(A report on the injuries—or lack thereof—during and after the battle.)
The New York Times
May 21, 1861
The Charleston Courier publishes the following card:
State Of South Carolina, Head-Quarters Surgeon General’s Department.
Charleston, April 16, 1861.
Adjutant General Jones — Sir: From the returns received from the various posts, I have the unexampled privilege of stating that no serious casualty has occurred during the vigorous action of thirty-three hours of reducing Fort Sumter. Four trifling contusions are reported at Fort Moultrie, but none at other posts, and it is a subject of extreme gratification, that even in the management of heavy ordinance by new recruits and volunteers, no accident to life or limb has occurred. Immediately upon the flag being struck at Fort Sumter, I proceeded to that fortress to tender my assistance and Hospital at Mount Pleasant, to Major Anderson, and was gratified to learn, also, that only fire cases of slight injuries had resulted to his men. On the next day a sad casualty occurred in saluting his flag, when the explosion of some loose cartridges beneath a gun struck down seven men; one was instantly killed, and another so seriously wounded that he died soon after reaching my hospital in Charleston. One remains in the hospital, doing well under the care of Prof. J.J. Chisolm, and four were removed with the garrison. The precipitation suddenly of several regiments upon me during the past few day, totally without any preparation of their surgeons, has required a large supply of medicines instruments, hospital stores, &c., but I am happy to say that they have received promptly all their requisitions.
Very respectfully yours,
R.W. GIBBES, M.D., Surgeon-General S.C.A.