Veterans column: Levi Coman writes of taking quinine and brandy in the sultry South
One of the biggest issues for soldiers during the American Civil War was disease. As Levi Coman continued his letter written April 27, 1862, his thoughts turned towards his health:
“When I read of the march of our eastern army over mountains and the pines and hemlocks and rapid mountain streams, I can but contrast such a climate with this low (illegible) sultry region and wish our lot was there. But I am taking good care of myself, taking 3 grams of quinine with a little brandy every morning. You may send me another bottle in (the) next lot, don’t forget about a gallon of horseradish grated fine and mixed. It is a perfect luxury. We are in no possible danger of scurvy. I have had a chance to make another pudding and succeeded to perfection. I have some dried peaches and apples mixed with a few raisins boiled or stewed for sauce. Is that not a nice dish? Good peaches are very nice so easily carried. Those little ginger snaps with ginger are fine though we can generally get them off the sutler. I don’t think I need any more clothing. When too warm with this, I will go without all I can. Some cotton socks say two pairs and two or three fancy colored shirts cotton, with a closer or two paper collars, would be well but not important. I have reduced my baggage so I am now able to travel. I hope you will get the box of clothing which I sent home all right, also my box.
Veterans column: Levi Coman seeks cough mixture; soft, light, wide-brimmed hat
“I want Willie and Charlie to write to me. Give them boys my love. I thought I was with them last night. Dear Kate and Sue, oh how fathers’ hearts goes toward home this morning. My dear, our love seems all that is left on earth. No not that alone. My dear country I love it as I would a mother. Every day my love for it is stronger and any sense of duty more binding. But when this (illegible) war shall cease, oh joyous, gladly will I rush to the embrace of dear ones at home content to forever lie in the sunshine of its blessings. My dear continue to pray for me. Let all the children join each morning in a prayer for Father. Continue to write me often. Your letters are all that is left to me now that will sustain and cheer me in the path of duty. I sent you my hymnbook. We have a little Army hymnbook containing all those hymns we love and others in a much more compact form. I shall think of you in your morning songs & worship and want to come back to you fit to enter into them humbly myself. Goodbye dearest Mattie, God sustain and cheer you, Levi “
Doug Stout is the Licking County Library local history coordinator. You may contact him at 740.349.5571 or dstout@lickingcountylibrary.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Veterans column: Coman takes quinine and brandy to stay healthy
