HOLLAND, Gustavus (a.k.a., Gustave Holland; Gustavus Adolphus Holland)
05/19/1819 - Born, Württemberg [Note: This is now part of Germany.]
12/21/1839 - Married, Catharine Jane Whitmore (1817-1884), Switzerland Co., IN
~1845 - Emigrated to the United States
02/25/1847 - Appointed Surgeon, U. S. Army, from Kentucky
06/30/1847 - Honorably discharged from the U. S. Army
10/24/1847 - Married, Evelyn "Evelina" Compton (1824-1872), Harris Co., TX
1850 - 1850 U. S. Census - see entry for 04/14/1851
03/04/1851 - As a citizen of Galveston, TX, at age 31, purchased Policy No. 225, for $5,000 ordinary life insurance from the Manhattan Life Insurance Co., of New York. (San Antonio Express, San Antonio, TX, March 4, 1951 in an article recognizing things that happened 100 years ago.)
04/14/1851 - Practiced medicine, Galveston, Galveston Co., TX (lived with his wife, Evelina, and two children; indexed in the "1850" U. S. Census as Gustavus Holland; birth; Germany; listed age: 31)
09/22/1852 - Son, Franklin Pierce Holland (1852-1928), born in Galveston, TX
04/18/1857 - "Honduras Interoceanic Railway - The brig. Favorita, chartered by the Honduras Interoceanic Railway, sailed yesterday from Puerto Caballos, Honduras, with a large party of engineers for the immediate location of the proposed Honduras Railway from Puerto Caballos, on the Atlantic, to the Bay of ___ on the Pacific. This expedition, fully equipped for operations, is organized as follows:
George R. Gildden, Esq., deputy agent of the company, …. Gustavus Holland, M.D.: surgeon . . . . The interests in the Honduras Company are divided between English and American capitalists; but we understand that all the material and labor for the road is to be furnished exclusively from the United States." (New York Herald, New York, NY. April 18, 1857.
07/07/1860 - Wife, "Eveline Holland" lived with her three children and her father, Alex Compton, in Brazoria Co., TX, in the 1860 U. S. Census [Note: No mention of her husband in this record nor is "married" checked on the census form.]
11/03/1860 - "Dr. Gustavus Holland, the agent of the Honduras Interoceanic Railway, came [as a ]passenger from Europe in the "Africa" on the 13th. The Company of which Dr. Holland is the agent has recently been reorganized, and Richard Cobden, the eminent British statesman, having become its Chairman, in the place of William Brown, who, in consequence of bad health, resigned that position some time since. So soon as the political condition of Europe will admit of it, this Company is to be launched, and from the interest felt in the enterprise, and the high character of the gentlemen composing the Board of Directors, there is no doubt of its being favorably received by the public. The Emperor of France, with whom a committee of the directors had an official interview some time since is said to take a lively interest in the enterprise, and has given it his best aid and support. Dr. Holland goes to Honduras immediately, to take measures for carrying out new arrangements." (San Francisco Bulletin, San Francisco, CA, Nov. 3, 1860)
05/16/1861 - "ARREST OF A BEARER OF DESPATCHES TO THE CONFEDERATE STATES - Mr. Gustave Holland, who arrived at New York in the steamer Arago from Europe, has been arrested as a bearer of despatches to the Montgomery Rebel Government" (Providence Evening Press, Providence, RI, May 16, 1861.)
