Everything about Camp Douglas in the winter led to suffering. According to the History Channel documentary, "Eighty Acres of Hell", blankets and proper food were deliberately witheld. The barracks were raised up off the ground, ostensibly to reduce the rat population; the effect was to create cold winds under the barracks. These conditions, on top of uncle Frank's wound, no doubt led to his rheumatism. His annual pension applications, outling his conditions, grew shorter each year, until at last, in 1924, his widow said: "He went to the war and it killed him." Very succinct; and she got her pension. My best to you, sir, and your family. Stan
(BTW, the documentary also stated that two black Confederates were with Morgan when they were captured. Upon entry into Camp Douglas, one was shot dead by a guard. He was kept in the "dead house" overnight, where his ears were eaten by the rats.)