Civil War Washington

CASE 885.—Private Charles Irish, company K, 6th Ohio cavalry; age 40; was admitted to 2d Division general hospital, Alexandria, Virginia, June 15,1864. Diagnosis, chronic rheumatism. Transferred to Philadelphia, June 20th. Admitted to Summit House hospital, Philadelphia, June 21st; same diagnosis. Transferred to Satterlee hospital August 24th; same diagnosis. Transferred to Turner's Lane hospital. Admitted to Turner's Lane hospital, Surgeon R. A. Christian, U. S. V., in charge, October 20th. Diagnosis, partial paralysis of the lower extremities. The case-book of the hospital gives the following particulars: This man had typhoid fever eight or nine years ago, followed by enfeeblement of the limbs, in consequence of which he was unable to walk for months. He says his limbs were never so strong again; nevertheless, he was well enough to enlist April 4, 1864, and was sent at once to the field. Six weeks after enlistment he was attacked by dysentery, which was followed by his present trouble. He is now unable to walk, and complains of a feeling as if a rope were tied tightly around his hips; sensation is less impaired than motion; he feels a touch on the legs, but does not perceive painful impressions as distinctly on the lower as on the upper extremities. The record shows that this man was discharged the service December 21st, because of "partial paralysis of the lower extremities."