Manassas Junction and the Doctor

by

Van Loan Naisawald

Reviewed by Dr. Michael J. Deeb

Twenty eight year old Dr. Carter L. Tucker prepared to leave the train as the conductor shouted, “Tudor Hall! All off for Tudor Hall!”

And thus, the author Van Loan Naisawald introduces the reader to the newly named Manassas Junction, VA of May 1861.

Dr. Carter arrived on the eve of the Civil War to establish a medical practice in the Prince William County, VA of 5,500 whites, 550 free Negroes and 2,500 slaves. Through Carter Tucker’s eyes we see this small hamlet of approximately 600 citizens, few buildings and a small hotel. The Orange & Alexandria RR that had carried the doctor to Manassas, carried foodstuffs to Alexandria, VA.

The people of the town warmly greet the doctor and they quickly find uses for his medical skills. As he settles into his new community Tucker sees the Confederate military changing the town as they make it into a rail hub and a supply depot. This adds a military importance to Manassas Junction that makes it a target for Union forces, too.

It wouldn’t be too long before forces of the two would clash. That same summer they met at what we call the first battle of Manassas (Bull Run). As he treats the wounded of both armies, Dr. Tucker tells us a great deal of the medical techniques used early in this new war. It was at this time that he witnessed and assisted his first amputation. We learn that military doctors believed such a procedure, used early in treatment, would save lives. Of course, he discovers that post-operative infection thwarted their efforts. He also helps the Confederate army prevent an outbreak of measles and is told how serious the spread of that malady and mumps, too has hurt the army.

After the Confederate victory, the little hamlet continues to serve as a supply depot for Gen. Johnston and his large Confederate force. But, in the winter of 1861-62, the General is ordered to move his forces East. It appears that through its network of Washington spies, President Davis learned that General McClellan would move his large Army of the Potomac to the Fortress Monroe area in order to march on Richmond from the southeast.

General Johnston is ordered to destroy any supplies his force cannot carry off and destroy the depot as well. The doctor and other citizens watch the puzzling sight of their own cavalry setting fire to railroad buildings and tons of supplies.

“Why are they destroying an railroad engine and all its cars?” one citizen asked aloud.

Doctor Tucker answered. “I heard that some overzealous soldiers permanently blew up the bridge… now they can’t get the train out.”

On the heels of the retreating Confederates, men from the advance units of the Union army were at the Junction attempting to put out the fires. Thus began the creation of a supply depot for General Pope’s Union Army with Manassas Junction becoming a Union rail center as well.

The following spring, Dr. Tucker watched General Jackson’s Confederate force destroy the supply depot once again. Never again will this site become a rail center or a supply depot. In this short work, the author does not reveal any new information about Manassas Junction. But, it is an interesting look at the location though the eyes of the fictional Doctor Tucker.

Reviewed by: Dr. Michael J. Deeb. Teacher of American History and author of Civil War era novels: Duty and Honor: Duty Accomplished: and Honor Restored.