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Well its certainly proving difficult to find accurate figures. What does interest me is how many new recruits brought an existing condition to the armies. In 1914, the British army turned away around one third of those who tried to volunteer. This was due to cases of tuberculosis, scabbies, ricketts, malnutrition, bad teeth, social diseases (to put it politely) and any number of other conditions. I would imagine 1860's America would have been similar. I do recall reading somewhere a story of volunteers in New York I think it was. The regimental surgeon lined up the new recruits for inspection. One man was turned away because he had a withered hand. His friend told him to come back tomorrow but this time stand in the second rank. He did, and was accepted.
I would imagine 1860's America would have been similar.
You said 1/3 were turned away. In the snippet of information provided, it would appear that you had to be missing a limb to get turned away from Confederate or Union service. The book claims that examinations were so perfunctory, that as many as 400 women slipped through undetected. Guess there was no "turn your face and cough."
ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Ran across a list of Federal casualties. Ran across one for the Confeds as well, which only illustrates the lack of records. Neither of which answer's Blockade's question: is there any indication which deases or disabilities cut the wider swath?
I've not seen one, but with Blockade, I'd certainly like to see one.
Zou. Is any of that online?
ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Nooooo, I wish it were online, I wouldn't have to buy so many books!
In fact, I just bought another one, though it hasn't arrived yet. For years I've heard of the diary of Spencer Bonsall, a Union hospital steward, in a university collection. Now it's been published, and there's great rejoicing in Zouville.
I recall reading another story which is relevant. I think it was in the early stages of the war in Missouri. A Union regiment were considered one of the finest in the army. The reason being, only ten percent of the regiment were on the sick list.
Only ten percent would qualify it as one of the best.
ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
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