The embalming business in the U. S. Army.
The correspondent of the London
Times, writing from the
Pamunkey river June 15, says:
‘
On my way from this plantation from the camp, I saw before ice some tents surmounted with a couple thing, a Starboard, on which was written with large letter. "
Drs.
Brown and Alexander Government . They are not to embalm the
Government, however, but only those who require it by the care of the
Government.
My Irish gentleman friend was acquainted with the doctor.
I do not know
Brown or
Alexander, but we found him sitting on a seat in his drawers and shirt, with a large diamond pin in the latter rather muddy colored garment. "Take a drink?" Of course.
Old Bourbon will key and large tumblers.
That once over, I commence asking questions.
The doctors were doing a large business there, behind were four Of course, poor fellows!
died by fever.
’
The doctor the principal ingredient for was a kind of liquid glass and gypsum, which hardeners to a substance like stone.
In this state the body would keep for many years, perhaps forever.
The bodies looked well preserved, although not very agreeable.
The doctor look for embalming a private twenty-two dollars, and for an officer fifty dollars. I was told that since the commencement of the war above two thousand bodies of soldiers had been embalmed and sent home.
This was done by Adams's Express, in deal boxes, lined with zinc.
The poor fellow I saw nailed up wore his uniform, and his writing case and portfolio were laid beside him. With this and a bundle of hay under his head, and the address on the cover of the box, he was sent home to his mourning parents.
