“Immunes” and the struggles of black soldiers
During the brief yet impactful Spanish-American War, a unique group of soldiers emerged known as the “immunes.” These men, primarily African Americans, were recruited under the assumption that their exposure to diseases like yellow fever and malaria in the South made them less susceptible to tropical illnesses. This designation placed them in a critical role during a time when disease claimed more lives than combat.
Among these “immunes” were Dr. J.A. Robinson, L.H. Lindau, and Dr. Stoney, all connected to Charleston and the South. They served as “hospital stewards,” providing crucial medical assistance to the troops. But their work was far from easy. They were understaffed, ill-equipped, and, as Dr. John A. McFall’s account reveals, often left to manage under a surgeon described as “of French extraction and more or less always drunk.”
This anecdote highlights the resilience required of Black soldiers like the “immunes.” While serving their country, they faced challenges beyond the battlefield: prejudice, lack of recognition, and grueling conditions. Their contributions, often overshadowed, tell a larger story about the lives of African Americans in the military during that era.