Like December, January 1862 was a fairly quiet time in the Civil War. There were a few actions, especially in West Virginia, Missouri and coastal North Carolina, but the big battles and the carnage were still to come.
Meanwhile, there was news about the regiment still in camp at Camp Andrews. On Jan. 14, the Banner reported that Dr. McDermott, of Dayton, “who is spoken of as a well-read, experienced physician and an accomplished gentleman has been appointed surgeon of the 43rd Regiment, now at Camp Andrews, Mount Vernon. We learn that he has already served a campaign in Western Virginia and was not only successful in the line of his profession, but was esteemed by officers and soldiers.”
On the same day, the Banner reported that the 43rd had received its orders to march and would be going first to Newark, to be issued new Enfield rifles, and then to Romney, W.Va.
And also on that day, it was reported the 43rd had taken over the building on Main Street occupied by Dr. Russell as a dwelling, and would be using it for a regimental hospital. About 20 patients were in the hospital at the time, most of whom have the measles. There is one case of diphtheria. “It s a good thing those men have taken the measles before they go into active service. Now they have comfortable quarters and every attention they require, which might not be the case if they were ‘amongst strangers in a strange land.’”