05/17/1861 - In a letter written to Honorable William H. Seward, Secretary of State, United States of America. by John A. Kennedy, Superintendent, Office of the Supt. of the Metropolitan Police, New York, New York, "Sir, On arrival of the family of Mr. Faulkner and of Dr. Gustavus Holland, of Texas, I immediately telegraphed you and requested to be informed whether it was the desire of the Government to detain either of them (supposing at the moment that Mr. Faulkner was himself in company). Not receiving a reply I deemed it proper to act on rumors rife and made an examination of the papers of Dr. Holland on the morning of Wednesday. Nothing, however, was found on him that was calculated to sustain the unfavorable report of his being a bearer of dispatches from Messers. Mann, Yancey and company to the Confederate States of America. But I found on him copies of four letters (evidently made in the counting room of the writer) of the dates of March 23 and 27 and April 27 and April 27, addressed to "Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, " on the subject of loaning money by capitalists in Europe to the Confederate States of America, and refusing to do so until full recognition of the repudiated debt of Mississippi should be made. I am having copies of these letters made and will forward them to you tomorrow. Meanwhile, a little incident has occurred that induced me to bring the doctor before me this evening when he informed me that an entire change has taken place in his views of the policy the South should pursue in the few days he has been here, and desire me to inform you that he is anxious to exert himself in restoring his Southern friends to reason; that he can convince them that they need expect no help from Europe; that he induced Mr. Gregory to make the motion in Parliament for the recognition of the Southern Confederacy under wrong information, &c. He expresses himself willing to call on you in Washington, where he can inform you further both in relation to things in Europe and at the South if you desire it. He was about to leave the city for Texas in a day or so, but will now await your pleasure. It would probably be best to notify me of your wishes in the matter, when I could communicate them to him. If you desire to address him direct you can do so sending to Saint Nicholas Hotel. Very truly yours, etc., John A. Kennedy, Superintendent, Office of the Supt. of the Metropolitan Police" [Official Records of the War of the Rebellion. Series 2, Vol. II, Serial #115, p.3] [Note: Dr. Holland was released after the papers were examined. (Richmond Dispatch, Richmond, VA, May 20, 1861.)]
12/29/1862 - "Dr. Gustavus Holland is hereby appointed to act as Inspector of Camps and Hospitals in this District, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly." [G. O. 32 Headquarters, Dist. of TX, N. Mex, & AZ Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder]
02/06/1863 - "Surgeon Gustavus Holland will proceed without delay to Galveston, Texas, and report to Major General J. B. Magruder Comm'dg &c. for assignment to duty." [S.O. 31/8]
05/26/1863 - "ONE OF THE CHIVALRY - Dr. Gustavus Holland has been glorifying himself of late in the Richmond papers by representing that he performed most redoubtable feats of valor as one of the party that boarded the Harriet Lane. He has blown his own trumpet so loudly and persistently that it is not unlikely he has succeeded ere this in getting appointed to some paying civil office (a safe as well as profitable thing is what he wanted), under Jefferson Davis. It may not be unacceptable to the public to lay before them a brief sketch of his life, especially as he is now a shining light among the chivalry. Dr. Gustavus Holland is a German by birth. Our first accounts of him state that he resided for a time in Switzerland county, Indiana, where he got married, and after having become the father of several children, he abandoned his wife and them, without leaving behind him any means for their support. We next hear of him at Louisville, Kentucky, where he a achieved some notoriety by having been publicly horsewhipped by a woman. This circumstance probably led to his emigrating to Texas, where he married again. His wife number two was the daughter of one Compton, a planter on the Brazos, and she also became the mother of several children. After awhile he abandoned his second family, as he did his first and went to London, where he has a brother, to experiment with some railroad bubble. Then he went into a Tehuantepec or Isthmus swindle, which kept him in funds for some time. Not long after the rebellion broke out he attempted, as an agent of the rebels, to pass through New York, but was arrested. By means best known to himself (he understands how to procure witnesses on a pinch) he got released and passed beyond the seas. While there and out of funds he represented himself, as we are informed, to Sanford, our Minister to Belgium, as a necessitous and thoroughly loyal Union man, and so wrought upon his sympathies that he was employed and paid to do copying for the legation. Having obtained some inside information in this way, he soon after sold it to agents of Jeff. Davis' Government. Afterwards he returned to the South on a blockade runner via Charleston, when he went to Galveston and is now in Richmond as an office seeker. This bigamist and swindler is a fair specimen of the sort of chivalry that are trying to convince white people of the South that a republican form of government is a failure, and that a stronger sort of Government is desirable. He is certainly not an unworthy companion for Yancey, Floyd and Slidell, whose characters are of Record. New York Evening Post" (Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, CA, May 26, 1863)
07/31/1863 - Surgeon and Inspector of Camps and Hospitals, District of TX, N. Mex, & AZ, Maj. Gen. Magruder comdg
09/06/1863 - Received a notice of appointment as Medical Inspector of General Hospitals for the District of Texas, New Mexico, & Arizona [S. O. 127 Trans-Mississippi Dept.]
