John W.F. Clawgis was the Union surgeon in charge after the battle. He did not stay with the wounded on the field and instead went back to Lexington when the Union soldiers retreated. Shortly after he was accused of leaving the wounded Union soldiers on the battlefield on August 16, 1862. He was relieved of his duties as assistant surgeon on September 27, 1862 but due to a lack of qualified surgeons, was reinstated less than a month later. While we have not been able to find all of the pieces pertaining to this, below is what we were able to find and gives a brief outline of what transpired.
You can find his complete service records here.
Sedalia Mo
Sept 20th 1862
Brig Gen Loan
Commanding Cent Div Mo
Sir
Yours of the 19th inst is at hand with which I cheerfully comply. My reasons for leaving the wounded of 6th Regt as well as those of other Regts after the battle of Lone Jack were many, but principally the following.
After having applied to the QM for transportation for the wounded it being evident that for the time we should have to give up the battle ground, and our troops then being formed in column for retiring I saw that , owing to the large amount of wounded, to care for all of them at that place and under the circumstances, in anything like a humane manner would be utterly impossible, therefore I conversed with Maj Foster who had been in command but had fallen badley wounded, also with Capt B [Brawner] Co A 7th Reg Mo Vol who was then in command, as to what was best to do, I then called Doct Cundiff of Lieut Col Nugents Bat, counselled with him, he informed me that he was acquainted with the people & most of the Physicians in that vicinity. I therefore made arrangements with him to stay & take care of the wounded left behind by sending out & calling in all of the help that he could obtain for this relief; whilst I would accompany all who could be provided with transportation (45 in no.) to Lexington and make arrangements for returning immediately with hospl stores & transportation for the remainder which I did & that successfully.
Before leaving, however, I turned over all of my medicines most of my instruments and part of my hospt stores to Doct Cundiff (he having none) for the benefit of those left behind. In all that took place concerning this, I strove to do my duty as an officer and a Patriot, and if I have failed it is from no lack of intention to do right. What I have stated I can substantiate. If there is any further explanation desired please let me give it in person. Hoping that the above will be satisfactory, I remain your Obt Servt
John W.F. Clawgis
Asst Surg 6th Regt MSM
Original Correspondence of Gov. H. R. Gamble, folder 14464, microfilm CFD158 Missouri State Archives; Jefferson City, Missouri This excerpt taken from the Pioneer Times/April 1993; Vol. 17, No. 2; Mid-Continent Genealogical Library, Independence, Missouri
He was dismissed from service Sept 27, 1862 Per SO No 173 Hd Qtrs State of Mo. He was then reinstated to surgeon Oct 14, 1862 per SO 90 Hd Qtrs at which time he was promoted from Assistant Surgeon 6th Regt. Cav. MSM Vols and
[taken from his service records] mustered in as Surgeon same regiment by virtue of a commission from his excellency HR Gamble Gen of Mo dated St, Louis Oct 14, 1862 to fill vacancy vice BH Hughes resigned. Muster in took effect from Oct 21, 1862 he having complied with Rule 4 Par. 8 General Order no 48 War Dept current series.
Service as Surgeon is accepted to take effect from Oct 26, 1862
On December 7, 1863, by SO 258, he was assigned to duty as Acting Medical Director of the District of WE Mo and immediately assumed his duties of the office.
By SO No2 he was relieved of his duty in General Hospital Springfield Mo and was required to report without delay for duty with his regiment. On January 25, 1864.
On March 21, 1864 John Clawgis tendered his resignation as Surgeon of the Sixth Regiment. Below is that resignation letter
Resignation M.S.M.
Sir Springfield Mo March 21, 1864
I have the honor to tender to you my resignation as Surgeon of the Sixth Regiment of Cavalry Missouri State Militia on account of the 1st. Having a helpless family who are incapable of self sustenance, are without a home, cannot be conveyed with me in the field and cannot be supported without my personal attendance.
2. On account of physical disability as per enclosed Surgeons Certificate, approved by Medical Director of District SW Mo.
I certify that I am indebted to the United States for the sum of $ No dollars and no cents. That I have never been absent with leave. That I have no Government property in my possession. That there are no charges against me which can effect my pay and that I was last paid to include the 31st day of October 1863. And have accounted for all public property which has passed through my hands.
I am Sir, very respectfully
Your obedient servant
John W.F, Clawgis
Surgeon 6th Cavalry M.S.M.
For his Exdellancy
Wilford V. Wall
The Governor of Missouri
John W.F. Clawgis died in Livingston County, Missouri in Nov 1868. He left behind his wife and six children.
St. Joseph Gazette; Sun Dec 6, 1868 Pg 1
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