Application submitted to the Board of Naval Surgeons for a position as Assistant Surgeon. 5 pages. December 20, 1861. Skiff provided answers to 8 questions concerning subjects such as “under what circumstances in labor is ‘turning’ necessary” and “What are the therapeutic uses of the preparations of arsenic?” Skiff enlisted on August 22, 1862. Fine lengthy medical content.

[CIVIL WAR SURGEON LETTER] WILLIAM HARRISON GITHENS (1827-1904) Surgeon in the Union army during the American Civil War. At the outset of the war, Githens enlisted as an Orderly Sergeant in the 16th Illinois Infantry. During this enlistment, he was stationed in Missouri, Tennessee and Pennsylvania and saw very little action. Following his re-enlistment in 1863, Githens was promoted to Assistant Surgeon and served with the 78th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. As a member of the 14th Army Corp . during this second enlistment, he was very active, serving as an assistant surgeon in the Tullahoma operation, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea and the Carolinas’ Campaign. Following the war, Githens returned home to Hamilton, Illinois, where he owned a number of pharmacies. ALS. Two pages, 7 3/4” x 9 3/4”. Camp of Detachment 14 A.C. Chattanooga Tennessee. November 22, 1864. William Githens writes to his wife, in part: “ … We have been very uncomfortable several days but finally today although quite cold we have got our fireplace in operation … there is some talk of this Corps being sent to Bridgeport soon - but then of course there is nothing definite till we start. I am very sorry that I did not get back in time to go with my command, but its too late now and I must make the best of it - I am more sorry on account of missing my pay… we have had it so rough lately that I have become more tired of the service than ever but when I can leave it is quite another thing … ” Usual folds. Fine.

[CIVIL WAR SURGEON LETTER] WILLIAM HARRISON GITHENS (1827-1904) Surgeon in the Union army during the American Civil War. At the outset of the war, Githens enlisted as an Orderly Sergeant in the 16th Illinois Infantry. During this enlistment, he was stationed in Missouri, Tennessee and Pennsylvania and saw very little action. Following his re-enlistment in 1863, Githens was promoted to Assistant Surgeon and served with the 78th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. As a member of the 14th Army Corp . during this second enlistment, he was very active, serving as an assistant surgeon in the Tullahoma operation, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea and the Carolinas’ Campaign. Following the war, Githens returned home to Hamilton, Illinois, where he owned a number of pharmacies. ALS. Four pages, 5” x 8”. On Board Steam Ship Weybosset [?] Broad River Mouth of Pocotaligo River Near Blair’s Landing S.C. Thursday March 23, 1865. William Githens writes to his wife, in part: “We received the long wished for orders last night to be ready to move at day light this morning - went aboard of one of the steam boats peculiar to this country but were a little slow about getting off and the tide got so low that the vessel got aground a few minutes after we started - we did not get transferred to the ship till nearly dark so we are laying at anchor till morning as we have to stop at Hilton Head for orders- we understand our destination is Morehead city above Wilmington N.C. from there I suppose we’ll have to march to Genl Sherman … I am sorry that I did not get to go to Savannah before leaving this part of the country - although I am not at all sorry to leave this miserable swampy country …” Usual folds. Overall Fine.