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| 262 "When the above figures are compared with facts regarding other regiments, some of them probably surrounded by more favorable conditions, the result should be an agreeable surprise to the uninformed who cherish the best interests of the Fifth. "While we were still in camp at Tampa, one of the surgeons of the Fifth United States Cavalry (Regulars), whose regiment was encamped a short distance from ours, told me, in reply to my inquiries, that there were 800 men in his regiment; that over 350 of them were ill and unfit for duty, and that 150 of these were down with typhoid fever. "An account of the Fourteenth New York, which'did not get any further tlian Chickamauga, where it was encamped from the latter part of May until the 5th of September, lost 40 of its members by illness in camp, and 10 more after its return to New York and before being mustered out. "A member of the Eighth New York stated to me that his regiment, which also remained at Chickamauga, lost 75 men while encamped there, and that more than 25 additional died after return to their armory and before being mustered out. "The mortality of the Ninth New York was also great—not so severe as that of the Eighth, but far in excess of ours. "These citations will, I think, show that we fared better, as to health, than any of these regiments, and if any one choose to carry the inquiry further, I am confident that the health of the Fifth Maryland will be found to compare favorably with any or all other regiments, whether volunteers or regulars. "As surgeon of the Fifth, I exerted all means in my power to maintain the best hygienic conditions of the camp and the health of the command, although many obstacles were encountered. Among others, I found it often difficult and frequently impossible to obtain requisite supplies. "As to the prevalence of typhoid fever, I have always firmly believed that the countless myriads of flies, which were everywhere and in everything, were the most active carriers and agents in the dissemination of this dreadful scourge. " Come and git your quinine, Quinine, quinine, quinine, Come and git your quinine, And your pills." |