Oyster Stew

[jda3rd]

I recently ran across an "Abstract of Contingencies" for the 3rd quarter, 1863, signed by Henry James, Surgeon, USA. I purchased this years ago, and it's been tucked away in my desk since. No location is mentioned.

Apparently this form was submitted to verify purchases of requisitioned items.

Sounds like Oyster Stew for the patients:

1532 lbs Butter @ $.22 337.04
1232 Doz Eggs " .20 246.40
101 Gal. Oysters " 1.10 111.10
825 Chickens " .25 206.25

Total $900.79

Mmmmm, mmmmmmm, good!

Frank Brower (I thought y'all might be interested)

[GrumpyDave]

Do you know his unit?

[jda3rd]

I wish I did. That part of the form is blank.
Sorry.

[TimKindred]

Frank,

This may well be from the commissary attached to the federal Field Hospital at Gettysburg. Surgeon James Henry was in charge there, having been placed in command by Jonathan Letterman when the latter was forced to depart the area along with the rest of the Federal Army.

James' tasks included collecting and caring for all of the wounded left behind by both sides. By the first part of August, 1863, all of the field hospitals and outlying facilities were closed down, with one remaining large camp hosting about 3,000 wounded still awaiting transport. It is presumed that these men were still recovering enough to be transported, not that transportation was unavailable.

The amount of ingrediants listed might well serve a facility that large.

I have no further information of him at this time, but I'll see what I can dig up.

Respects,