Page:Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia - George W Norris.djvu/81

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The Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia.

pital affairs in proper train at Newark and Hackensack, he left Drs. Foster and Warren in charge, and after taking the necessary steps for providing for the sick at North Castle and Peekskill, he proceeded to join the Commander-in-Chief and the army at White Plains. From thence he followed to the Jerseys, and reached headquarters just before the affair at Trenton. Here he immediately reported to the General, and informed him that by his commission, as well as from former orders received from the Secretary of Congress, "the department at headquarters was under his immediate direction," and that his duties required by the last resolve of Congress having been fulfilled, he had hastened to an attendance upon him without waiting for his commands, at the same time respectfully stating that unless his rank and place were acknowledged and restored to him, he should feel himself obliged to give up his charge. Washington assured him that the difficulties of which he complained were in no way owing to him. "I am here," said the latter, "without any assistance from the Hospital Department, and in case of need I know of nobody to take the direction. It is very strange, and I would have you lay the matter before Congress, in order to have a remedy for this irregularity and inconvenience." In pursuance of this

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