be wounded; there are too many, and wounded men would not be placed in such an inconvenient position. The prevailing gray and butternut color of their clothes, and a general look of unseemly wretchedness soon indicates that the boats are loaded with prisoners bound north - 4,500 in number, as we afterwards learned.

Lake Providence, Saturday May 30

We ought to have been at Vicksburg this morning, but we are only at Lake Providence, twenty-five miles above Vicksburg.

Another festoon of red tape; another coil that we cannot cut. The second officer informs us that we must wait nearly all day for the tub steamer (which we have towed to make her move at all) to discharge her cargo. Already twenty-four hours of unnecessary delay, and now another coil or two of the scarlet serpent and our brave men wounded, who are cut to pieces while fighting for us, wait our arrival hours longer, how patiently we do not know. A Sanitary and hospital steamer hastening to aid dying men is subjected to the same annoyances and detention as a common huckster bat laden with Sutler and commissary stores, and indeed is forced to wait her convenience, and all "under orders" from fascinating naval gentlemen with gold bands on their jaunty caps, and no "discretion" to speak of.

We accept Col. Woods's earnest invitation to visit the camp of the 1st Arkansas regiment and witness dress parade.

The officers composed of this regiment are nearly all from Indiana. Col. W. F. Wood, Lieut. Col. James Campbell, late of the 34th Indiana, Major Burson, late of the 46th, and Wm. Snyder, Adjutant, late of the 9th Indiana regiment.

We find the camp of the regiment, nearly a mile from the river on the grounds of a rich rebel, who became the victim of a mysterious disappearance something over a year ago.

Headquarters are in the old mansion, surrounded by a park of tropical trees - magnolias, pride of India, China tree, live oak, and numerous evergreens, shrubs, holly, laurel, &c. As our party approached the old mansion and crossed the bridge over the unfinished Lake Providence canal we were challenged by two Negro sentinels, resplendent in dignity, glossy blackness and the blue uniform. We inquired to what regiment they belonged. The reply was full of lofty dignity: "Fust Arkansaw Hoosiers, Sar." We left our overpowering sentinels and were greeted by Col. Wood at headquarters.

In a short time he brought out his regiment for review. They were more than one thousand. Perfect in equipment, and, considering they had been armed less than a month, admirable in discipline. As we looked down the long straight line of blacks invested in blue, every bayonet glistening in a perfect line in the hot sun, a thousand rows of white teeth, shining in black relief, every wooly head erect, entire harmony and symmetry observed in the manual of arms, we felt that if they had learned so much of the art and discipline and pride of the soldier in one month, they would do to charge bayonets and kill rebels in two months.

Colonel Wood and all his field and company officers are devoted to the regiment, and are of the opinion that it can be made as efficient as any regiment in the service. After the parade was over Col. Wood made them a speech, telling them that the strangers present speech, telling them that the strangers present were Indiana, and had been sent by governor Morton to look after the wants of the Indiana soldiers, and, as they called themselves Arkansas Hoosiers because they had so many officers from Indiana, these friends were very anxious to see them, and were proud to see them and believed that black men would make better soldiers than slaves a great deal.

General Stone was called on for speech. He told them how much they could do for themselves, their wives and children and country, that it would be for them to assist in keeping down the rebels and making this part of the country loyal to the United States. The regiment then gave three rousing cheers and a mighty tiger for Indiana and Governor Morton. They then sang "John Browns' soul is marching on."

The full chorus of a thousand fervent voices, the great sincerity of the singers, and the time and place made a deep impression on all of us.

Young's Point, Above Vicksburg,

Sunday, May 31

We arrived here last night.

Dr. Bullard, surgeon in charge, reported at once to the Medical Director of Grant's army, and was informed that orders had been received from headquarters that no additional Surgeons, sanitary supplies, or stores of any kind were needed; that ther were only 2,500 sick and wounded men belonging to Grant's army at the various camp hospitals, and that all were provided with every convenience and comfort. This seemed to the end of our mission. Nothing to do, as everything had been done. Blessed comfort prevailed, no wants to be filled, say the Tycoon who controls the Medical Department of the army of the Tennessee. Grateful to learn that ther was so little suffering and no need of our services, several of our Surgeons strolled ashore into an immense convalescent camp, where were huddled between five and six thousand soldiers - well, about well, growing well; sick, very sick, and dying. At least one thousand were sick, needing constant care and attention. The few Surgeons in charge state that they need at least eight or ten additional Surgeons at once.

The quarters are in a state of utter wretchedness and uncleanliness, and imperatively need immediate reform to save the lives of our brave boys. There are in this camp not less than one hundred soldiers from our State who should be sent home.

