EXECUTIVE MANSION, _September 7, 1888_.
_To the House of Representatives_:
I return without approval House bill No. 9372, entitled "An act granting
a pension to John Dean."
The beneficiary named in this bill was mustered into the service of the
United States February 25, 1863. He never went to the front, but while
in camp at Staten Island, on the 21st day of April, 1863, was granted a
pass for forty-eight hours, and on account of sickness did not again
rejoin his company or regiment. The charge of desertion made against him
has been removed. The Surgeon-General's report shows that he was treated
at quarters on Staten Island in April, 1863, for syphilis, rheumatism,
and debility.
He was admitted to Charity Hospital, Blackwells Island, New York Harbor,
August 5, 1863, and discharged November 18, 1863. He was admitted to the
Ladies' General Hospital in New York December 1, 1863, and was
discharged from the service for disability April 7, 1864.
The discharge was granted, as stated by the surgeon of volunteers in
charge of the hospital, "because of sloughing of both corneas from
inflammation contracted while absent without leave, having received a
forty-eight-hour pass from his regiment April 15, 1863, then stationed
on Staten Island. He lost his sight in August, 1863, while absent
without leave. Unfit for Invalid Corps. Admitted to this hospital
December 1, 1863. Not a case for pension."
A claim for pension was filed by the beneficiary at the Pension Bureau
in March, 1877, alleging that on or about April 1, 1863, he suffered
from chronic rheumatism and sore eyes, occasioned by exposure and
illness contracted in camp.
It will be observed that no affection of the eyes is mentioned in the
record of his treatment in quarters.
The claimant was examined by the New York City board of surgeons in
June, 1878, and no rheumatism was found to exist. He is now blind, and
while his case is certainly a pitiable one I am forced to the belief
that the conclusions reached in 1879 upon his application, that his
disease was contracted while absent without leave and that his
disability was due to syphilis, were correct.