Answer. Only one; the others were brought here from the boat on stretchers, put on the dumb-waiter, and lifted right up to their rooms, and put on their beds. And I would state another thing in regard to these men: when they were received here they were filthy, dirty, and lousy in the extreme, and we had considerable trouble to get them clean. Every man who could possibly stand it we took and placed in a warm bath and held him up while he was washed, and we threw away all their dirty clothing, providing them with that which was clean.
Question. What was the condition of their clothing?
Answer. Very poor, indeed. I should say the clothing was very much worn, although I did not examine it closely, as that was not so much a matter of investigation with us as was their physical condition. Their heads were filled with vermin, so much so that we had to cut off their hair and make applications to destroy the vermin.
Question. What portion of those you have received here do you suppose are finally curable?
Answer. We shall certainly lose one-third of them; and we have been inclined to think that, sooner or later, we should lose one-half of them.
Question. Will the constitutions of those who survive be permanently injured, or will they entirely recover?
Answer. I think the constitutions of the greater part of them will be seriously impaired; that they will never become strong and healthy again.
Question. What account have these men given you as to the comparative condition of those left behind? Did the rebels send the best or the poorest of our prisoners?
Answer. I could not tell that; I have never inquired. But I should presume they must have sent the worst they had.
Question. You have had charge of confederate sick and wounded, have you not?