10/13/1863 - In a letter written from Houston, TX, to Capt. E. P Turner, Asst. Adjutant General, "Sir, Under the date of the 8th ulto. I had the honor to transmit you a Copy of Special Order No. 127 from Dept. headquarters appointing me Medical Inspector of hospitals for the District of Texas, etc. A few days thereafter I rec'd a Communication from Surgeon J. H. Berrien, Medical Director of this District informing me that the Major Genl. Commg. declined for the time being publishing the Order of the above appointment that he had written on the Subject of hospitals to Lt. Genl. Smith and that I would be informed on receipt of the answer whether I could enter upon the discharge of the duties assigned to me or not. Surgeon S. A. Smith, the Medical Director of Hospitals for the Department of the Trans Mississippi writes me under date of the 3rd inst. that the letter on the Subject of hospitals addressed to Genl. Smith by Genl. Magruder had been referred to him for decision, that he hoped this decision would find favour with Genl. Magruder and that he expected me to enter without delay upon the work of organizing the hospitals of this District. Fearing that my forced inactivity may be ascribed to neglect on my part instead of being the result of patient expectation of the action of the General Commg., I would respectfully request that you draw the attention of the General to my Case and inform me whether it is his desire that I should continue the position I have heretofore held as Inspector of Camps and hospitals or enter upon the new one of Medical Inspector of General Hospitals and in the latter event to let me know whether I am relieved from the duties of my former office. Having been informed some time since by Surgeon J. H. Berrien under the direction of Genl. Magruder that I am not to interfere in hospital management until the question should be decided as to which of the two positions I was to occupy I am left in the most painful and embarrassing inactivity for some time past. If I have been so unfortunate as to incurr [sic] the displeasure of Genl. Magruder either officially or personally I most earnestly beseech you to inform me thereof and I shall promptly but without the least change of my sentiments toward him tender my resignation and thus break off a connection which must be unpleasant to him and which under such circumstances I could not continue in justice to my own feelings of self respect. Hoping to be favoured with an early answer I have the honour to remain, Very respectfully, Your obt Servt., G. Holland, Surgeon C. S. A." [The following docketing is on the back of this letter: "Hd. Qrs. Dist Houston Texas Oct 23d 63 Respy referred to Surgeon Berrien, Med Director, By Comd of Maj Gen Magruder , Ed P Turner A A G" Further docketing reads: "Med Directors Office, November 2d, 63, Respectfully returned to Capt. Turner A A G The Endorsement of the accompanying letter being sufficient to cover all of the points. J. H. Berrien Surg & Med. Director, Dist Tex. &c." [Note: See Dr. Berrien's endorsement on the back of Surgeon Holland's letter dated 10/24/1863 to Capt. E. P. Turner.]
10/24/1863 - In a letter written from Houston, TX, to Capt. E. P Turner, Asst. Adjutant General, "Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt just now only of Special Order No. 287 from your headquarters relieving me from further duty as Medical Inspector of general hospitals in this District and granting me leave of absence for thirty days from the 19th inst. In a letter which I had the honour to address you yesterday and which was written before I was aware of the existence of the above Order I took the liberty to call the attention of the Major Genl. Commg. to the fact that he had never yet recognised me as Medical Inspector of general hospitals for this district although I had reported for duty in that capacity immediately on receipt of my appointment from headquarters of the Trans Mississippi Dept. on the 6th day of last month. You may readily appreciate my surprise at finding myself relieved from duties which I had never yet been allow to perform. On the other hand Order No. 287 makes no allusion to my position in regard to the duties developing upon me as Inspector of Camps & hospital for this District from which I begged to be relieved in order to assume the functions of Medical Inspector of General hospitals but which up to this moment as far as I have been informed the Major General Commg has declined to grant. You will thus perceive that the Order No. 287 relieves me from the duties which I had never been permitted to perform while it leaves me in perfect ignorance as to whether the General desires me still to attend the duties of the Office of Inspector of Camps and hospitals into which I was placed by him originally or not. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt., G. Holland" [Docketing on the back of this letter reads: "Oct 25/63 Hd Qrs Houston Respy referred to Surgeon J. H. Berrien for a report. By Command of Maj Gen Magruder, Ed P Turner AAG" Dr. Berrien's "endorsement" reads: "Medical Director's Office November 2d, 1863, Respectfully returned to Capt. Turner A. A. G. with the statement that Special Orders 287 is intended to relieve Surgeon Holland of the necessity of complying with the Orders assigning him to duty as Medical Inspector of General Hospitals from Dept. Hd. Qtrs. As regards Surgeon Holland's former position as Medical Inspector of Camp and Hospitals, at the Expiration of his leave of absence he can report to this Office, and can be assigned to his former position or to such other duty as the necessity of the service my require. J. H. Berrien, Surgeon and Med Director, Dist. Tex. &c."
