Frederick Law Olmstead to Richard Yates

Sanitary Commission, Washington, D. C.

Treasury Building, August 17th, 1861.

To His Excellency, Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois, The attention of your Excellency is most respectfully called to the importance of a thorough physical examination of men offering to volunteer. It is quite impossible for any but perfectly sound, tough, strong men to endure the privations, fatigue, and exposure, to which soldiers, under our present Army Regulations, must be subject, without great suffering to themselves, and loss to the Nation. It is not doubted, that if our army had been entirely composed of such men, the result of the late disastrous battle, at Bull's Run, would have been wholly different. That the inspection of recruits, has hitherto been very inadequate, there is, unfortunately, too much evidence. For instance, twenty-two men have been discharged since the battle, on account of Hernia, from a single regiment, and this, one which was far better officered, and therefore, better cared for, and less severely tried, than most others. Men who cannot lose a meal or two, without becoming ill

and disheartened; men, who when slightly indisposed, need domestic comforts, and tender care, not only are of no use, where soldiers are most needed; but do a great deal of harm, impeding and disconcerting arrangements, based on the supposition that soldiers are what the Army Regulations assume them to be. -- sound, tough, enduring, and long-suffering. It is well-known to be a general rule, in civilized warfare, that where one man is killed in battle, ten die from disease; but it is too little considered, that where one man dies from disease, many score must be, for a certain period, quite unfit for service, and a heavy burden and drawback, upon the movements, the general courage and efficiency of the strong and well.

It is hoped that the suggestion will be pardoned, that orders should be given, with a view to put, if possible, beyond question, the perfect physical ability of the volunteers, hereafter to be accepted by your Excellency.

I have the honor to be Your Excellency's Most Ob'dt Servant

Fred. Law Olmstead, Sec'y

Olmstead, Fred Law Washington Aug 7. 61

Sanitary