The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-04-22
FOR TIE INDEPENDENT PRESS.
INCIDENTS OF THE
MEXICAN CAMPAIGN,
The Camp at Puebla.

Very soon after our arrival Mt Puebla, sick
ness mostly diarrhoca prevailed to an alarming
extent in our army and on the goth Of May
22l5 men were reported sick in the hospitals.
The diarrohoea was confined principally to
the volunteer Regiments In our Regiment
alone hundred men died here Of that dis
ense. The maludy i'll its primary stage pre-
scntel the following symptoms dry scuriy
appearance Of the skin followed by simple
discharge from the bowels. which was some
times attended with light fev"rs. The treut-
mcnt pursued by our physicians was low diet,
broken doses of Dovers Powders and opium.
Their prescriptions failed to produce proper
reaction i'll the system and majority Of their
patients after weeks and even months Of in.
tense suffering were carried off 10y dysentcry
in its most aggravated form.
Very few of our Regiment escaped this dis
tressing sickness in its first stages. 1t was pro
duced solely i'y the dryness Of the atmosphere
and a conseou rut want Of rcgul larity .in the
secretions. Natives of Southern climates are
more subject TO il. or even those whose habits
ofbody induce them TO more coL'ious persl slira-
ton. In this dry atmosphere neither men nor
fact that smaller amount Of food IS consumed
by all classes Of animals. Animal matter does
not purify here if cxposed to u current Of air,
and carcnss suspended in cool draft, will
cure like an Egyptian mummy. Our physi-
clans We're kind to the sick. they had good
quarters, clean and comfortable beds and at
tentive nurses. Still they died and if all the
inhabitants Of our Southern States. had been
here under the same medical treatment, they
would have died in the SAME proI'orlion And
whoever goes there now and negle cts to wear
warm clothing and stimulating diet will
die likewise. Our poor patients had the most
inord inate thirst for water, no quantity o.
which could for moment ullay their desire
for it. 1t acte,l as an emetic IN most cases still
they were allowed free access TO 1T
Some Of our men, who sick in ou
quarters with this disease. were cured by til,
most simple remedies suggested by experienced
and the adv ice of the natives, some of whom
were kind enough to explain to us to the ma
ture and origin ofonr sickness. The writer o
this narrative was attacked with it as bad n
any one. and in the meantime was cnred by
small dose Of oil followed up by pepper tea
The natives eat large quantity of red peppe
or chile as it is called, served up in their dali
food. The climate absolutely requires it an,
nature suggests it. Our men were amused a
the Mexicans, because Of their fondness for th
article. And happily would it have been 70
our men generally had our medical professions
lists laid aside their books and sought the ad
wise Of The msanest peon. or else paid more al
tenton to- the rules and maxims relating t
this singular climate. I have stated my ear
nest convictions about the matter as substaI
tiated by incontrovsrtables facts, and exper
cnce in my OWE eass My heart yearned owe
our poor stffersrs. 'tnd longed to re''ev
them bot my situation compelled me to silenc
Every day and almost hourly. ttfelow mourr
full and solemn notes of the nuffled drum. al
=. pounced the departure Of another one Of m.
companions in arms Icould view with pa
tial Indifference a comrade who fresh with Iii
and vigor, had fallen upon q glorious and tr
umphant field. But to stand silent an
mournful spectator over those who had bee
stricken down as it were byan unseen ham
brought with it reflections of most sorrowfl
nature; Our officers visited the hospital dali
and mono of them oftener than our Colone
Colonel Batier did all thstlay in bis power
eoutribute 70 tie comforts and pleasures Of ii