What is important about this document? This document set
up the release of medical officers as men who should not be held as prisoners of
War. While not universally adopted, it shows a step in the direction of full
recognition of surgeons as non-combatants to be held as such.
Winchester, Va May 31, 1862
We surgeons and
assistant surgeons, United States Army, now prisoners of war in this place do
give our parole of honor on being unconditionally released to report in person,
singly or collectively, to the Sec. of War as such and our best efforts that the
same number of medical officers of the Confederate States Army now prisoners or
may hereafter be taken be released on the same terms. And furthermore we will on
our honor use our best efforts to have this principle established -- the
unconditional release of all medical officers taken prisoners of war
hereafter.
(Signed)
J.Burd Peale, Brigade Surgeon, Bleckner's Division
J.J. Johnson, Surgeon 27th Indiana Vols.
Francis Leland, Surgeon 2nd Massachusetts Vols.
Philip Adolphus, Asst. Surgeon USA
Lincoln R. Stone, Asst. Surgeon 2nd Mass. Vols.
Josiah F. Day, Jr. Assistant Surgeon 10th Maine Vols.
Evelyn L. Bissell, Asst. Surgeon 5th Connecticut Vols.
Approved:
Hunter McGuire
Medical Director
Army of the Valley, C.S.
USCivilWar.Net wants to thank
Jenny Goellnitz for compiling this information.
jgoellnitz@yahoo.com