Civil War Washington

CASE 32.—Pain and swelling of feet.—Private Peter Gates, Co. E, 1st Mich.; age 25; was admitted March 2, 1862. This man became affected with intermittent fever in November, 1861, and continued in ill health from that time. From the daily entries on the hospital record which cover the period to March 29, it is found that the case was regarded as one of typhoid fever, and that the patient was unable to walk, having a bed-sore on each hip and much swelling, tenderness and pain in his feet, but his tongue was moist and clean, appetite good, bowels regular, skin natural and pulse of fair strength. Stimulants and citrate of iron and quinine were given, but for some time there was no improvement in the condition of the feet. Severe frontal headache was noted as having been present on the 10th and 11th and as having recurred on the 15th, 20th and 29th. Quinine was prescribed on the 15th. At the time the last entry was made the bed-sores were healing and the swelling of the feet had subsided. The patient was discharged from service May 3.—Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, D. C.