The National tribune., 1901-05-09

UNCONSClOUSLY I'M
tional, experience of a body of men who
] believe did their duty as cheerfully,
faithfully and effectively as any of their
comrade commands.
This is necessary, as, being their chief
medical officer, my duties with them were
in the capacity of patients. Their af-
fictions and sufferings and my own per-
pleIities it is the purpose of this paper
to portray.
PREPARATION.
All old soldiers will readily recall that
IN 1861 men everywhere rushed TO arms
as TO a holiday. The drum and fife were
heard everywhere. To fill the ranks was
easy, but to secure their acceptance was
difficult. In short, more offered their SER
vices than the Government called for;
more than they supposed they needed.
L was then practicing my profession in
a crossroads town in southern Hancock
County, Ohio, and situated as l was did
not deem it my duty to try to go at that
time and under the circumstances.
1t was, however, my settled purpose to
delay no longer than until the time of ap-
parent necessity, and to enter the service
in my professional capacity, as at the
time there was need of medical men.
accordingly at once commenced ar
ranging my tangled business affairs to
that end, and also began systematic and
thorough review Of my surgical works, as
one Of my possible future needs. A year
passed by, and several battles had been
fought.
Many of the Surgeons who went out
with the 1861 regiments were eminent in
their professions and advanced in years.
They found themselves untitled for the
toll and privation, and sought the calm
and comfort of their homes. The country,
terrOr-stricken by unexpected disasters,
was correspondingly determined and en-
thusiastic. New regiments were forming,
and to complete all the Governor of the
State made known through the public
press that the Ohio soldiers in the field
were suffering for need Of medical at
tendance, and called on the medical men
Of the State TO rally TO their aid.
An examination by the State Medical
Board was necessary preliminary, and
an early day was announced for the eX-
animation of applicants.
The waited-for hour had arrived. l
was in attendance, and In a short time re-
ceiyed notice of acceptance. At once pro-
ceeding TO Columbus, was mustered into
the service, commissioned Surgeon OF the
93th Ohio Volunteers, and ordered to i'm
mediately report 10 its commander for
duty.
Returning to my home, the key was
turned in my office door, and within AZ
hours ! was on duty at the camp, near
Lima, Allen County, o.
NA4lE LIMA
The camp seemed to me to swarm with
men. Over l 500 had been enlisted within
the Congressional District. EEafy va
riety was represented, but they consisted
mainly in stalwart young farmers and me-
chanics who had enjoyed home comforts,
each feeling that his master was his own
free will. They were reasonable in obey
ing orders, but were disposed to consider
how far they were warranted in doing So
A mental reservation lurked in every
breast about being commanded to do or
not to do any particular thing They were
typical American volunteers, learning
quickly the lesson OF obedience, and proved
themselves worthy On many q battlefield.
The line officers were almost wholly
without military knowledge or experience,
cropping in darkness as TO their rights and
duties.
The field and staff were equally be-
nighted. with the exception Of the Colonel,
who had had a brief experience in the
field as Captain.
The medical men We're supposed and
supposed themselves to fairly understand
the duties that would fall to their lot;
but, alas, how soon l learned that every
where l was foundering in a sea Of ig-
nOrance, as much in need of help as my
comrades, from Colonel to private.
The military was in this camp some
what OF go as you please" but some
feeble attempts were made at squad drill,
and after a time dress parades were
held.
SELECTING A REGIMENT.
My first important duty was the exam
ination Of the recruits. It rested with me
TO select out of !, 800, 1000 men who were
70 be the regiment, and being desirous to
have II imposing, with the concurrence of
the field officers, l proceeded to make my
first important mistake.
The standard of hight for acceptance
was fixed at one-half inch above that for
the Regular Army. All below that were
remorselessly rejected. l had no author
ity to refer to, no knowledge beyond gem
erai principles TO guide me; but many
were rejected for physical reasons that
ta them were absurd.