Last night, while on
guard duty, I was taken suddenly ill. Had to be relieved from duty. Placed in
an old barn, used for a field hospital, with a leaky old roof, the rain coming
down on me. Colonel, I was informed, came to the barn, saw my condition,
ordered me carried to a general hospital known as Stuart's Mansion, afterward
named the Jarvis Hospital, at the west end of Baltimore. At the hospital I was
examined by a surgeon who pronounced my illness typhoid fever and the pleurisy.
I was placed in Ward 4. I was very ill. My side was cupped for the pleurisy.
Received good care from the nurses, one woman and four men, two by day and
night. My comrades of Company C called on me quite often until the company was
ordered to Fort Marshall at the east end of Baltimore, about five miles from
the Hospital. In good quarters. All were very sorry I could not be with them.
While in the hospital the officers of the company called on me. I also received
a call from our good Governor Buckingham. Promised friends at home that he
would call on me, see that I was having good care. His home was in Norwich.
I told the Governor
that I had no fault to find and for him to tell the folks at home that I was
receiving good care. Also received calls from Mrs. Henry Bingham, the wife of a
comrade of our company and an old friend at home. Comrade Bingham was very ill
in the same hospital with me. On the wall, at the head of our beds, was a card
with our name, company, and regiment. The loyal people of Baltimore often
visited the hospital, furnishing entertainment for the patients in songs and
recitations. Was very much enjoyed and appreciated as the time dragged slowly
along.
SOURCE: Charles H.
Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn.
Vol's, p. 14
