FRONTIER ARMY SANITATION

As the following letter from Camp Brown's Surgeon attests, romantic notions of frontier army life dissipate when viewed through the lens of an eyewitness account.  Brackets indicate editor's comments or notes.

Post Hospital

Camp Brown W. T.

January 1, 1874

Major E[ugene]. M. Baker

Commanding Post

(Through Post Adjutant)

Sir,

I have the honor to call your attention to absence of any means of ventilation and guard house. Whereas, the attic itself is so arranged as to be well supplied with pure air, the absence of ridge or other ventilation for the house in which it is situated prevents either the injurious or healthy atmosphere or the escape of noxious exhalations from the persons of the occupants.

I would respectfully recommend that the necessary slat boxes or other means of ventilation be placed in these buildings. There is a constantly increasing accumulation of frozen slop parings of vegetables etc in rear of "A" Co mess hall and kitchen which I recommended should be removed and that no more be allowed to be thrown out on limits of porch.

The general privy used by enlisted men being placed over the river in rear of hospital, the water recovering the excreta. I would suggest that either the privy be removed lower down the stream or that persons belonging to garrison be forbidden to use water taken from the stream below the privy for any purpose whatsoever.

Very resp

(sgd) Thos G Maghee

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