Jonathan Letterman-- Part 4: Battle of Antietam a Shining Moment In His Career

Charles Stuart Triplet preceded Jonathan Letterman as the head of medicine in the Army of the Potomac.

William A. Hammond was surgeon general of the United States.

The Battle of Antietam was probably the shining moment of Letterman's career.  He scoped out sites for hospitals.  Within 48 hours Letterman had most Union casualties off the battlefield.

Clara Barton began her work at Antietam.  Confederate casualties were treated in Union hospitals as well as Union casualties being treated in Confederate hospitals.  Once you were wounded or hurt on the battlefield, you were no longer the enemy.

Being a registered Antietam tour guide, Mr. Dammann knows there are four witness trees at the battlefield.

After Antietam, Jonathan Letterman was not as involved  with the Army of the Potomac, partly because McClellan, a big supporter, was removed from command.

At Chancellorsville, Letterman and Confederate surgeon Lafayette Guild got together and worked out an exchange of casualties.

After the war, Letterman moved out west and died, but his body was brought back east and buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

--Old Secesh