Military Issues


Dr. Gale on deceased soldier, New Orleans, 1862

Dr. Gale on deceased soldier, New Orleans, 1862
Item 70236   info
Maine Historical Society

Surgeons assigned to regiments often were blunt in their assessment of health issues. In the previous letter, Enoch Adams of the 14th Maine wrote, "There is not a man sleeping on the ground that has not a cough," as he urged bunks for soldiers.

Dr. George F. Gale, surgeon for the 8th Vermont, wrote in his brief report that a soldier "died last night in Hospital from starvation."

The climate in Louisiana, along with the conditions facing many troops, resulted in large numbers of death from disease.

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