Dysentery Info
Diarrhea/Dysentery was the most common affliction during the civil war. Poor diet, short food rations, poor hygiene, improper food preparation techniques, and lack of clean drinking or bathing water allowed bacteria to spread to large numbers of individuals through indirect touch or shared use of supplies.
Symptoms:
- abdominal cramps
- dehydration
- fever
- bloody stools with pus/mucus
When the sun shines against me, I make no shadow - August 10, 1863
W.W. Knight writes this letter to his wife addressing her as "Widow" since it has been so long since he has received a letter from her. He is lighthearted and maintains a sense of humor despite the conditions of war and his own health conditions. Knight mentions that he has been sick with diarrhea for over a month. He feels week but believes that the food they are receiving is keeping him strong. He mentions that another individual is also sick with the same illness.
Dear Widdow[sic], I will try to drop you a line once more, which I recon will surprise you. I have been waiting for a letter from you so long that I have concluded you think you have no old man left to write to, so this is to jog your memory, or inform you I would like to hear from you once more, if you are able to write or have any thing[sic] to write on or with. I am quite hearty and very fleshy, all though[sic] when the sun shines fair against me, I make no shadow. I have had a slight touch of diarrhea now for a month and a half, but thanks to [the] strengthening effect of our beef we get, I can still walk. Also, I am weak from the diarrhea, other ways I am well. Jonathan has had it very bad, but is getting better, so he is able to attend to his business. Lt. Baxter is at home on furlough
My legs are so weak I cannot run at all - August 29, 1863
W.W. Knight and several other individuals have been hospitalized with diarrhea that has made them physically weak. Knight says that on the way to the hospital, they left behind many other individuals sick with diarrhea.
Atlanta Ga. 29th August 1863
Dear Wife,
I am again in old Georgia, although I am in the hospital, but am not sick so you need not be uneasy about me. I do not think I am weak from diarrhea, my legs are so weak I cannot run at all, but I feel very well. We come here this morning, Jonathan, John Clemants, Edward Matthis, John, Luke and myself, all have the same complaints, but I think I will get well in a short time if we stay here. We have good water and something to eat that is better than we are used to getting.
We left a good many sick in Miss. and on the way, all with the diarrhea. I do not know how long I will stay here, but I hope not long. I am very anxious to hear from you. If you get this in four or five days, write to me, direct to me at Atlanta Ga. Fair Hospital [illegible address]....
Your Faithful Husband W. W. Knight