01/18/1864 - "All orders assigning Surgeon G. Holland to duty as Inspector of Field or General Hospitals are revoked. Surgeon G. Holland will report to Surgeon J. H. Berrien, Medical Director for assignment to duty. [S. O. 18 Dist. of TX, N. Mex, & Ariz. Maj. Gen. Magruder comdg]
01/19/1864 - In a letter written from Houston, TX, to Lt. S. D. Yancey, Acting Asst. Adjutant General, Headquarters, "Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Order No. 18. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt. G. Holland"
01/19/1864 - In a letter written from Houston, TX, to Lt. S. D. Yancey, Acting Asst. Adjutant General, Headquarters, "Sir, I have the honour to inform you that I have the duly obeyed the Order transmitted in your Communication of yesterday and that I now proceed to Shreveport to make request of the Lt. Genl. Commg. the Dept. to be relieved from duty in this District. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt., G. Holland."
02/21/1864 - "Charges and Specification against Surgeon G. Holland
Charge 1st. Disobedience of the lawful commands of his Superior Officers
Specification 1st In this that on or about the 21st day of May A. D. 1863 at Corpus Christi in the State of Texas, the said Surgeon G Holland having been instructed by Surgeon Jas H. Berrien, Medical Director of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, his superior officer to make no reports direct to the Surgeon General at the City of Richmond until he received instructions from the Major General commanding, did report direct from Brownsville to the Surgeon General at Richmond in direct violation of the said order so given by his Superior Officer.
Specification 2nd In this, that the said Surgeon G. Holland after having received a letter of instructions from Maj Genl J. B. Magruder commanding Dist of Texas, New Mexico, & Arizona through Surgeon Jas H. Berrien, Medical Director of said District dated at Houston may 28th 1863, requiring said Surgeon G Holland to make all his reports of Inspection of Camps & Hospitals directly to the Office of the Medical Director at the Head Quarters of the said Maj Gen commanding and to forward all communications intended for the Surgeon General through the office of the said Medical Director did report directly to the Surgeon Genl at Richmond declaring 'that he did not consider himself under the command of the Maj Genl commanding this District' or words to that effect, all this at Brownsville on or about ____ 1863, said letter of instruction being in the words & figures following. viz. Head Quarters, Dist of Texas, New Mexico, & Arizona, Medical Directors Office, Houston, Texas, May 28,1863, 'Sir, I am instructed by the Maj Genl comdg to inform you that all your reports of inspection &c. made by you as inspector of this District be forwarded to this office and not direct to the Surgeon Genl. All communications intended for the Surgeon Genl will be forwarded through this office. Very Respectfully, your obt svt, J. H. Berrien, Surgeon & Medical Director, Dist Texas &c. To: Surgeon G H Holland, Inspector of Camps & Hospitals, District of Texas, N. Mex. & A., Brownsville, Texas'
Specification 3rd In this, that the said Surgeon G Holland after having received a letter of instructions dated at McNeils plantation Dec 16th 1863 and signed by Capt. E. P. Turner, A. A. Gen directing him to report by letter to Surgeon J. H. Berrien, Medical Director for duty did fail to comply with the instructions so received. Not having reported in compliance with said instructions, but wilfully [sic] refused so to do, all this at Houston Texas on or about _____________ 1863 said letter of instructions being in the following words & figures, viz, 'Head Quarters, Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, McNeil's plantation Dec. 16th 1863, Surgeon G Holland, Sir, I am instructed by Maj Genl J. B. Magruder to thank you for the promptness with which you complied with his order to join him in the field, and to say to you that you were ordered on this duty, only during the temporary absence of Surgeon J. H. Berrien Medical Director on account of sickness. As Surgeon Berrien has recovered and has reported for duty at these Head Quarters, the necessity of retaining your services in the field no longer exists. He directs me to say therefore that you will report by letter to Surgeon Berrien for assignment to duty. I am &c. Edward P. Turner, A. A. Genl.'
