Civil War Washington

CASE 941.—Contusion of the spine.—Private J. Sanford, Co. I, 32d Massachusetts, aged 37 years, was accidentally hurt in the back on September 12, 1862. He was admitted to Fairfax Seminary Hospital the following day, where he was discharged from service on December 8, 1862. Surgeon D. P. Smith, U. S. V., certified to the following disability: "An injury of the lumbar vertebræ which has resulted in inflammation of the kidneys and of the tissues of the lumbar region, rendering it difficult for him to stand." The Boston Examining Board reported, November 27, 1862: "Partial paralysis of the superior and inferior extremities, bowels, and bladder from injury to spine. The paralysis of the inferior extremities is no worse than a year ago, perhaps the legs are a trifle smaller. The paralysis of the arms has increased somewhat. The disability is permanent and incapacitates him for all manual labor." Dr. W. H. Wallace, of East Boston, testified, March 29, 1880: "The pensioner is suffering from an injury of the spine, partial paralysis of the upper and lower extremities, great irregularity of the bowels sometimes obstinate constipation, at others diarrhœa; also inability to retain the urine and at times inability to pass it. He requires the passing of a catheter once and often twice a week, and is unable to feed, dress, or undress himself fully two-thirds of the time. There is emaciation and loss of sleep from pain in back and legs. He will never be any better."