Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-12-19

the region in which Camp Griffin il situotcJ
and OF course might occur in any unacclimated
person, however careful of himself Bui tho AZ
seases above referred to, reach beyond these.
and those that prove most mortal. tvnbn;d 80
monia and typhoid fever. have no ncrd psou
cohnec'ioh wy" '"e eN'na'e oil virginia, but
are of camp origin.
Typhoid fever which is the most common fe.
brile disease of New England, usually occurs
but once with any considerable intensity in an
individual, and OF course would more frequent-
ly be met with in the young. Our tronps are
mostly under the age Of %, and those who have
never had typhoid are quite certain to contract
it when it originates in camp, as it almos: al
ways does.
Typhoid pneumonia is more rare disease
and more mortal one, than typhoid fever. A
natural relation exists between these two dis
eases and those conversant with the laws of
disease understand very well why the two
should occur together. Indeed we may say that
a natural group of diseases including not only
typhoid fever and typhoid pneumonia, but also
the form of ia'indice Catarrhal inflammation of
the smaller hillary canals) which is so preva-
lent, and likewise, though rarely, dysentery and
diptheria.
The common element that exists in all this
group is n state Of profound prostraton Tor
asthenia) shown in the great and persistent de
preston. of the pulse, cold skin, and other
similar appearances. 1t is this asthena that de-
stroys life more than the local affection of the
bowels, liver and lungs. On looking for causes
then, we seek only TO know how this asthenc
state may be induced and whether any of the
inducing circumstances are in operation at Camp
Griffin
1t should here be stated that the assembage
of regiments, perhaps fifteen in number which
compose Camp Griffin is only p rt of a vast
assembage of troops extending for miles
and miles through the region bordering the
Potomac and whom as Gen. Mcclellan says
''no man may number" These have been living
upon the same ground for weeks; and although
good deal of care has been used to keep the
camps clean, yet everywhere disease incident
to camps has arisen. The only reason that
can be given why disease prevails throughout
the whole range of camps, them is because they
have remained stationary so long. The cause
is not in the men, but in the 5; turated soil and
the silent, unseen contamination Of the waters
and atmosphere. A deathly influence from
these gives to all disease of whatever name an
asthenic form, and causes it 10 prove mortal far
beyond what could occur away from the region
Of camps. Upon making careful survey | was
able to convince my self that in one regiment
at least, the location was such as to favor more
speedy action of the cause alluded 10. and was
happy to find that my views were endorsed by
the proper authorities to such an extent that
the regiment was moved to very fine location
before | left. The particular measures calcula-
ted to give our regiments the best possible
chance for staying, or limiting the progress of
disease amongst our faithful soldiers vii speed
lily he laid before your EXcellency in the report
already alluded to. | need not say to you what
duty rests upon YOU. know your heart is al
ready runningo ycr with sympathy with these men
o., Il
as your judgment shall direc;, and let me as
sure you that however recreant few of the
Volunteers may prove, the sacred soil" is no
where occupied by more true hearted men than
the Vermont Regiments. However encompass
Sc by dangers from worse foe than the hosts
OF treason; however great their iatigues; how
ever deeply they feel their separation from their
own dear hills and the fond hearts that are
breathing warm prayers that the God of armies
I may be their protection, they faint not but with
n cheerful and resolute air discharge their du-
ties. They fear not the enemy whom they long
to meet they suffer not for good food and in
plenty; they are well sheltered, and having
been accustomed to the seventies of long and
severe winters they will endure with comfort
the shorter and milder winter Of Virginia.
There are many noble fellows who wish not
merely TO be cd}ied men but to be men and to
acquire the physical endurance that we so much
admire and respect in the soldier and which
separates him so UNNECESSARILY from the artifi-
cial degPncratious of humanity SO common in
civilized life.
To be a soldier, one really deserving the
name, has ever been the pride Of citizens Of re-
puLlics; and well it may be SO, for the true
soldier one who to bravery can add subordina-
ton, and to that physical endurance as the re,
suit of proper training,-wl be nohlcman,
whether he wears a simple button or a star.
And even triple star will not ennoble insub-
ordination and efeminacy, however much of
even bravery may exist. The good soldier
must inevitably be good citizen.
| should not close, however, without giving
nv convictions as to the efficiency of the med
lea! officers of our regiments at Camp Griffin.
Without gong into extended eulogy, which
they would well bear may say that they have
noby met the great demand that has been made
upon their energies and skin When our Board
recommended them for appointment, we felt
sure they would do the profession credit, and
my own expectations are fully realized. lwO&ld
ask of our citizens 70 feel sure that their friends
in the army are in the hands of as humane,
faithful and skiliul a body of surgeons as are to
be found in the army. Nor would | pass by
this opportunity TO express an opinion, t0an5sd
upon a good deal of observation, that car mid
itary officers, so far as | became acquainted
with them are every way worthy of the CONT
dence reposed in them by the Executive of the
State. Having said thus much, no not fsel a,
liberty to omit my own personal opinion of
their commander, Gen. Brooks, who, from
limited acquaintance, seems to me to be the
pattern of Genera-that rare caMpennd Of
intelligence, humanity and discipline. with
complete knowledge Of the military ars
Ed. L. PuII.es.
Windsor, Dec. ~, 1861.