Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-06-01
Correspondence from the I7Ist.
JoHNsoN's ISLAND.
Nav 2l. 1864.

May 81, 1864. Ia
Dear CHronicle:-The regiment is very
pleasantly located on new ground,
on the north east end of the Island, in a
beautiful grove, with the bay on the eth
er side, in close proximity. The change
is very apparent in the health of the
men, for while on the old ground, an ay-
erage of five or six from company were
daily reported unfit for duty, the total re-
port of the regiment is now but twenty
five to thirty. These are principally cases
of disordered stomach, and caused by
want of proper care in eating, of course
there are exceptions. The theory in fur
nishing an army with food, is to concen
trate the most nutrition in the least bulk,
and in the least perishable form. Hence
persons accustomed to eat given quantity
will find they have taken more than they
require, although they may not have sat
isfed their appetite. Another thing, the
bread is made by wholesale, and in order
to facilitate the operation, an undue pro-
portion of yeast is used, and when too
much is eaten, the whole mass ferments
on the stomach, and diarrhoa is the gen
eral consequence. OF those who are report
ed unfit for duty, most are simply cases
which require little rest and abstinence.
There are but FIVE or six case in Hospital,
one, VIM. Cline, of Ravenna, is quite bad
with erysipelas, another, from Windham,
has been sick with typhus fever. but Is
now recovering. You of course have
heard of the death of Clark Flick of Far
mington. 1t is said he was not well when
he left home.
Drs. A. G. Miner, of Mineral Ridge, and
B. F. Pitman, of Portage Co., have been
Assistant Surgeons, and M. S.
Clark, of Windham, Hospital Stewart,
which with DR.. Applegate as Surgeon,
makes an effective Medical Department.
We have no regular regimental Hospi-
tai, and most of the men are treated in
headquarters. Sanitary or other goods, de-
signed for company use, should be sent to
company commander, for general use, to
the Surgeon. The government now fur
nishes in sufficient quantity, blankets.
sheets, pillow cases and ticks, these articles
need not be sent, at least so long as we are
in present location. Dried fruits, fresh
butter. cheese, dried beef, pickles, &C.,
are always acceptable, Sweet cake and
sour bread don't mix well, and if friends
loiH insist on sending knicknacks, let
them be of such a nature that they will
not have to be eaten immediately to SaCe
them. speak generally. If individuals
want particular articles. they can let it be
known.
The gunboat Michigan steamed up the
bay the other day, and now lies anchored
off the Island. A regiment from Cincin-
nall, Col. Bohlaender, arrived here on the
both, making the fourth regiment now
here, besides a battery. Doubtless some
will leave, and because of The fact that
BUR regiment in common with Others, |
have drawn knapsacks, some may infer
that we are to go. Ispeak advisedly when
say that at this time II is not ka0,0n here, |
which regiment goes, or to what place.
If we go, / trust that Trumbull county |
will not have cause to be ashamed of us,
in whatever position we may be placed.
The simple drawing of knapsacks, is no
evidence whatever, of a contemplated
movement. Among soldiers, citizens
dress carpetsacks, &C., is not in place, and
when regiment is equipped, all it aeeEs is |
furnished ...
Mr.. L. 7. Soule, formerly lst Sergeant
Newton Falls company, has been elected
Captain, vice Capt. Elected Major. Our
regimental organization is now complete,
and we are setting down to regular work |
and drill, which leaves but little spare
lime. II.