There was hardly a corps, or an hospital in the army, where, at one period or other, the disease did not make its appearance, but it was always in our power to arrest its progress. In well regulated corps, where a rigid discipline was enforced, and proper attention to the interior economy was paid, it rarely happened, indeed, that much difficulty was experienced in eradicating the contagion.
As our success in the prevention was so great, all that remains for me is to mention the substance of General Baird’s order to the army on this subject.
1st, To every hospital, an observation-room, or in lieu of it a tent was attached, and to it, every case whatever with febrile symptoms was sent, as soon as discovered, and was there most strictly watched by the surgeon.
2dly, On any symptoms of the plague appearing, the case was instantly sent to the pest-house from the observation-room of the regimental hospital: the patient was accompanied by the medical gentlemen of his corps who attended him, and who gave the medical gentlemen at the pest-house an account of the previous treatment of the case.
If any doubt remained, the patient in the first instance was placed in the observation-room of the pest-house; and, if the disease did not turn out to be plague, he was sent to the quarantine.
3dly, In every corps, and in every department, a minute inspection by the surgeon was made twice a week; and every person with the smallest appearance of ill-health was sent to the hospital.
4thly, Every corps or hospital, where a case of plague had appeared, was put into a state of quarantine; and, in such corps or hospital, an inspection by the surgeons was made at least two or three times a day; and every case with suspicious symptoms was ordered to the observation-room.
5thly, In suspected corps, it was ordered, that, under the inspection of a commissioned officer, every person should be bathed more frequently, and at stated periods; and, likewise, that all their clothing and bedding should be frequently washed and baked. To all the hospitals, ovens and smoking-rooms were attached.
6thly, Quarters of corps, hospitals, and ground of encampments, were frequently changed.