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Hi Folks,
I wrote a little about Hospital Stewards in another thread recently and darned if I didn't find the first original daguerreotype with one I've ever seen, while looking for something else! The Hospital Steward is the soldier in the bottom rank and going from right to left, he is the second soldier from the right. Instead of NCO chevrons (stripes) he wears the Hospital Steward's "Half Chevron" insignia on his sleeves which is an Emerald Green Wide angled "stripe" with a Yellow Cadeucas and trimmed in Yellow, though you can't tell the colors from the original daguerreotype. (For his Dress Uniform, both his Cadeucas and trimming was gold bullion.)
The above partial daguerreotype above is from the full one (shown below) of "The NCO's of the 13th NY Cavalry." (Circa 1863) Oh, notice how almost all of these NCO's are wearing the red worsted wool NCO Sash? That and of course there are a mixture of Shell Jackets and 4 button Sack Coats worn? I'll bet this was taken after the weekly inspection.
Below is one variation of the half chevron:
medicalandsurgicalcollectibles.com
"The Hospital Steward was selected and appointed to his position and title. In contrast, the male nurse was usually temporarily detailed without change in rank or title from inexperienced enlisted men. The Steward had to apply for his position using an application process. Woodward’s (1862) qualifications included “18-35 years old, able-bodied, free of disease, honest and upright,” of “good intelligence, having a knowledge of English, able to spell and write correctly,” and “industrious, patient, and good tempered.” There was a competitive exam to take. He was screened for previous experience and having worked as a druggist or chemist or apothecary clerk in civilian life was a huge plus. Previous experience even as a medical student was greatly beneficial. After the exam, interviews, and references, the appointment had to be confirmed by the Secretary of War. Once the process was successfully completed the Hospital Steward received the rank of NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). He was “equal to Ordnance Sergeant” and “next above First Sergeant.” The appointment was permanent for the duration of the war and he could not be returned to regular duty. He was the only able bodied man who could not be returned to active duty."
www.civilwarmed.org
More Info:
www.civilwarmed.org
Hope you all find this interesting.
Gus
I wrote a little about Hospital Stewards in another thread recently and darned if I didn't find the first original daguerreotype with one I've ever seen, while looking for something else! The Hospital Steward is the soldier in the bottom rank and going from right to left, he is the second soldier from the right. Instead of NCO chevrons (stripes) he wears the Hospital Steward's "Half Chevron" insignia on his sleeves which is an Emerald Green Wide angled "stripe" with a Yellow Cadeucas and trimmed in Yellow, though you can't tell the colors from the original daguerreotype. (For his Dress Uniform, both his Cadeucas and trimming was gold bullion.)
The above partial daguerreotype above is from the full one (shown below) of "The NCO's of the 13th NY Cavalry." (Circa 1863) Oh, notice how almost all of these NCO's are wearing the red worsted wool NCO Sash? That and of course there are a mixture of Shell Jackets and 4 button Sack Coats worn? I'll bet this was taken after the weekly inspection.
Below is one variation of the half chevron:
Original Civil War Hospital Steward Half-Chevron Insignia : MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ANTIQUES
PHOTOS This is an example of an original Civil War hospital steward insignia, a half-chevron of emerald-green wool with an embroidered caduceus and yellow borders. Regulations for Union hospital stewards called for a half-chevron of the following description: of emerald green cloth, one and...
medicalandsurgicalcollectibles.com
"The Hospital Steward was selected and appointed to his position and title. In contrast, the male nurse was usually temporarily detailed without change in rank or title from inexperienced enlisted men. The Steward had to apply for his position using an application process. Woodward’s (1862) qualifications included “18-35 years old, able-bodied, free of disease, honest and upright,” of “good intelligence, having a knowledge of English, able to spell and write correctly,” and “industrious, patient, and good tempered.” There was a competitive exam to take. He was screened for previous experience and having worked as a druggist or chemist or apothecary clerk in civilian life was a huge plus. Previous experience even as a medical student was greatly beneficial. After the exam, interviews, and references, the appointment had to be confirmed by the Secretary of War. Once the process was successfully completed the Hospital Steward received the rank of NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). He was “equal to Ordnance Sergeant” and “next above First Sergeant.” The appointment was permanent for the duration of the war and he could not be returned to regular duty. He was the only able bodied man who could not be returned to active duty."
Meet the Hospital Steward
"Must be acquainted with minor surgery, application of bandages, extraction of teeth, application of leeches and knowledge of cooking"
www.civilwarmed.org
More Info:
Seven Hospital Stewards - National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Meet the men known as the "workhorses" of Civil War hospitals.
www.civilwarmed.org
Hope you all find this interesting.
Gus
