CDV – Doctor ID’d to The Floating Hospital -USS Red Rover – 1863

CDV – Doctor ID’d to The Floating Hospital (like USS Red Rover) 1863.  The subject is wearing what appears to be a civilian frock with military style vest, and a forge cap with the “MS” Medical Service insignia on it. On the reverse, in pencil (period), is written, ” For Alice / “Floating Hospital” / Memphis Tenn.  Feb. 25th, 1863 / Jno. E.P. / USS Red Rover”  Interesting that this individual is wearing knee-high boots.   I believe this is a contract surgeon, or someone directly connected with the medical service. There is no photographer information.  The “USS Red Rover” was written with another hand.

Like the Red Rover, floating hospital ships provided a crucial service, seeing that wounded soldiers received timely medical attention and then transported to land based hospitals along the Mississippi, and environs, saving many lives. If indeed this gentleman was serving aboard the USS Red Rover, it was the Navy’s first hospital ship on record.

Condition is very good, with some scratching.