Estelle Johnson (Civil War nurse)

Upon arrival at camp, Johnson helped set up a hospital in an abandoned house as soon as possible.^[5] Johnson was immediately exposed to the harsh camp life; at first the hospital was so low on supplies they did not even have cots.^[5][2] When word got out about the poor conditions at this makeshift hospital, drastic changes occurred, and supplies were sent to the regiment.^[5] Eventually, Johnson became matron of this hospital which cared for the Vermont Brigade.^[2]

Camp hardships surpassed supply shortages, however. Soon typhoid fever plagued the regiment, Johnson's husband and sister both falling ill.^[5] Her husband recovered, but Lydia Wood died.^[5] Johnson also encountered two soldiers who she believed died from sheer homesickness.^[6] Another noteworthy experience for Johnson were her trips to Washington, D.C. where she met Dorothea Dix.^[6]

Johnson's husband was discharged upon injury, but Johnson continued her service for a few months after his departure. She left the service on March 23, 1862, after six months of service.^[6]