Black Surgeon Alexander Augusta passes the Army medical exam against the wishes of white board members

Black Surgeon Alexander Augusta passes the Army medical exam against the wishes of white board members

Series of letters regarding Alexander Augusta's desire to serve as a Surgeon in what would become the 7th USCI. Augusta initially writes Lincoln and Stanton requesting an appointment from Toronto and eventually travels to D.C. to sit for the officer's exam over the objections of white officers and physicians. Contains letters from Augusta, Surg. W. Moss, and M. Clymer as well as relevant endorsements.

1/7/1863

Washington, D.C.

Black Surgeon to the Secretary of War; President of the Army Medical Board to the Surgeon General; Black Surgeon to the President and Members of the Army Medical Board; and Recorder of the Army Medical Board to the Surgeon General


Toronto Canada West Jan 7th/63
Hon. E. M. Stanton Secretary War
Sir, I take the liberty of applying to you for an appointment as surgeon to some of the coloured regiments, I see it is intended to be raised, or to some of the depots of the “freedmen.” I was compelled on account of prejudice against colour to come to this country to get a knowledge of my profession; and having accomplished that object, I am now prepared to practice it, and would like to be in a position where I can be of use to my race, at this important epoch. If you will take the matter into favorable consideration, I can give
you satisfactory reference as to character, and qualification from some of the most distinguished members of the profession in this city, where I have been in practice for about six years. I remain Sir Yours Very Respectfully
A. T. Augusta
Bachelor of Medicine
Trinity College Toronto.



(Copy) Army Med Bd
Wash" DC
March 23d 1863
To. Brig. Genl Hammond
Surg. Genl USA
Wash. DC
General I have the honour to request your instructions in the following Case — Dr. A. T. Augusta of Toronto, C.W. having received a letter of invitation to appear before the Board for Examination for the position of Assist. Surg. of Vols — & having been directed to report this day, & having so reported — It appeared that he is a person of African descent. As no member of the Vol. Med. Staff are of his descent or Colour & as he is an alien & a British Subject — & his Entrance into the U S Military Service is an Evident violation of her Britannic Majesty's Proclamation of Neutrality I respectfully ask that the Board may be directed as to the action they are to pursue in the Case I am General Very Respy Yr Obt Servt
M Clymer
Pres. Army Med. Bd



Washington [D.C.] March 30th/63
To the President and Members of the Army Medical Board
Gentlemen, I regret very much that my case was not fully understood by the Board, before I arrived here. I explained to the Secretary of War on my application, that I was colored, and expected to be employed in some of the colored regiments, which I understood would be used to garrison the forts.
I have come near a thousand miles at a great expence and saccrifice, hoping to be of some use to the country and my race at this eventful period; and hope the Board will take a favorable view of my case.
I beg leave at the same time to refer the Board to the enclosed testimonials, and hope that, with a due regard to their time, they will give them a perusal. Yours Very Respectfully
A. T. Augusta M.B.



Army Medical Board,
Washington D.C.
April 1st 1863
General. I have the honour to report, that the Board has examined Dr. A. T. Augusta, Colored, and found him qualified for the position of Surgeon in the negro regiment now being raised. Very respectfully Your Obt Servant
W. Moss.
Surg. U.S.A.
Recorder Army Med. Board.
Brigadier General Wm A. Hammond,
Surgeon General U.S.A.
Washington D.C.


A. T. Augusta to Hon. E. M. Stanton, 7 Jan. 1863; M Clymer to Brig. Genl Hammond, 23 Mar. 1863; A. T. Augusta to President and Members of the Army Medical Board, 30 Mar. 1863; and Surg. W. Moss to Brigadier General Wm A. Hammond, all filed with service record of A. T. Augusta, 7th USCI, Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations: Civil War, ser. 519, RG 94 [N-47].