![[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] A group of four autograph letters signed, all from physicians, including one from Washington’s personal physician, James Craik, to Maj. Gen. William Smallwood (1732-1792), 13 December 1781 – 14 April 1782. Together 5 pages, 4tos, some splits at folds and chipping along edges costing portions of a few letters.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/NYR/2015_NYR_12436_0252_000(revolutionary_war_a_group_of_four_autograph_letters_signed_all_from_ph055105).jpg?w=1)
细节
[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] A group of four autograph letters signed, all from physicians, including one from Washington’s personal physician, James Craik, to Maj. Gen. William Smallwood (1732-1792), 13 December 1781 – 14 April 1782. Together 5 pages, 4tos, some splits at folds and chipping along edges costing portions of a few letters.
Washington’s doctor, James Craik, writes from Philadelphia on 14 April 1782: “Money matters seem to be as disagreeable as ever ere, all the departments complain grievously, & the finances as much as any. Congress are reducing the pay of the staff considerably & reducing a number of the officers. Men are enlisted very slowly in this State. A great deal of party bickering still continues which certainly must greatly retard public business & render their lives very disagreeable…” He daily expects “something interesting from Europe & the West Indies,” and complains that no trade can come into or out of the port, “the Bay is so closely watched.” On 13 december 1781, Dr. W. Smith tells Smallwood, “I’ve a few of the Troops remaining here of the third & fourth Regt. That you requested to receive. They have now recovered their health & I shall be glad of your directions what is to be done with them…” Smith follows up on 2 January 1782, complaining that his bill has been disapproved: “I’ve charged no more than I charge in my private practice…” and repeats his request as to how to dispose of the recovered troops under his care. On 18 March 1782, Dr. Robert Johnson submits an inventory of items formerly belonging to the deceased Dr. James Browne, “which I know to be public Property.” They include “A set of Amputating instruments” and “A small Medicine chest containing a variety of Medicines.”
Washington’s doctor, James Craik, writes from Philadelphia on 14 April 1782: “Money matters seem to be as disagreeable as ever ere, all the departments complain grievously, & the finances as much as any. Congress are reducing the pay of the staff considerably & reducing a number of the officers. Men are enlisted very slowly in this State. A great deal of party bickering still continues which certainly must greatly retard public business & render their lives very disagreeable…” He daily expects “something interesting from Europe & the West Indies,” and complains that no trade can come into or out of the port, “the Bay is so closely watched.” On 13 december 1781, Dr. W. Smith tells Smallwood, “I’ve a few of the Troops remaining here of the third & fourth Regt. That you requested to receive. They have now recovered their health & I shall be glad of your directions what is to be done with them…” Smith follows up on 2 January 1782, complaining that his bill has been disapproved: “I’ve charged no more than I charge in my private practice…” and repeats his request as to how to dispose of the recovered troops under his care. On 18 March 1782, Dr. Robert Johnson submits an inventory of items formerly belonging to the deceased Dr. James Browne, “which I know to be public Property.” They include “A set of Amputating instruments” and “A small Medicine chest containing a variety of Medicines.”