Alan J Pitts
Examining Board
Wed Feb 7 13:27:51 2001


During late 1863 the medical service began using more formal methods for releasing soldiers from duty. From what you say, this soldier was examined while with the army of tennessee at Dalton (winter or early spring 1864). I am not familiar with Law Hospital. However, this document should have the signature of three surgeons or assistant surgeons at the bottom of a printed form. Among other things, they provide a diagnosis of the soldier's health problems and specify where he will be going; in this case Haralson County. There's also a place for town, I believe. They also say how long he will be furloughed, usually sixty days, and what they believe are his prospects for recovery. If slim or none, they'll say they recommend detail for light duty somewhere, or discharge if he's a total physical loss. More than one commissioned medical officer was required to submit this paper to be certain that the soldier's case had been reviewed fairly and professionally.






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