Tear In Time Read Free Page A

scalpel.
Recognized for his abilities, he had been offered lofty positions at
comfortable hospitals of his choosing, yet rejected the honor, preferring
instead to remain in the field, saving a greater number of lives; much to his
superior’s dismay.
     
      Far
behind the Union front line, the doctor had searched for a suitable location to
operate. In a protected grove of birch trees, he found a large flat area with
lush green grass. As the principal surgeon for the brigade, it was his job to
ensure a site that was far enough from the action to allow for undistracted
work, yet close enough to the front lines for quick evacuation and treatment.
Ordinarily, Dr. Morgan preferred the protected confines of houses and barns,
commandeered from private citizens at the onset of battle. With the battle for
Chattanooga started from a location far removed from civilization in order to
preserve the element of surprise, the wooded clearing would have to suffice.
     
      The
previous day, while Gen. Negley prepared his battle plan, Dr. Morgan scoured
the foothills near Signal Mountain on horseback. As he rode up through the
rolling terrain, the trees and vegetation became less dense, allowing him to
catch glimpses of the city. Leveling off, he rode through the forest of white
birch, weaving a path around the denser areas until he found the clearing. 
Immediately, he recognized the qualities of the find. He deduced the small
field would allow for bright light to operate by, and the trees at the
clearing’s edge would provide comfortable shade to the wounded as they
recovered. It wasn’t perfect, but he felt he had worked in worse conditions
while fighting in the west. This would certainly be more tolerable – as long as
the good weather held.
     
      After
locating the medical encampment, Dr. Morgan quickly summoned a wagon to be used
as an operating gurney and prepared his instruments. With the canopy removed,
he neatly arranged his supplies on the right side, along the length of the
wooden side-bracing. Within arm’s reach, he placed his instruments first; a
basin and canteen of water next; then cotton batting and other bandages last.
At the head of the wagon, he arranged the necessary supplies for the assistant,
such as chloroform, bandages, and morphine in powder form, as well as opium as
an analgesic. With the preparation for surgeries in place, he rejoined the
front lines, offering his assistance where he could, leaving an assistant to
watch over their makeshift hospital in his absence.
     
      The
following day, June seventh – the day of the battle – Dr. Morgan woke early
after a restful night's sleep under one of the many cannons aimed at the city.
He was offered a tent for accommodation, but declined special privilege,
electing to ‘rough it’ under a cannon instead of putting others out. A selfless
man, he figured the boys that were fighting and dying should at least be
granted the small pleasure of the comfort of a tent. After years of adapting to
the rigors of warfare, he learned to sleep wherever he laid his head.
     
      The
dawn of the new morning created cool dew that had soaked through the
unprotected parts of his body, mainly his legs and boots, producing mild
discomfort. By 8:30am, his clothing had dried out completely and he focused on
his duties of the day. Filling up on hardtack, a hard, flavorless cracker, and
some water, he administered various remedies to the soldiers that had reported
for sick call while he ate.
     
      Of the
thirteen men reporting various symptoms, only one was deemed
incapacitated.  Suffering from acute dysentery, he was given a mixture of
quinine and Dover's powder, and sent to the medical encampment for recovery.
Dr. Morgan was a compassionate and sympathetic older man, but tough
nonetheless. His private philosophy was, "If you can walk, you can
fight."
     
      With
his duties accomplished for the moment, Gen. Negley ordered Dr. Morgan to ‘his
station’ with a reverent nod. No