Reminiscences of the Civil War, 1861-1865

The Sick Soldier.—Exposure, irregular and unwholesome diet, constant changing, uncomfortable lodgings and many other things caused soldiers to contract diseases which often terminated in death. Notwithstanding everything was done for the poor sick soldier that could be done under the circumstances, he missed the affectionate attentions of loved ones at home. On account of inadequate facilities to furnish the necessary means the unfortunate victim was often neglected.

Surgeon’s Call.—While in camp every morning at a certain hour Surgeon’s call was announced by the beating of the drum. Sick soldiers in camp who were able to walk were required to report to the doctor for treatment and to be excused from duty. Such as were not too sick remained in camp and were treated at their tents, and soldiers who were very sick were sent to a hospital. Soldiers sick in camp generally received scant sympathy and poor attention. A soldier though who was known to be faithful in the discharge of duty if unfortunately became sick was cared for by his friends.

In every command there were soldiers who were experts in playing off sick, and of course such were not respected. There was always some one ready to ridicule the sick squad reporting. When the drums beat sometimes a wag would cry out. “Come up dead” or “Come up and get your Dovers powders or Camphor and Opium pills.” Soldiers really sick have been known to throw away medicine given them and take their chances.

Simple Minded Sick Soldier.—In a certain regiment a simple minded soldier who was really sick would slowly make his way to the doctor’s tent and when asked “what is your trouble?” he would invariably give the same answer, “The same old complaint, ‘Sumption.’” The doctor would excuse him and he would return to his tent, lie down and suffer as much with homesickness as with the disease itself.

Many a poor soldier lost his life in camp, in a hospital, on the march or on the battlefield, who would have rallied from a very slight indisposition that developed into a fatal disease could he have been transferred to his home.

Despondent, Sick Soldier.—After serving in the army for about a year a soldier was stricken down with a severe spell of sickness and sent to a hospital to recuperate. Having a horror for hospital life he plead earnestly with the physician in charge to recommend the issuing of a furlough for him to return home. He was informed that he was too weak and must wait until he got able to travel. The next day he told the doctor that he was getting worse and weaker and plead with him to allow him to go before the board to meet in a few minutes in the hospital, but received no encouragement. A few minutes later a message came summonsing some other sick soldiers in the same room to appear before the board. He had about given up in despair when another message came ordering him to report to the board at once. He obeyed the order without delay, and had scarcely gotten inside of the door when the chairman said, “Give him fifty days.” He returned home one beautiful Sunday morning. A good mother saw him slowly approaching the house and seeing his uniform, it occurred to her that the stranger was a soldier and for the sake of her own boys in the field she would treat him as well as she could. Being pale, weak, emaciated, reduced almost to a skeleton and nearly exhausted, he with difficulty climbed up the steps that lead up to the door. As soon as he got inside of the door his mother and sister assisted him to a chair, thinking they were helping some poor unfortunate soldier unknown to them. Finally they recognized him but did not know whether to rejoice or weep for it looked very much like his life was fast ebbing out. In a few weeks he was well again and returned to the army.

Visiting.—Soldiers very much enjoyed a visit from friends at home, and a visitor after getting in camp and located among the friends he was especially visiting was regarded as guest of the soldiers and treated with deference by all he chanced to meet. Soldiers were always ready for some fun and any incident outside of the common broke the monotony and gave them a change. Citizens with few exceptions after their first experience enjoyed a joke even at their expense. If a citizen passed through camp wearing a long tailed coat or plug hat, some one would tauntingly cry out, “Come down out of that coat or come out of that hat, I know you are in there I see your legs,” and the boys would repeat until the poor fellow got through and of course the citizen felt relieved when the boys quieted down. The boys meant no disrespect and the citizens generally took it all good naturedly.

Portly Gentleman.—At one time a portly gentleman passed through camp and as soon as he came in sight a soldier cried out, “Here he comes: and here he comes” was repeated along the line. Finally the old gentleman chagrined, stopped, pulled off his hat and politely asked the boys what he had done, they promptly told him that he had stolen their big bass drum and swallowed it. The good natured old fellow caught on to the joke and told the boys that their drum should be returned and he was permitted to pass on enjoying the laugh as much as any of them.

Lady Visitors.—A lady visiting in the camp always had a refining influence upon the soldiers who were pleased to have an opportunity to treat such a visitor as an honored guest. The mere announcement that lady visitors were expected would cause soldiers to get busy and police the camp making everything around the tents look tidy and attractive. The conduct and conversation of the soldiers were always improved by visits of the ladies. Unfortunately though their visits were few and far between times. There was in the valley of Virginia a beautiful young lady who acted as a courier for some of the officers and was said to sometimes pass through the lines where a man would not be allowed to go, and to return bringing valuable information. She was a graceful horseback rider and created a sensation when she rode along the lines.