Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Writing to Nathan Webb, her future brother-in-law, Rebecca Usher relayed the history of the U.S.A. General Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Usher (1821-1912) of Hollis was a nurse at the hospital. Webb, a Portland lawyer, later married Usher's sister, Jane (Jennie) Usher.
Usher described the beginnings of the hospital, which grew out of a soldiers' aid society in Chester. She wrote, "The ladies showered luxuries of all kinds upon the soldiers, & the surgeons found that the men were in many instances being killed with kindness." The women, however, turned against the doctors and tried to turn the soldiers against the doctors as well, Usher wrote.
Adeline B. Tyler, a widow who had studied nursing and who became an Episcopal deaconess, was called by the U.S. surgeon general to take charge of the hospital. Because the local aid society was ousted from the hospital, supplies had to come from elsewhere. Many came from Massachusetts, Tyler's home state.
Usher wrote about a rumor that the hospital was to be closed.
She also asked Webb for news of Maine regiments and mutual acquaintances who were in the service and discussed other family and political issues.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Rebecca Usher on history of military hospital, Pennsylvania, 1863
- Creator: Rebecca R. Usher
- Creation Date: 1863-01-20
- Subject Date: 1863
-
Locations:
- Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Chester, PA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 20.5 cm x 12.7 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 9, Box 1/4
- Collection: Rebecca Usher papers
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Women in war--History--19th century
- Usher, Rebecca ( 1821-1919)--Letters.
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives.
- Manuscripts
- Hospitals--Pennsylvania--Chester.
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, Female.
- U.S.A. General Hospital (Pa.)
People
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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