7th.  In this foul atmosphere amputation did not arrest hospital gangrene; the disease almost invariably returned.  Almost every amputation was followed finally by death, either from the effects of gangrene or from the prevailing diarrhea and dysentery.  Nitric acid and escharotics generally in this crowded atmosphere, loaded with noxious effluvia, exerted only temporary effects; after their application to the diseased surfaces, the gangrene would frequently return with redoubled energy; and even after the gangrene had been completely removed by local and constitutional treatment, it would frequently return and destroy the patient.  As far as my observation extended, very few of the cases of amputation for gangrene recovered.  The progress of these cases was frequently very deceptive.  I have observed after death the most extensive disorganization of the structures of the stump, when during life there was but little swelling of the part, and the patient was apparently doing well.  I endeavored to impress upon the medical officers the view that in this disease treatment was almost useless, without an abundant supply of pure, fresh air, nutritious food, and tonics and stimulants.  Such changes, however, as would allow of the isolation of the cases of hospital gangrene appeared to be out of the power of the medical officers.

8th.  The gangrenous mass was without true pus, and consisted chiefly of broken-down, disorganized structures.  The reaction of the gangrenous matter in certain stages was alkaline.

9th.  The best, and in truth the only means of protecting large armies and navies, as well as prisoners, from the ravages of hospital gangrene, is to furnish liberal supplies of well-cured meat, together with fresh beef and vegetables, and to enforce a rigid system of hygiene.

10th.  Finally, this gigantic mass of human misery calls loudly for relief, not only for the sake of suffering humanity, but also on account of our own brave soldiers now captives in the hands of the Federal Government.  Strict justice to the gallant men of the Confederate Armies, who have been or who may be, so unfortunate as to be compelled to surrender in battle, demands that the Confederate Government should adopt that course which will best secure their health and comfort in captivity; or at least leave their enemies without a shadow of an excuse for any violation of the rules of civilized warfare in the treatment of prisoners.

[End of the Witness’s Testimony.]

The variation—­from month to month—­of the proportion of deaths to the
whole number living is singular and interesting.  It supports the theory
I have advanced above, as the following facts, taken from the official
report, will show: 
     In April one in every sixteen died. 
     In May one in every twenty-six died. 
     In June one in every twenty-two died. 
     In July one in every eighteen died. 
     In August one in every eleven died. 
     In September one in every three died. 
     In October one in every two died. 
     In November one in every three died.