Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

William W. Averell order to Thomas H. Sherwood, 1862 August 21

Item

Dublin Core

Title

William W. Averell order to Thomas H. Sherwood, 1862 August 21

Date

Extent

1 item (4 pages)

Description

Order issued by Colonel William W. Averell, commander of the 1st Cavalry Brigade, to Dr. Thomas H. Sherwood, assistant surgeon of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, dated August 21, 1862. Averell orders Sherwood to assume the administration of the Eastern Virginia Lunatic Asylum (now Eastern State Hospital) in Williamsburg, Virginia. Averell's order directs Sherwood to remain behind and continue at the Asylum even if the town should be retaken by Confederate forces.

Identifier

Text Item Type Metadata

Text

[Page 1]

Head Quarters 1st Cavalry Brigade
August 21st 1862

Dr. Thomas H. Sherwood
Assistant Surgeon 3d. Pennsylvania Cavalry

Sir

The Eastern Virginia Lunatic Assylum
having been abandoned by the Superintendant, who
was placed in charge by Governor Pierpont, the inmates
are left without proper attendance or supplies,

Humanity dictates that we should do all
in our power to alleviate the distress that must neces-
sarily ensue from this neglect or inability of the Civil
Authorities to administer the affairs of the institution.

You are therefore temporarily relieved from
duty with the 3d Pennsylvania Cavalry, and will proceed to the
Eastern Virginia Lunatic Assylum, and assume the
superintendance of it's affairs.

The Brigade Commissary has been di-
rected to supply all the subistence that can be spared
from the stores of this Brigade.

You will report from time to time
as long as may be practicable, the condition of affairs

[Page 2]

in the institution.

In the event of the town being occu-
pied by the Confederate Forces you will report to the com-
ander thereof showing him this order for his con-
sideration and action

I am Sir
Very Respectfully
William W. Averell
Colonel Commanding
1st Cavalry Brigade

[Pages 3 and 4 blank]

Original Format

Ink on paper

Citation

Averell, William W., “William W. Averell order to Thomas H. Sherwood, 1862 August 21,” Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, accessed March 29, 2024, https://cwfjdrlsc.omeka.net/items/show/672.
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