Specification 4th In this that the said Surgeon G Holland after he had received Special Order No. 18,
Paragraph XIII, directing to report by letter to Surgeon J. H. Berrien for assignment to duty, dd write a letter as if to comply with said special order to report to the said Surgeon J. H. Berrien, but left the Military District of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona for Shreveport in the State of Louisiana before said letter had reached Surgeon J. H. Berrien not waiting to be assigned to duty. All this at Houston on or about _________ 1864. The said Special order No 18 Paragraph XIII being in Words & figures following, viz., Head Quarters, Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, Houston Jany 18, 1864. Special Order No 18 XIII, All orders assigning Surgeon G. Holland to duty as Inspector of Field or General Hospitals are revoked. Surgeon G. Holland will report to Surgeon J. H. Berrien, Medical Director for assignment to duty. By Command of Maj. Genl. Magruder, Stephen D. Yancey, A. A. Gen.
Specification 5th In this that the said Surgeon G. Holland did on or about the 20th day of January 1864, leave his Command for Shreveport in the State of Louisiana without having authority so to do in violation of Paragraph 1st Gen Orders No. 238, series of 1863 from Head Quarters Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona and did not return until the Maj Genl commanding the District had requested Lt. Gen. E. K. Smith commanding Trans Mississippi Department to have him arrested and sent back, said 1st Paragraph Gen order No. 238 being as follows, viz. Head Quarters, Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, McNeils plantation, Brazoria County, Texas Dec 22 1863, Gen Orders No. 238 , Any Officer in this District absenting himself from his command without proper authority will be a once pursued and arrested if possible. If not after reasonable time, he will be published as a deserter. This order is intended to apply to all Medical Officers, Contract physicians, or those assigned to duty as Medical Officers. Commanding Officers not having the authority are strictly forbidden to grant leave of absence to any officer, contract physician, enlisted men, or followers of Camps.
Charge 2nd Absence without leave of his Superior Officer
Specification In this that the said Surgeon G. Holland did on or about the 20th day of January 1864, leave his Division without having any lawful authority so to do, and proceed to Shreveport in the State of Louisiana, where he remained until the Maj Gen commanding the Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona had requested Lt. Gen. E. K. Smith to have him arrested and brought back to his Division.
Charge 3rd Conduct to the prejudice of good order and Military Discipline
Specification 1st In this that said Surgeon G. Holland after having received Special Order No 51 paragraph 1st dated at Galveston, Aug 21,1863, from Head Quarters Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona directing him to forward all reports to the authorities at Richmond through these "Head Quarters" did delare to C. Ganahl, Chief Surgeon of Second Division that he would evade the instructions of the Maj Gen commanding the District directing him to forward all reports intended for the authorities at Richmond through 'these Head Quarters, by sending such reports to Head Quarters sealed' or words to that effect. All this at or about ______ 1863, said special order No. 51 being substantially as follows in words & figures Head Quarters Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, Galveston, Aug 21st, 1863 Special Order No. 51 Surgeon G Holland, Inspector of Camps & Hospitals of this District will make his report of Inspection to these Head Quarters. Should Surgeon Holland desire to make any reports to authorities at Richmond or to any Military Commander of Superior Rank to the Major Genl commanding the District he will forward such Reports to these Head Quarters for the endorsement of the Maj Genl commanding. By Command of Maj Genl J. B. Magruder J. H. Berrien, Surgeon & Medical Director Dist of Texas, &c.
Specification 2nd In this that the said Surgeon G. Holland did on or about the 20th day of January 1864, after having received Special Order No. 18 paragraph XIII as set out in the 4th specification to the 1st charge to which reference is here made in which he was ordered to report by letter to Surgeon J. H. Berrien, Medical Director of the District of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, proceed to Shreveport in the State of Louisiana, having written and sent a letter to said Surgeon J. H. Berrien reporting as directed by said orders but leaving the said Military District before said Letter had reached the said Surgeon J. H. Berrien, and before the said Surgeon G. Holland could be assigned to duty.
