Isaac D Knight

During the war

He was enrolled on 24 October 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (30). He was mustered into service as surgeon on 7 November 1861 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 13, 30 [4 Nov 61]).

In November 1861, he acknowledged receiving supplies from the Union Relief Association of Philadelphia (39).

One of his tasks as surgeon was to sign death certificates. For example, on 20 February 1862, he signed a death certificate for William Willis (43). Another was to sign certificates of disability. About 5 April 1862, he signed one for Peter Herder, who had been accidentally injured by a mule (37). And on 23 August 1862, he signed one for William Whitman, who died of typhoid fever.

On 29 June 1862, he, along with the other commissioned officers in the regiment (except Colonel Gregory), signed a statement denying accusations that they were on the verge of open mutiny, that the regiment had been reduced to 400 men, and that Colonel Gregory was too lenient to Confederates and too harsh to men in the regiment (38).

On 19 August 1862, he testified at the court-martial of E Carroll Brewster (36). His testimony was not helpful to Brewster (36). He had prescribed treatment for neuralgia and neuralgic rheumatism, perhaps six times in the previous three weeks (36). And on the day Brewster was accused of being drunk on duty, he had prescribed Dover's Powder, composed of opium and ipecacuahana, to be taken once in three hours (36). But he testified that Brewster's condition should not have caused him to stagger, and Dover's Powder would not cause him to appear drunk (36). Perhaps because he was so unhelpful, Brewster's counsel questioned him only briefly, and the judge advocate who was prosecuting Brewster did not cross-examine him (36).

On 7 February 1863, he was acting medical director (14).

He was the division's Medical Director at the Battle of Chancellorsville (15).

On 25 May 1863, he went on a five-day leave (21). He was still reported absent with leave on 2 June (22), but had returned by 3 June (23).

On 22 June 1863, the regiment received a special order from Brigade Headquarters assigning him as surgeon-in-chief of the brigade if an engagement occurred (17). He was present, as surgeon, at Gettysburg on 2 July 1863 (4, 7). He was serving at the division hospital, and was ordered to return to the regiment on 6 July 1863 (20). On 2 August 1863, he was relieved from duty as surgeon in chief, because of disability (18).

He was a witness to the charges and specification Joseph Sinex filed against Morris Kayser, and testified in his court-martial (20).

On 4 August 1863, he was ordered (by special order 207, headquarters, Army of the Potomac) to report to Washington for medical treatment (19, 25). He left on 5 August 1863 (8). On 24 August 1863, he received a medical certificate at Philadelphia, which recommended leave for 20 days (8, 16). The leave was to expire on 13 September 1863 (8). It was extended for 20 days on 12 September 1863 (26). It expired on 2 October 1863 (27), but was extended for 20 days on 1 October 1863 (28). He had returned by 23 October 1863 (29).

Private Bender of company G [either Jacob Bender or John Bender] was ordered to report to him on 16 December 1863, to nurse Captain Faust, who died two days later (9). And Philip Toushant (co.I) was detailed as hospital nurse on 19 December 1863, and ordered to report to him immediately (10).

He reenlisted as surgeon at Bealton, Virginia, on 26 December 1863 (30).

On 26 January 1864, he examined George Rodearmal and approved his enlistment (24).

On 2 March 1864, he placed Francis Gregory in the hospital at Chester Pennsylvania (11).

Henry McKane (C) was detailed as hospital nurse and ordered to report to Knight on 23 March 1864 (12).

He was reported transfered as Assistant Surgeon of Volunteers on 17 April 1864 (34).

He was discharged on 18 July 1864 (1, 30) or 15 April 1864 (2) by special order [unknown number], War Department, dated 21 April 1864 (13).