We begin to lose confidence in the humanity, veracity and capacity of the Assistant Medical Director of the Grand Army. We see a large field for usefulness if the mesh of routine can only be broken through. Gen. Stone and Dr. Bullard will go, without delay, to the headquarters of Gen. Grant, in the rear of Vicksburg, to get the unwise order countermanded, so that we may give the help so much needed. We learn from other reliable sources that our whole corps of surgeons can be at once put on active duty where much good will be done. We have little doubt of the success of the application at headquarters.

T. B. E.

Indiana Sanitary Steamer Courier

Mississippi River, Near Cairo,

Saturday evening, June 6, 1863

Ed. Journal: I had no opportunity to send the enclosed notes of our down trip so as to reach you earlier than our return.

We come back bringing seventy-seven of our wounded soldiers, who are all delighted at the prospect of getting home to dear old Indiana. They are doing well but are all disabled.

We hope to reach Evansville on Sunday evening and Indianapolis on Monday evening. The wounded will all be left in the hospitals at Evansville, and as soon as the list can be made out, will be sent to you, together with a list of all the Indiana sick and wounded in the hospitals in the vicinity of Vicksburg.

We have just met the Cincinnati Daily Gazette Sanitary Steamer Era, en route for Vicksburg, just as we got our wounded men almost in sight of home. Blessings go with them, for they may be in time to do much good, if there shall be still further fighting at Vicksburg.

We met the second Indiana Sanitary boat near the mouth of White River. She was loaded with the 40th Iowa regiment, having been seized by the Government. It is however probable that her return trip will be in pursuance of her mission, if she shall be needed.

About half our surgeons, and nearly all our nurses were detailed for duty at the various hospitals near Vicksburg, and remain there in active service.

Dr. Bullard, ever very efficient, humane and popular Surgeon in charge, has been quite sick during the return trip and may remain some days at Evansville before returning home. T. B. E.

Source: Indianapolis Daily Journal

Date: June 10, 1863

The Battle of Chickamauga

Additional lists of casualties

Battle of Chickamauga, Losses

The Indiana Wounded (From the Indianapolis Journal, 30th)

The following letter from the chief surgeon of the corps of volunteer surgeons dispatched by Gov. Morton to Rosecrans' army, has been received by Adj Gen. Noble

Bridgeport, Ala Sept 24

Sir: I have the honor to report our safe arrival here at 11 o'clock last night. Our company numbers fourteen surgeons. I immediately on arriving reported to Col. Smith, commanding post, and was referred to Dr. Salter, his medical director, who requested that at once my corps of surgeons be assigned to duty, a large number of wounded having arrived during the day and evening. Four of the gentlemen at once volunteered for duty, and worked faithfully during the remaining portion of the night. This morning, at the request of the medical director, three of them were assigned permanently to duty at this place. We go to the front in a few minutes, were we learn we are much needed. The surgeons composing the party, I am glad to add, are good men and ready to work.

"From all we can gather, Gen. Rosecrans is holding his own, but at the cost of desperate fighting. The army, we are assured, is in splendid plight form fighting, and all are confident of ultimate complete success. It is pretty clearly ascertained that Gen. Burnside has effected a junction with Gen. Burnside has effected a junction with Gen. Rosecrans.

Large trains of the men slightly wounded are constantly arriving, and are being forwarded as rapidly as possible by rail to Nashville. I shall endeavor to have Indiana men sent home, as far as practicable.

I have the honor to be

Your most obedient Servant,

Geo. W. Clippinger

Publication: Cincinnati Daily Gazette

Date: October 1, 1863

To the People of Indiana

U.S. Christian Commission Rooms

No. 78 East Market Street

Indianapolis, April 5th, 1865

The recent victories which, under the blessing of God, have crowned the arms of our nation, have filled every patriotic heart with gratitude and joy. These glorious achievements, however, have been attended with great sacrifices and untold suffering. Our hospitals are now filling up with the sick and wounded, fresh from the battlefield. Languishing, bleeding and dying these gallant soldiers who win our victories at the peril of their own lives, claim our warmest sympathy and most substantial aid. The Indiana Branch of the United States Christian Commission comes once more before you with a special plea in their behalf. We must not permit these men many of them from our own households, to suffer for anything we can give them. What we want at this time most of all is money, because money will by all needed supplies.

All available funds in our Treasury have just been appropriated to meet the urgency of the call and when another call comes shall we respond, "Indiana has nothing more to give?" Every man, woman, and child has a personal interest in this matter and can do something: however small the offering it will help. We most respectfully and earnestly ask the pastors of our city and State to take collections for this cause on the first Sabbath after reading this appeal, and thus enable us to do our share in relieving the agonies incident upon these (we may hope) final conflicts. All monies should be sent to the Treasurer, James M. Ray.

G. W. Clippenger, President

J. T. Penn,V P

J. M. Ran?, treasurer

Charles N. Topp, Corr Sec'y

Publication: HOWARD TRIBUNE

Date: 4.13.1865

Kemper,IBS v. 61 p. 90-1

Source: 19th Century Database of Indiana Physicians