1862 July 31 Camp Green Meadows.

[from the diary of Charles Hay, Private Co H, 23rd Ohio]


  Camp Green Meadows, July 31st, /62
     The prevalence of that disease, which
always more or less affects the general health
of @ camp, Diarrhoea, had become so marked,
as to attract more than usual attention as
to the cause productive of such undesirable
results.  The location of our camp is gen=
-erally conceded to be a healthy one, and
the water we use is most excellent.  Our
supply of palatable food seems to be ample,
of course, consisting only of the regular army
diet, but yet, this properly cooked, affords
wholesome and nutritious edibles, such as an
epicure might not fancy, but he who seeks
after the substantials of life might.
     It is well known though, that, at this
season of the year, vegetable productions come in
vogue, and if they can be had they are much
sought after, as, from continual confinement
to one diet for months; a change to something
fresh and sweet, would be most welcome.
The trouble is, that, after so long an isolation,
the attempt to govern or restrain one’s self when

when we have gone as far as prudence would
recommend, is difficult or futile.  I think
that is this latter fact may be found the
cause of the prevailing Diarrhoea; an over=
=indulgence in eating food to which we are
not accustomed.  There are no alarming
cases, but a great many are of such a
nature as to deter them from performing the
usual duties incumbent on @ soldier; and to
prove @ source of annoyance both to themselves
and the Surgeons.
     Vegetables and fruit are rarities in this
community; the former, from the fact that
a large proportion of the people have
left the country, and what are left raise
little more than enough for themselves: the
latter, because but little attention was ever paid
to the culture of fruit trees, in this country, so
that there is now but little fruit, and that very
inferior.  Spontaneous productions, such as
blackberries and whortleberries, abound in profusion,
and of the largest kind and most luscious
quality.  These are a common product of Western Virginia.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925