A Sporting Sort

The first city in the United States to legalize prostitution was Nashville Tennessee.
During the Civil War the Union took possession on the city. The army tried its best to discourage the sport because one third or more of the fighting force was suffering from STD's at any given time. The Army even commandeered a large river boat and sent a large number of these women to Cincinnati. The boat was brand new, maiden voiage if you will. The boat was ruined and the move was a failure.
Finally the profession was legalized and doctors did their inspections every few days. Health returned to the ranks.

These diseases were difficult to treat in those days. Mercury was the poison uh drug of choice.
The saying was "A night with Venus, a lifetime with Mercury." Many unsuspecting wives got these diseases after the war. Thousands of families kept the secret.

"The Story The Soldiers Wouldn't Tell" by Thomas P. Lowry M.D.