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398

A.631.3.V.67
Armstrong, S.C.
Agent 5th S. Dist. Va.

Bu R.F. & A.L.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Comr:
Richmond, Va. Sept 26th 67.
Respectfully returned to Gen. S.C. Armstrong, Agent, in Chrg 5th S. Dist. inviting attention to endorsement dated Sept. 5th from these Head Quarters, on communication of Gen'l Armstrong, dated Sept. 2nd 1867
O. Brown 
Bvt: Brig: Gen'l Vols.
Asst. Com'r 


W.543.3.V.67.
War Dept. Bu. &c.

Recd: back Sept 26th 67
Bu R.F. & A.L. Dist. Va.
Office Surg: in Chf. Dist.
Richmond, Va. Sept 20th 67
Respectfully returned to Bvt: Brig: Gen'l O. Brown, Asst. Comr. Va with the report, that I visited Alexandria last week for the purpose of inspecting the Hospital and learning the general condition of freedmen there as far as possible in order to decide if it would be proper to discontinue the Hospital and substitute a Dispensary in its place, also in regard to lessening the number of Medical Officers on duty there, and other expenses as far as possible.
I found the Hospital in good condition and with fifty five (55) beds occupied.
I did not find Capt. Lee in charge of that Dist. at home - he being North on leave.
I had conversation with the Officer who is acting in his place during his absence and with Drs Atwood and Andrews.
I left with the impression that the Hospital could not be properly discontinued until some arrangement was made with the Civil Authorities to receive and provide for its inmates, many of whom are either too sick to leave, or so infirm as to be now supporting and entirely dependent. I came to this conclusion with request as I had hoped the Hospital could be promptly closed. But I could not see how this could be done until some provision should be made for the dependent and helpless inmates. So concluding that it must seem temporarily at least, and having determined that one of the Medical Officers on duty at Alexandria could be relieved after the close of this month without disadvantage to the service. I consulted with the officer who represents Capt. Lee in his absence, in regard to which of them could best be spared. He was of the decided 

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opinion that for the two charges — Hospital & Quarters — it would be best to retain Dr Atwood- and was as decided in his opinion that such would be Capt. Lees view if present. I concurred with him, for several reasons, One that Dr. Atwood was running the Hospital well, and that he is a very intelligent and excellent executive officer as well as Physician — a much better executive officer than Dr. Andrews — as I had had occasion to know. Another reason, was, that Capt. Lee informed me at the time Dr. Atwood was assigned to duty there - that he could not recommend Dr Andrews for the Hospital, and did not think he could be willing to take the position, if offered. I knew also that Dr Atwoods experience in the management of a Hospital was much greater than that of Andrews. While I was sure if Dr Atwood continued in charge that it would be well managed, I could not know whether with Dr Andrews slight executive experience it would be run in as satisfactory a manager. Indeed I felt sure from my own knowledge of Dr Andrews executive ability as seen involves important position, that it would not do so well managed. These opinions determined me to retain Dr Atwood— although as between the two officers personally, I had no partiality - being but slightly acquainted, personally, with either of them, and both being in my estimation gentlemen, and good officers in their several positions. 
I informed the officer acting for Capt. Lee, however, that if the Captains judgment should differ from mine, I would reconsider the matter — and would wait before making any change to hear from him on the subject provided he wrote me promptly. He promised to write the Captain by the mail of the same day. After waiting as long as consistent - and hearing nothing from Capt. Lee, I felt compelled to decide, and informed Dr Andrews that his contract would be annulled on the 30th inst. unless he would like to remain on duty in the District at some other station- If so, I would see what could be done for him (which was uncertain) provided he immediately expressed to me a desire to be retained. I have heard nothing from him in reply. If there had not been in my mind other sufficient reasons for retaining Dr Atwood- including his Hospital experience and the fact that he was actually in charge and managing it well, and that Dr Andrews had declined virtually to take it at the time Dr Atwood was assigned to it.

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