CDV – Assistant Surgeon From Portsmouth Grove Hospital R.I. – SOLD

Description

CDV – Assistant Surgeon From Portsmouth Grove Hospital R.I..

This photo, possibly an assistant surgeon at Lovell General Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R.I., is not identified.  It is a duplicate image from a larger group of images related to the hospital.  He wears the uniform of a staff officer, with a tinted gold welt on his trousers, along with the buttons on his vest. Although he has no shoulder straps on the coat, (which may be civilian), his cap has the quatrefoil showing the rank of captain.

The backmark reads, “From / Lovell General Hospital, U.S.A. / PORTSMOUTH GROVE, R.I. / Address, “J.A Williams, Post Office Box 507, Newport, R.I. ”

The hospital operated from October of 1862, to September of 1865.

“On May 19, 1862, Surgeon General of the United States made application of Governor William Sprague for establishment of hospital for the sick & wounded Rhode Island soldiers. Hospital authorized by resolution of the Rhode Island General assembly (#1), approved May 28, 1862 “That the Governor is hereby authorized to provide, at the expense of the State, suitable hospital accommodations within this State, for such sick, wounded or disabled soldiers, discharged from the service of the United State and belonging to this State as are not otherwise provided by the government of the United States”. Marine Hospital located in Providence was initially leased for that purpose receiving Rhode Island men then in hospitals located in Washington & elsewhere. In the latter part of June of that year a more permanent facility was established by the United States government at Portsmouth Grove, RI & designated Lovell General Hospital. Orders issued August 18, directed the transfer of patients to that facility & a company of Hospital Guards was organized & detailed to grounds to preserve order & act as a military police. The facility was officially closed August 25, 1865 & the bodies of those interred removed to Cyprus Hill Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY in May 1868.”   (from the state website).

The image is sharp and in fine condition.