Mary Seacole: The True 'Angel of Mercy' in the Crimean War

During the Crimean War, both Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale were regarded as angels, with Seacole earning the title of the true 'angel of mercy'. Despite their shared commitment to caring for soldiers, Seacole's tireless efforts exceeded Nightingale's. While Nightingale concentrated on hospital cleanliness and management, as depicted in Source U - a lithograph of a ward in Scutari where she served - Seacole went beyond expectations to improve conditions for the soldiers.

Nightingale, also known as "The Lady with the Lamp," was praised for her dedication to patient care in the hospital.

Despite facing challenges, her strong commitment to nursing and organizational skills led to a significant reduction in the death rate from 42 per 1000 to 2 per 1000 by June 1855 (source V). Before the arrival of the sanitary commission in 1854-1855, poor hygiene resulted in the deaths of 5000 men at her hospital. Nightingale believed this was due to sick men arriving and not realizing that the hospital was situated above a cesspool.

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Further investigations showed that Dr. Sutherland and Dr. Grainger were responsible for improving sanitation, although Nightingale received all of the credit.

While Nightingale's contributions to the war effort and nursing field were significant, she falls short of the traditional image of an "angel of mercy" due to her cold and critical demeanor towards her nurses. In lithograph U, Nightingale is depicted leading wounded soldiers but maintaining a distance, neglecting the importance of consoling and communicating with them. The focus on cleanliness and organization in her ward overshadowed the need for emotional support, which is essential for soldiers facing physical and mental hardships in war.

Nightingale failed to provide the holistic care required of an "angel of mercy."

Despite facing rejection by the British authorities due to her race and background, Mary Seacole's actions during the war align with the image of the "angel of mercy" as praised in source V. While Nightingale was sent to Crimea at the request of the Minister of War, Seacole independently went to care for the wounded. Setting up her own "British Hotel" in Balacava, she bravely treated the wounded on the front line, risking her life unlike some officers at the time. This was a stark contrast to the government-funded hospital in Scutari, which was days away by boat from the battlefield. Seacole's courage and selfless actions exemplify her as a true hero, defying societal expectations of females as weak and delicate.

The connection of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole also brings up the concept of 'angel,' as Seacole acted as a guardian angel protecting and physically caring for soldiers on the battlefields, reducing the death rate. Her bravery and efforts in providing aid to wounded soldiers were evident at her "British Hotel," a refuge where soldiers felt more comfortable than in hospitals. Seacole's hands-on approach and socializing with individuals set her apart from Nightingale, who focused more on hospital administration than direct nursing care. Seacole's close interaction with soldiers at her hotel emphasized the idea of 'mercy,' making her a significant figure in the history of nursing.

Seacole's treatment approach for wounded and cholera and dysentery patients was more effective than Nightingale's method, demonstrating Seacole's superior skill and medical knowledge. Source V emphasizes Seacole's kindness, care, and empathy, comparing her to an 'angel of mercy' and a 'mother' figure to soldiers. She provided nurturing care, meeting their practical needs like a mother would for her children, including providing pocket handkerchiefs. The soldiers affectionately called her "Mother Seacole" and organized an event after the war to express their gratitude to her.

Despite the media's neglect of Seacole's accomplishments due to her race and the attribution of the "angel of mercy" title to Nightingale, evidence shows that Seacole's hospitality was superior. Seacole's passion for helping soldiers, along with her strong, brave, determined, and motherly characteristics, enabled her to provide exceptional care during the war. Unlike Nightingale, who was appointed to run the hospital, Seacole worked tirelessly on her own to care for the soldiers with more compassion. She was there for the troops when not much was happening, resembling a "mother" or figuratively an "angel," solidifying her as the true "angel of mercy."