Evidence of an Amputation by Norman Smith, M.D. at Washington, D.C., April 26, 1861
This information is absolute evidence the report made by Norman Smith, M.D, regarding the amputation in the Rotunda of the Capital at Washington, D.C, are true and in-fact this may be one of the first, if not 'the' first, surgical amputation of the Civil War by a military surgeon on April 26, 1861.
The display of the Norman Smith Tiemann surgical set and supporting evidence
As sited in the Medical & Surgical History or the War of the Rebellion: Documents the date of the amputation and the patients. If the War began on April 12, 1861 at Fort Sumter, this operation took place on April 26, 1861 after the Riot at Baltimore and possibly one of, if not the first surgical amputation of the Civil War.
"283 Herrick, M. S., Lieut., E, 8th Massachusetts. April 26, '61. Surgeon. N. Smith, 6th Mass. Disch'd May 21, 1861."
Additional information on Lt. M. S. Herrick
The following documentation is cited by Chaplain Babbidge, who was with Dr. Norman Smith at Baltimore when the riot took place on Platt Street.
Documents courtesy of Larry DeCan, who obtained them from the Groton Public Library 2008. This information confirms the information found in Norman Smith's personal letters in this collection.
Chaplain Babbidge's testimony regarding the Civil War and Norman Smith
Click on images to enlarge
Documentation of the amputation performed by Norman Smith, M.D. in Washington, D.C. after the Baltimore Riot
Moses S Herrick, Dr. Norman Smith's amputation patient 1861
Norman Smith's Colt Dragoon pistol
Documentation regarding the uniform worn by Dr. Smith in the document photos
The display of the Norman Smith surgical set
Documentation regarding the uniform worn by Dr. Smith in the photos
6th Mass. Vol. Militia and the Pratt Street (Baltimore) Riot at the start of the Civil War
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