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2/29/1868: Major Andrew's Letter to Dr. Mudd
Source: Samuel A. Mudd Pardon File B-596, RG 204, U.S. National Archives, College Park, Md.
Fort Jefferson, Florida
February 29th 1868
Dr. Saml A. Mudd
Dear Sir,
As you wish me before leaving this post to state my knowledge of your conduct and services I most cheerfully do so.
I took command June 3rd, 1867. Everything went on as usual until about Sept 5, 1867 the yellow fever appeared in epidemic form and Dr. Smith USA, the only Post Surgeon was among the first taken sick. Then you took charge of the sick, made many valuable alterations in their treatment, and devoted all your time, energies, and professional skill to their benefit. The result was very favorable and was so recognized by all the survivors. Your changing the mode of treatment and “blanketing” patients so as to bring the period of fever under your full control, was regarded by the medical gentlemen with whom I conversed as a bold and valuable alteration, and seems to have produced the very best results. Your entire treatment of patients met with most friendly criticism from all medical gentlemen who were made acquainted with it, and with the very great difficulties under which you undertook the management of the sick.
While at Key West, commanding the Sub-District, a memorial signed by nearly every non-commissioned officer, and many other persons, recommending, that, for your valuable services, your sentence should be remitted, was sent to me. I examined it carefully, and finding that it was perfectly proper, I sent it forward to Col. Sprague, Comdg Dist. of Florida. I have heard no more of that paper, which I regret, as I hoped it might do you some good.
In my opinion your valuable services during the sickness should entitle you to very kind and generous consideration and I still hope that you may receive it. Your whole course, during my stay there, has met with kind feelings from every officer and soldier who has been placed in contact with you, and you merit, and may always depend upon, my most sincere good wishes and earnest exertions in your behalf.
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Geo. P. Andrews
Major 5th Artillery
Comdg Post
February 29th 1868
Dr. Saml A. Mudd
Dear Sir,
As you wish me before leaving this post to state my knowledge of your conduct and services I most cheerfully do so.
I took command June 3rd, 1867. Everything went on as usual until about Sept 5, 1867 the yellow fever appeared in epidemic form and Dr. Smith USA, the only Post Surgeon was among the first taken sick. Then you took charge of the sick, made many valuable alterations in their treatment, and devoted all your time, energies, and professional skill to their benefit. The result was very favorable and was so recognized by all the survivors. Your changing the mode of treatment and “blanketing” patients so as to bring the period of fever under your full control, was regarded by the medical gentlemen with whom I conversed as a bold and valuable alteration, and seems to have produced the very best results. Your entire treatment of patients met with most friendly criticism from all medical gentlemen who were made acquainted with it, and with the very great difficulties under which you undertook the management of the sick.
While at Key West, commanding the Sub-District, a memorial signed by nearly every non-commissioned officer, and many other persons, recommending, that, for your valuable services, your sentence should be remitted, was sent to me. I examined it carefully, and finding that it was perfectly proper, I sent it forward to Col. Sprague, Comdg Dist. of Florida. I have heard no more of that paper, which I regret, as I hoped it might do you some good.
In my opinion your valuable services during the sickness should entitle you to very kind and generous consideration and I still hope that you may receive it. Your whole course, during my stay there, has met with kind feelings from every officer and soldier who has been placed in contact with you, and you merit, and may always depend upon, my most sincere good wishes and earnest exertions in your behalf.
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Geo. P. Andrews
Major 5th Artillery
Comdg Post
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