File:Pvt. Lewis Francis (CP 1142), National Museum of Health and Medicine. (5616985930).jpg

Pvt. Lewis Francis (CP 1142), National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Description: Private Lewis Francis, Company I, 14th New York Militia, shows the stump of his right leg, which was removed following a bayonet thrust to his right knee at the battle of the Bull Run on July 21st, 1861. The entire leg was not initially removed, but after the first amputation of the leg at the knee, the rest of the leg began necrotizing. He seemed to recover well until the stump began showing abscesses, and the patient died on March 31st, 1874. Treated by Dr. Alexander B. Mott. Photograph by Rockwood, Broadway, New York. Caption reads: “Private Lewis Francis. Co. I. 14th Regt. N.Y.S.M. Mott’s successful reamputation at hip-joint. For Brig Genl. C.H. Crane Surgeon U.S.A. compts of Alex B. Mott. Bvt Lt. Col & late Surg U.S.A.”

History is on reverse: “Case of Lewis Francis Private Co. I, 14th N.Y.S.M.—was wounded at the first battle of Bull Run July 21st, 1861.—The rebels made a bayonet charge on his Regiment, in which he received a bayonet wound puncturing the right knee joint. He fell and was attacked by two rebels, who inflicted (14) fourteen bayonet wounds in different parts of the body, making simple flesh wounds, none entering the large cavities. One stab entered the left testis which was removed three days after.—He was taken prisoner and transferred to a General Hospital at Richmond Va in Octr 1861.—His thigh was amputated about the middle third from extensive abscess and gangrene. Double flaps operation.—Stump inflamed and stitches gave way 4 days after, and bone fractured.—One inch of the bone was removed and stump closed as before. Fare while in Richmond very poor and for 12 weeks prior to the operation he lay on the floor in blankets and as a consequence had several ‘floor sores’—was removed to Fortress Monroe in Jan 7 1862 and from there transferred to different Hospitals in Maryland and Washington; was sent to his home in Brooklyn in March 1862. Remained there until Oct 1863 when he was admitted to the U.S.A. General Hospital Ladies Home in N.Y. Suffering from extensive abscesses about the stump, which was painful and enlarged; discharge profuse; and general health much impaired.—Under generous diet, and stimulants his health improved, but the bone being found diseased close up to the head; reamputation was performed May 21st 1864, by Surgeon Alex. B. Mott U.S.V.—the patient being under the influence of an anaesthetic. Numerous [sinuses?] were laid open, all of which were subsequently filled in with [lint?]. Nov 1/64. Patient was able to go out on crutches. This photograph was taken October 1, 1865. Patient in good health. New York Nov. 10th 1865. Alex B. Mott, Bvt Lt. Col & late Surg U.S. Vol.”

Date: 1 October 1865

Photo ID: CP 1142

Related Material: SP 113

Source collection: OHA 75: Contributed Photographs

Repository: National Museum of Health and Medicine, Otis Historical Archives