Civil War medicine

1864: “Being An Invalid”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

Baltimore, Md.

August 20, 1864

Dear Emma

I doubt not but you are wondering why I, of late, am so delinquent in replying to your letters. The reason, which I will state, is from no lack of desire to be prompt, but the heat has such an effect on my shoulder, coupled with my duties, which are not so arduous but of such a nature as oftentimes to incapacitate me entirely, for writing letters. I trust you will consider my circumstances, being an invalid, and pardon me for my delays accordingly. Will you?

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1864: “Lying Mortally Wounded The Doctors Think”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

[June 19, 1864]

My darling wife

I am lying mortally wounded the doctors think, but my mind & heart are at peace[.] Jesus Christ is my all-sufficient savior. I go to him. God bless & keep & comfort you, precious one, you have been a precious wife to me. To know & love you makes life & death beautiful. Cherish the darlings & give my love to all the dear ones[.] Do not grieve too much for me. We shall all soon meet Live for the children Give my dearest love to father, mother & Sallie & John[.] Oh how happy to feel yourself forgiven

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Military Medicine: Does Rank Matter?

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

Last week at Gazette665’s Fourth Annual Civil War History Conference – 1864: Fighting To Survive – I had the opportunity to teach about the ’64 Shenandoah Valley Campaign but with a twist. Militarily and medically! I’d been planning this presentation for a year and drawing on my studies of primary sources to build a new look at Civil War medical history.

This month on the blog for our Friday post I wanted to share some thoughts and research I’ve been doing “on the side” about Military Medicine across different eras. I promise not to get too “gory and gross” (as my mom would call it).

We’ll kick off the month with some thoughts about rank and if/when/how this has affected survival rates, digging back into medieval history and then moving forward on the timeline.

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1863: “Next Day We Went…To Look At The Camps”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

Sanitary Store Boat, “Dunleith”, on the Mississippi, above Memphis;

April 1st 1863

Dear Father,

…The day after our arrival [on the 22nd] Gen’l Grant sent an aid on board out boat to take us near to Vicksburg as it would be safe to go. It was near enough to set our watches by the town-clock and to see negroes shoveling earth upon the breast-works. Bissell was building a case-mate battery for two 30 lb. Parrotts, concealed from the enemy by the levee, at the point nearest the town; from which it was intended to open fire upon their R.R. station and Commissary storehouse, the morning after we left. Continue reading →

Tea With Sarah: Favorite Historical Era, Civil War Doctors, & Country Music

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

Good afternoon, it’s time for tea!

Gather ’round because I’ve been baking today, and it would be quite a tea if you could all come over and really visit. We’d be having Raspberry Zinger “Tea” and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Could somebody please explain why it’s called coffee cake when there’s no coffee in it? But I digress from the really conversations of the day…

Early in the week on social media, I promised to reveal my second favorite historical era. Then we’ll discuss Civil War doctors and what’s been on my music playlist this week. Looking forward to reading your comments and continuing the conversation! Continue reading →