Specification 3rd In this that on or about the 1st day ____ of January at Houston Texas said Surgeon G. Holland did say to Surgeon S. C. Benjamin, Inspector of Camps and Hospitals, that 'he did not intend to obey the order of the Maj Gen commanding the Dist of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona requiring him to report to Surgeon Berrien' or words to that effect and further declaring that 'if he was tried before a court martial for thus disobeying the order to report to Surgeon Berrien that he would appeal to the people' or words to that effect. W. Hyllested, Major & P. M Genl.
Witnesses:
Surgeon J. H. Berrien
Surg S C Benjamin
Surg David McKnight
Lt. S D Yancey, A.A.A.G
Surg Charles Ganahl"
02/29/1864 - Surgeon, P. A. C. S.
03/07/1864 - In a letter written from Houston, TX, to Brig. Gen. J. E. Slaughter, Chief of Staff, "General, In an interview granted to me on yesterday by the Major General Commg. this District for the purpose of discussing the various charges that have been brought against me and which finally led to my arrest and arraignment for trial explanations in reference to my official Conduct were made by me which I hope were entirely satisfactory to the General as at no time since I have been on duty in this District have I wilfully disobeyed the Orders or Known wishes of the General. It is true that the General recalled to my mind Instructions verbally given by him to me at Corpus Christi which I either did not properlynderstand at the time or which had escaped my recollection. Since then all apparent insubordinate conduct on my part has arisen from a confusion of Orders and a misapprehension of my true position, and I herewith particularly disclaim any disposition at any time to disobey the orders of my superiors or in any wise violate the Rules and Regulations of the Army. Trusting that this explanation may prove satisfactory. I am, General, very respectfully, Your obt. Servt. G. Holland, Surgeon C. S. A." [Docketing on the back of this letter reads, "Rec'd H.Q., March 7, 64 Gustave Holland, Surgeon P. A. C. S., disclaims any intention to disobey orders & generally explanatory of his conduct as an officer - file"]
03/31/1864 - Surgeon, P. A. C. S.
04/30/1864 - Surgeon, 1st Subdistrict of Galveston, TX, Gen. J. M. Hawes, comdg
05/12/1864 - In a letter written in Galveston, TX, using the stationary of the Head Quarters Dist. of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, Office of Inspector of Camps and Hospitals, to Brig. Genl. J. M. Hawes, commanding 1st Subdistrict of Texas, "I have just been shown a letter from Capt. J. Moore an old citizen of this place dated Havanna [sic], April 30th in which he says that a large number of cases of yellow fever had already occurred there and that they were of such malignant type as to justify the opinion that this would prove a very sickly season. From Mr. J. McCaulay's last letter written at Havanna [sic] and addressed to his brother in law Major A .W. McKee I learn that he and others intend to run a regular line of Steamers during the coming Summer between Havanna [sic] and this port. The necessities of the country and the people are such that we cannot afford to prohibit this intercourse although we may reasonably expect that it will expose us constantly to the danger of having yellow fever imported among us. You have already authorized me to make a sanitary Inspection of every vessel arriving in this harbor from a foreign port before its crew and passengers be allowed to come on shore or its cargo brought into our warehouses. Since then I have seriously reflected on the subject and find that we are utterly unprepared for the disposal and safe accomodation [sic] of the cargo coming from infected ports or patients labouring under yellow fever on arrival here. The old city hospital is too near the houses of citizens and the contagion may even take place during the removal of the sick from the vessel to any part of the town. Upon full investigation of the matter I beg to submit and recommend that a couple of frames be erected as Quarantine Hospitals on Pelican at a point that is easy of access to Boats. This place is sufficiently remote from our Garrison at Pelican Spit, it is clean and open to the Sea Breeze and nurses, medicine and supplies can easily be sent there when the occasion requires while its perfect isolation adapts it peculiarly to the object in view. The Cargo of the vessel might also be exposed there to the rays of the sun and Breese sufficiently long to purify it while the vessel itself at anchor in the vicinity undergoes a thorough process of cleaning and ventilation. Vessels with infectious disease on board may make their appearance here at any time hence I would respectfully solicit that no time is lost in issuing such orders as may enable me to deal with them in a manner to prevent the spreading of the disease among our troops. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt., G. Holland, Chief Surgeon, 1st Sub. Distr. Texas [Docketing on the back of the letter reads, "Hd Qrs, 1st Sub. Dist. May 14/64 Special order No. 28 issued in compliance with recommendations of Surgeon Holland"]
