War Department,
Washington, June 7, 1861.
Mixed Commission,
Medical Bureau:
The Secretary of War has learned with great satisfaction that at the instance and in pursuance of the suggestion of the Medical Bureau, in a communication to this office dated May 22, 1861, H . W . Bellows, Prof. A. D. Bache, LL. D.; Prof. Jeffries Wyman, M. D.; Prof. Wolcott Gibbs, M. D.; W. H. Van Buren, M. D.; Samuel G . Howe, M. D.; R. C. Wood, surgeon, U. S. Army; G. W. Cullum, U. S. Army; Alexander E . Shiras, U. S. Army, have mostly consented, in connection with such others as they may choose to associate with them, to act as a commission of inquiry and advice in respect to the sanitary interests of the U. S. forces and without remuneration from the government. The Secretary has submitted their patriotic proposal to the consideration of the President, who directs the acceptance of the services thus generously offered.
The Commission in connection with a surgeon of the U. S. Army, to be designated by the Secretary, will direct its inquiries to the principles and practices connected with the inspection of recruits and enlisted men, the sanitary condition of the volunteers, to the means of preserving and restoring the health and of securing the general comfort and efficiency of troops, to the proper provision of cooks, nurses, and hospitals, and to other subjects of like nature.
The Commission will frame such rules and regulations in respect of the objects and modes of its inquiry as may seem best adapted to the purpose of its constitution, which, when approved by the Secretary, will be established as general guides of its investigations and action.
A room with necessary conveniences will be provided in the city of Washington for the use of the Commission, and the members will meet when and at such other places as may be convenient to them for consultation and for the determination of such questions as may come properly before the Commission.
In the progress of its inquiries the commission will correspond freely with the Department and with the Medical Bureau, and will communicate to each, from time to time, such observations and results as it may deem expedient and important.
The Commission will exist until the Secretary of War shall otherwise direct, unless sooner dissolved by its own action.
SIMON CAMERON
Secretary of War.