My G-G Grandfather William M. Stanfield originally enlisted in Co. H, 41st Al. Inf. from Fayette Co. Al. He did not serve, though, because he was "discharged by surgeon" according to his service file. I know from family oral history that one of his arms was deformed due to a childhood accident with a horse. Obviously he could not perform the many steps required to load and fire a rifle, so he was discharged. My question is, would it not have been logical for the regimental surgeon to FIRST examine men before they enlisted to see if they were fit to serve? Or was this a common thing back then? Any thoughts would be appreciated.