An examination of frontier military post records shows that the following records were usually kept by the post surgeon:

1. Morning Report - listed all men on sick call and their illness
   
2. Hospital register
   
3. Statement of hospital post fund
   
4. Account of hospital purchases
   
5. Medical History of post
   
6. Prescription book
   
7. Liquor issued
   
8. Surgical Operations
   
9. Deaths and burials
   
10. Meteorological register
    
11. Ration account of hospital and companies
    
12. Letter book
    
13. Inspection reports of mess, quarters, food, and water
    
14. Hospital payroll
    
15. Post Sanitary Report
    

We now come to "The Old Powder Magazine."  This structure was built in 1864 after the siege of Fort Abercrombie."  It stored ammunition, powder, and weapons.  Like most of the powder magazines of this time it was made of brick and was approximately16 foot long by 16 foot wide.  An interesting fact about magazines in general, was that the builders were very careful not use nails in the floor, this is because they were afraid that nails in the soldier's shoes would cause a spark if they came in contact with a nail in the floor.

Several kinds of cannon ammunition were used by the army.  A shot or ball was used against masses of troops.  The shell was a hollow projectile filled with powder, which burst into four or five fragments when it exploded.  It was used against buildings or troops hidden in woods.  The spherical case or canister was tin cylindrical can filled with small iron balls that showered on the enemy.  Blank cartridges which were fired at retreat and for honoring visiting generals and national events were also stored in the magazine.  Storage and care of ammunition was the responsibility of the post ordnance officer.

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Copyright 2005

 James V. Acker, Pres.

Bard & Wika, Inc.