06/02/1864 - In a letter written from Galveston, TX, to Brig. Gen. J. M. Hawes, commanding the 1st Sub. District of Texas, "Sir, This morning soon after daylight I was apprised of the arrival in this port of the Steamer Savanna fied from Havanna [sic], which port she left on the 28th ulto. The Crew I found upon Inspection perfectly healthy and I in consequence cleared the Vessel of Quarantine. Capt McConnell reports Havanna [sic] healthy for the season of the year. Her Cargo consists chiefly of Govt. Supplies. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt., G. Holland, Chief Surgeon, 1st Sub District"
07/30/1864 - In a letter written from Galveston, TX, using the stationary of the Head Quarters Dist. of Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, Office of Inspector of Camps and Hospitals, to Major C. McClarity, A. A. G., "In compliance with Orders recd. from your headquarters I endeavoured soon after daylight this morning to go on Board the Steamer Susanna of whose arrival in the port I had been notified during the night by the Officer in Charge of the Observatory. Owing to the delay and confusion incidental to the neglect of having a Boat always in readiness for Quarantine purposes and the existing doubt as to whether a guard should be sent on board the ship with the health and Revenue Officers y departure was delayed till nearly 8 O'clock a. m. by request of the Chief of the harbour Police. I found the Crew of the Ship in perfect health and as I am informed by the Captain every individual is perfectly acclimated. The Captain also informs me that he has brought a letter to Maj. Genl. Magruder from Major Helm the C. S. Agent in Havanna [sic] stating that the health of the city at the time of departure of the Steamer was unusually good considering the Season of the year. I have in conformity with the orders of the Brig Genl. Commg. placed the Vessel in strict quarantine. As the ship during the period of her Quarantine will require water and some provisions from this city I would respectfully request to be informed in what manner they are to be transported from shore to the Savanna so as not to interfere with the system which the Genl. Commg. desires to have adopted. I have the honor to remain, Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt. G. Holland, Surgeon C.S. A. and Health Officer of the Port of Galveston."
09/19/1864 - J. M. Haden, Chief of the Medical Bureau, Texas Medical District, states that the resignation of Surg. Holland was accepted on this date [S.O. 235 Hdqrs. Texas Medical District]
11/03/1864 - Appointed Surgeon, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, to rank 12/29/1862 [Note: Dr. Holland was officially appointed Surgeon after his resignation had been accepted by the Confederate Army.]
11/03/1864 - Ordered to report to the Surgeon General, Richmond, VA, by letter
11/20/1864 - In a letter written from Houston, Texas to Major W. Hyllested, Provost Marshall Genl., Dist. Texas &c. Houston, "Sir, During my recent visit to Lagrange, Fayette Co., I discovered that two of the Individuals that had been arrested for disloyal practices by order of Genl. Magruder and were released for the want of evidence have since their return home exhibited an additional degree of bitterness against the Confederate Govt., its Representatives and those who are using this influence to advance the interests of our cause. The one is Col. Lindsay the Editor of the Patriot who before he emigrated to Texas from what I can learn was compelled to leave Kentucky on account of his abolition views & tendencies. The second is a M? Youngbacker, a german Schoolteacher who uses a most sly but dangerous influence upon the minds of the Germans of Lagrange and vicinity. I have been told by many of them that when the handbills were posted giving noticed that I would address the germans of Fayette Co. on the Subject of the war he took great pains to prevent their coming to the meeting and in many instances succeeded by the foulest misrepresentations such for example as my being an enemy of the Germans, sent out by Genl Magruder to entrap them &c. If you apply to Mr. Drake, the Editor of the true Issue, Genl Webb, or Dr. Friedeman you can no doubt obtain evidence enough against both these men to bring them to the punishment which they so richly deserve. I am happy to inform you that in all the other localities I have visited I found the feeling generally good. That is all of them and especially in the city of Austin there are more or less men of treasonable sentiments there can unfortunately be no doubt but the events of the past four months have taught them to be quiet and on the look out and hence they do comparatively little harm and it would be almost impossible to find sufficient evidence against them no matter how convinced we be of their guilt. Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt., G. Holland" [Docketing on the back of this letter reads, "Respectfully referred to Capt. E. Pebono? AAG for information and further action, W. Hyllested, Major & P. M. Genl."]
