Photograph of unknown Union Hospital Steward. The full uniform of medical or hospital stewards, shown here, was usually only worn in hospitals for inspections and for other occasions that called for the dress uniform. The full dress uniform was, by regulation, to consist of a dark-blue, single-breasted frock coat, with “half chevrons” consisting of emerald green cloth, one and three fourths inches wide, running obliquely downward from the outer to the inner seam of the sleeve, and at an angle of about 30 degrees. In the center, embroidered in yellow silk, was a Caduceus 2 inches long. The rest of the uniform was the same as for regular enlisted men.

Hospital stewards were non-commissioned officers who were required to have knowledge of pharmacy, cooking, and minor surgery in order to perform their work. They were also required to have legible handwriting, a firm grasp of the English language, and adequate spelling skills. Stewards were paid $22 per month.

Ambrotype by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30612