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 Thomson's Conspectus, U. S. A. Hosp. Dept. 1862

Major James E. Dexter, surgeon 40th N.Y. Infantry Regiment

See a rare copy of this book by Thomson in this collection

A Conspectus of The Pharmacopaedias of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Colleges of Physicians, and of the United States Pharmacopaeia.  A Practical Compendium of Materia Medica and Pharmacy by Anthony Todd Tomson, M.D, F.L.S.  Fellow of the Royal College.

Seventh American Edition, Edited by Charles A Lee, M.D., Professor of Gen. Pathology and Mat. Med. in Geneva Med. College.

Published New York, by William Wood, 389 Broadway, 1862 for the U. S. Army Hospital Department

Signed in the front cover by Major James E. Dexter, Surgeon 40th Regiment, N.Y. Infantry.   Below the signature are notes by someone about the Richmond, Va. engagement where Surgeon Dexter apparently lost this book.  See details about the notes below the signature.

  

Cover page signed by Major James E. Dexter.  Notes below his signature are apparently by someone who found this book and made notes about Richmond, James River, and the Yankee "Skedaddle".  Translation and other information about above left copy of book page.  Copy of Regimental Roster (right) showing Surgeon Dexter's unit.  Dexter was present at White Oak conflict: Known by several names including Nelson’s Farm, Frayser’s Farm, Charles City Crossroads, White Oak Swamp, New Market Road, Riddell's Shop, this skirmish occurred on the same date as the White Oak conflict, also in Henrico County. On June 30, Huger’s, Longstreet’s, and A.P. Hill’s divisions converged on the retreating Union army in the vicinity of Glendale or Frayser’s Farm.  Longstreet’s and Hill’s attacks penetrated the Union defense near Willis Church, routing McCall’s division. McCall was captured.  Union counterattacks by Hooker’s and Kearny’s divisions sealed the break and saved their line of retreat along the Willis Church Road. Huger’s advance was stopped on the Charles City Road.   “Stonewall”  Jackson’s divisions were delayed by Franklin at White Oak Swamp.

The 40th NY (Constitution Guards, Mozart regiment) was at Gettysburg, July 1863, and heavily involved in the fighting at plum run (bloody run) at the foot of little round top before devil's den.  Dr. Dexter resigned 1864.  Mustered out July 1864.

 

Research by Barbara Franco, 2018

James Ewing Dexter

9/22/1822-6/17/1902

Albany State Normal School 1847

University of Rochester. Honorary AM 1853

New York University, MD 1861

Enlisted June 27, 1861 Assistant Surgeon ; Promoted to full Surgeon Aug 16, 1861

New York 40^th Infantry

Mustered out Aug. 14, 1863.

MOLLUS photo

Buried Arlington National Cemetery

 

Taught for 10 years before attending Medical School. History of Albany State Medical College reports that he organized Union School at Weedsport NY; Principal Groton, NY Academy 2 years; Math in Union School, Palmyra; Principal Union School Geneva 4 years; Prin Rochester College Inst. NY 4 yrs; declined professorship in Math at Chicago University, Ill.

 

Graduated Medical Dept. NYU 1860 (1861); surgeon 40^th NY; Medical Inspector 3^rd Army Corps; detailed by special order to take charge of corps of surgeons after battle of Chancellorsville to enter enemy lines and care for our wounded.

 

Secretary Board of Health Washington DC; Commisisoner for DC to Centennial ’76; appointed by Gen Grant; since war in practice at 453 C St. NW Washington, DC

 

Married to Emily F. Dexter. 1855 Census residing in Seneca, Ontario, NY, as a teacher.

 

   

Size:  small 6 3/8 in. x 4 in. x 1 1/4 in.  (Field size text book similar to Smith's surgery manual, in leather)

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