HCR's Request for a Disability Retirement

The last bit of research Vonnie Zullos sent me revealed some interesting information. Robinett appeared before a disability retirement board in May/June 1867 about 10 months before his suicide. While the board rejected his request the surgeon's documents provided in support of his request are enlightening.

"This is to certify that I attended Luiet (Now Bvt Maj) H.C. Robinett, 1st U.S. Infy. Who was wounded on or about the 4th day of October, 1862 at the battle of Corinth, Miss-He was wounded by a musket ball transing the entire length of the top of his head from before, backwards-completely exposing the bone-No evidence of fracture, could be discerned-He was under my care at Corinth, Miss-until sent North. J.L.G Happensett CPT, Asst. Surgeon

"I humbly certify that I have had the aforesaid, Bvt Major Robinett, Captain 1st U.S. Infantry under my professional care-and have carefully examined him and found that he is laboring under disability resulting from a gun shot wound of the scalp received as he states at the battle of Corinth, Miss. The cicative ?? of the wound extends from the anterior to the posterior frontalobe. I am unable to ascertain with any certainty whether any fracture existed at the time or not. He suffers from frequent and intense cephalalgia. Especially in exposure to the sun or serving under changes of temperature; an extreme sensitiveness to the action of alcoholic stimulants-which has only existed since he was wounded-considerable loss of memory-and great depression of spirits. I am of the opinion that a Southern Climate exerts an unfavorable impression in his case and that he would perhaps be able to do duty more efficiently at some station further north." Major Henry Preson Asst Surgeon

"I feel that I have become incapacitated for the performance of the duties required of a Regimental officer, in this climate. In consequence of a wound received in my head at the battle of Corinth, Oct. 4th, 1862. I suffer greatly, at all times, from the effects of excessive heat upon my wound, and when exposed to the heat of the Sun in this climate my suffering is almost unbearable. I can no longer endure any considerable mental or physical exertion without intense suffering. I have at times been affected mentally in a manner which admonishes me that farther continued exertion and exposure to the excessive heat of the Sun in a Southern climate, consequent upon the performance of the duties of an officer in the Army, may produce the most serious results." Robinett

Medical Cert of Bvt Major Asch Asst Surgeon USA "The track of the wound was in mainly the medial line from left to right. Maj. Robinett has been under my observation since the later part of 1865 and it is my opinion that the effects of said wound renders him unfit for duty in this climate. Extremely hot weather-a mental excitement- renders him nervous and excitable to such a degree as at times to induce fear that the brain my be temporarily affected. Further residence in this climate must do his permanent harm. It is a question whether life in a colder climate will entirely remove the disability."

"Personally approved before me W.D. Waller a Notary Public, Brevet Lieut. Col. George A Williams Major 6th U.S. Infantry and made oath as follows. On the 4th of October 1862 I commanded the 1st U.S. Infantry at the battle of Corinth. The Regt was used as Heavy Artillery. One battery (Battery Robinett) was commanded by 1st Lieut H.C. Robinett 1st U.S. Infantry which battery the enemy charged upon during the battle. 1st Lieut H.C. Robinett was struck by a ball on the top of his head cutting away the scalp and creasing the skull and from which injury he was obliged for a time to retire from the field. Lieut Robinett's conduct during the battle was admirable. He fought his battery very gallantly have had 13 of 26 officers and men who manned the battery either killed or wounded" Capt. Williams 1st USI

The surgeons that examined him for the board found:

Surgeons report: "Find a scar on the median line of the scalp result of a gunshot wound received at Corinth, Miss. Oct. 4th 1862. There is no evidence of any fracture of the skull. From the personal appearance of Major Robinett and from the medical evidence in the case we are of the opinion that he is not incapacitated from performance of active duty, though service in a hot climate may give use to unpleasant sensations."

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