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John W. Schildt in his biography of Hunter McGuire
summed up the doctor as such: "When people needed to talk, he listened. Those
who knew him said Dr. Hunter McGuire made you feel that you were the most
important person in the world." Another quote that describes the Winchester
physican is "Make not patients of your friends -but friends of your
patients."
Such a man was Hunter Holmes McGuire, a native of Winchester,
Virginia in the Northern end of the Shenandoah Valley. Born on October 11, 1835,
at age 22 he was already a professor and full doctor. An impressive man, tall
-- almost 6'4" -- thin, and handsome with black hair and blue eyes, Dr. McGuire
was a believer in State's Rights and Virginia and thus embarked on a career as
a
Confederate Medical Officer in 1861.
At first, he signed up to fight as a
private in the Winchester Rifles (Co. F of the 2nd Virginia which fought in the
Stonewall Brigade), but McGuire was too valuable to serve as a foot soldier when
the Confederacy needed trained doctors. McGuire served under many different
commanders; among them were Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Richard Ewell, and
Jubal Early. It is, however, as Jackson's surgeon that Dr. McGuire is
remembered. McGuire would later say: "The noblest heritage I shall hand down
to my children is the fact that Stonewall Jackson condescended to hold me and
treat
me as his friend."
McGuire served in all the major battles of the Army of Northern Virginia as
the medical director of the famed Second Corps. In May of 1863, Jackson was
wounded in the arm by friendly fire at the battle of Chancellorsville. After
a week long battle with pneumonia, Jackson died of the pneumonia. (note: modern
physicans think Jackson probably died of a pulmonary embolism, not pneumonia
as McGuire thought) A picture of McGuire taken in mid-May shows him looking
gaunt and exhausted, both indicative of the tireless efforts he put forth
in an attempt to save his friend and patient. In fact, Dr. McGuire attempted
to give his patient and friend round the clock care.
McGuire saw many tragedies in his career as a medical officer for
the dying Confederacy. His good friend and commander Jackson died. His tent-mate
Sandie Pendelton was mortally wounded in the Valley in 1864. McGuire's own
brother Hugh was mortally wounded in 1865. His beloved home the Shenandoah
Valley was in flames. And McGuire himself was captured at Waynesboro on March
2nd. Paroled by General Sheridan for his policy of not keeping Union Surgeons,
McGuire was with the Army of Northern Virginia and tasted the bitter defeat of
surrender at Appomattox Court House.
McGuire after the War went to
Richmond where he built a hospital of his own and had a career that was varied
and productive, and often included helping one who had worn the gray during the
Civil War. Especially at first, but later as well, he would work without pay. He
forever remained a staunch supporter of Jackson's reputation and image, writing
several biographical sketches and giving speeches about his former commander.
McGuire served also as a professor after the War, was president of numerous
medical organizations and societys including the American Medical Assocaiation.
In addition, he married and fathered 10 children, some of whom followed in his
footsteps in pursuing medical careers. He died of complications of a cerberal
embolism on September 19, 1900. He is buried amongst many Confederate notables
in Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery. A statue stands on the Virginia State House
grounds to the Winchester physican.
Hunter McGuire was a truly gifted
individual. He was a deft surgeon, a highly gifted and competent doctor, a
superb teacher, an outstanding orator, a brilliant administrator, and a prolific
writer and author. One person remembered the physican in consulting with his
patients was "like a husband pondering the problems of the sick wife; the father
looking down on the afflicted child." His contributions to Virginia, the
Confederacy, the United States, and medicine as a whole can not be overlooked.
For more information read: "Doctor in Gray" by John Schildt,
"Hunter McGuire: Stonewall's Surgeon" by Maurice Shaw, or "Stonewall Jackson" by
James
Robertson.
Tribute to Dr. McGuire that
appeared in the Sept. 19, 1900 Richmond News:
None more striking has been known to this
generation of Virginians. Few men have seen in these parts whose opinions,
professional or other, carried as much weight. It may be doubted whether anybody
has lived in Virginia since Lee and Jackson died who was loved by more people.
In character, he was all that men mean by "strong", "decided", "vigorous" or
any similar term. Nevertheless, he was strikingly simple, straight-forward
and
unaffected, modest, even to reserve; yet throughout his life, a warrior waging
sternest battle for reality and truth, of whom a friend could get real help
when
counsel was needed, because he had not the coward's gift for tempering opinions
to suit the changing expression of his auditor's eye. A brave and true man,
in
whose sincerity and strength great Jackson could entirely confide; whose force
General Lee upon occasion markedly acknowledged.
Inscription on Hunter McGuire's Monument in Richmond:
Hunter Holmes McGuire, M.D.,
L.L.D. President of the American Medical and of the American Surgical
Associations; Founder of the University College of Medicine Medical
Director, Jackson's Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. An Eminent Civil and
Military Surgeon and Beloved Physician. An Able Teacher and Vigorous
Writer; A Useful Citizen and Broad Humanitarian, Gifted in Mind and
Generous in Heart, This Monument is Erected by his Many Friends.
USCivilWar.Net wants to thank
Jenny Goellnitz for compiling this information. jgoellnitz@yahoo.com