11/23/1864 - In a letter to Surgeon General S. P. Moore, Richmond, VA, by Surgeon John Miller Haden, Chief of the Medical Bureau, Trans-Mississippi Department Marshall, TX, "Sir, In reply to your communication of the 26th August, instructing me to inform you if Surgeon Gustave Holland was on duty in this Department, and if so, to state the nature of the duty. I have to inform you that his resignation was accepted September 19th, by Special Orders No. 235, Head Qrs. Trans-Miss Department. He was at one time acting as Medical Inspector of the District of Texas, and, a short time before his resignation was accepted, had been on duty as Health Officer at Galveston. He was relieved from duty by Brig. Genl. Hawes, Com'dg Post at Galveston, and at the time his resignation was accepted, was waiting orders. His resignation was accepted on my suggestion. Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt., John M. Haden, Chief of Med Bureau. [Docketing on the back of this letter reads, "S. G. O., Jan. 1, 1865. Res. referred to the A.& I.G. for acceptance to take effect Sept. 19, 1864. S. P. Moore, Surg Genl. Recv. A. & I. G. O. Jan 11, 65"]
12/28/1864 - Confirmed as Surgeon from TX by the Confederate States Senate
07/01/1870 - Practiced medicine, Ward 8, San Francisco, San Francisco Co, CA (lived alone; indexed in the 1870 U. S. Census as "Gustav Holland"; age: 48, place of birth: Wurtemberg)
08/05/1871 - Gave a speech at a meeting of The Democracy of Oakland, Oakland, CA which "was the speech of the evening" (San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, CA, Aug. 6, 1871, p. 1, c. 3.)
1872 - Estranged wife, Evelyn, "Evelina" or "Eveline", died
05/17/1873 - "Accident to an Eminent Physician - Dr. Gustavus Holland met with a narrow escape from
death yesterday afternoon. He was making his usual professional rounds, using a strange horse, as his
own are in the country where they are recovering from the epizootic. He was stepping into his carriage, having just come out from visiting a patient near the corner of Van Ness avenue and Tyler street, and had not yet got into the vehicle, when the horse started at a rapid pace, throwing Dr. Holland into the street,
where he was dragged nearly the length of a block, but the lucky Doctor holding fast to the reins until, after having received a number of painful bruises about the knees and arms, his shoulder was dislocated, which obliged him to let go the reins. The horse ran as faras Turk street, where he was stopped. The Doctor was taken to his office, where the shoulder was relocated. Fortunately no bones were broken, and the Doctor will be only briefly delayed in his contemplated visit to Europe, where he proposes to spend a few months." (Weekly Alta California, San Francisco, CA, May 17, 1873.)
1874 - Practiced medicine, San Francisco, CA
~1875 - Married Martha Wilhelmine Diterike Sophie Thede (born - 04/23/1851 or 04/23/1852 Germany )
06/09/1880 - Practiced medicine, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA (lived with wife, Martha, and three sons; indexed in the 1880 U. S. Census as Gustavus Holland)
- Member, Board of Health, San Francisco, CA
06/02/1886 - Martha, his last wife, married John Reed Dickinson, San Francisco, CA
04/17/1887 - "Dr. Gustavus Holland of El Paso is visiting his son, Frank Holland. The doctor speaks twenty modern languages." The Dallas News, April 17, 1887
12/12/1889 - Died in his room in the Sheldon block, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX, of Cancer of the face (buried: Concordia Cemetery, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX; FindAGrave #149227166)
1895-1897 - Son, Franklin Pierce Holland, served as Mayor of Dallas, TX
02/15/1899 - Son, Alexander Felix Holland, died in San Francisco, CA (buried: Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma San Mateo Co., CA; FindAGrave #182067911)
06/06/1900 - Mrs. J. Reed Dickinson (Martha - Dr. Holland's last wife), was a teacher, San Francisco, CA (lived with her husband, J. R. Dickinson, and her son, F. W. Holland, 1247 Post St., San Francisco, CA; indexed as Martha Dickinson) [Note: Mrs. Dickinson and her husband, J. R., operated a boarding school.]
01/18/1928 - Son, Franklin Pierce Holland, died in Dallas, TX

This biographical sketch is from:
Hambrecht, F. T. & Koste, J. L., Biographical
register of physicians who served the
Confederacy in a medical capacity.
12/18/2022. Unpublished database.

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