Biographical sketch of Doctor Jonathan Potts, director general of the hospitals of the northern and middle departments in the War of the Revolution : with extracts from his correspondence / by Edward D. Neill.
- Edward D. Neill
- Date:
- 1863
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Biographical sketch of Doctor Jonathan Potts, director general of the hospitals of the northern and middle departments in the War of the Revolution : with extracts from his correspondence / by Edward D. Neill. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
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![alas, the patriotick hero died in the evening — the cause of his death God only knows. About three hours before his departure he complained of pain. I gave him 30 drops of laudanum liquid, and went to dress Mr. Pottery.1 I left him in as good a way as I could wish, with Dr. Hastings to take care of him. When I returned I found him taking his last gasp, free from spasm, and sensible. Nothing ever more surprised me; but we cannot always parry death, so there is an end to it. General Arnold left this yesterday, with positive orders to follow him this evening or to-morrow morning. I sent for Scull to take care of the General and Pottery. He is just now arrived. I purpose to have Pettcry removed to Palentor [Palatine], where Scull and two regimental mates will take care of him and the other wounded. This evening I will pursue General Arnold, and I apprehend will overtake him at Fort Dayton. I just now received a letter of good tidings from Doctor Treat. My best compliments to him with thanks. I hope, in a i'ew days to have an opportunity of congratulating him and the other patriotic gentle- men in a letter, with good news from the Western Army. The place and hour of glory draws nigh. No news from Fort Schuyler. I am, dear Doctor, Your most obedient and humble servant, Robert Johnston.2 Letter from Dr. William Shippen, Director General of United States Hospitals. Philadelphia, 25th August, 1777. My Dear Doctor: Your medicines, &c, have been ordered several weeks from Reading, and must be gone before now. I have now directed a cask of excellent wine and some spirits for your hospital, as 1 know a little is very necessary. The countenance of your affairs is very fair and pleasing, and all must be well if Mr. Bur- goyne can be prevailed upon to come down far enough iuto the country. I am afraid he will retire to that important post Fortress Ticonderoga, and I am sure he will not run away from, as we have done; perhaps we had good reasons. Stark's affair is great, very great—pray let the honest fellows who were wounded be tenderly dressed. I expect your returns next week. Dr. Brown has my good wishes. * * * * General Washington marched at the head of near 10,000 regular troops through the city yesterday morning. To-day 2,500 more follow him towards Elk river, where Howe's fleet lies. 3,000 militia are at Chester, and in eight days the General will be able to attack the British army with 20,000* foot and 350 horse, well mounted. Howe will not dare to meet them. We all look up, and lories down. Messrs. Penn, Chew, Tilghman, E. and J., 1 Joseph Pottery was a nephew of the general's, a brave soldier, who, alter he was wounded and his leg fractured bv two bullets, killed an Indian with his own tomahawk. 2 Johnston was senior surgeon from Maryland,](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b21143535_0016.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
