150 Years Ago: September 25, 1863: Epidemic Sickness a Blockade Problem

SEPTEMBER 25TH:

Epidemic sickness was a persistent hazard of extended duty in warm climates.

To illustrate, this date, Commodore H.H. Bell in New Orleans reported to Welles, "I regret to inform the Department that a pernicious fever has appeared on board the United States steamers repairing at this port from which some deaths have ensued. Some of the cases have been well-defined yellow fever, and others are recognized here by the names of pernicious and congestive fever."

I am sure the recruiters didn't mention disease when getting new enlistees.

--Old B-Runner