Appeals to the Surgeon General

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Lot of 3 items pertaining to Dr. Clement A. Finley (1797/8 - 1879), Surgeon General of the United States, May, 1861 - April, 1862. Autograph Letter Signed "G.R. McCoy", 2 1/2 pages, quarto, November 19, 1861 to "Surgeon General U.S.A.". The letter reads in part: "...I beg the Surgeon General of his clemancy to read with as much patience as he can the fewest words in which I have been able to justify myself for a most despicable meanness of which he has thought it his duty to accuse me. I do fervently hope that he may be enabled on hearing the facts to change his views & exonerate me...I was exceedingly mortified & chagrined to have a bill which I had ordered to Lt. Col. Ruff for medical attendance upon the Ringgold Regt whilst in Camp returned to me endorsed 'exhorbitant' by Assist. Adjt. Gen. Ruggles and abated more than one half by the direction of the Surgeon General...I trouble you with this matter with the less hesitancy because I believe you to have the honor & dignity of the profession at heart as well as the interest of the Government...". Faded, else Fine condition...Plus; Autograph Letter Signed "W.W.H. Davis, Col. 104 Pa. Vols.", 3 1/4 pages, quarto, November, 1861, Washington, D.C. to "Surgeon General, U.S.A.". "...As I am officially connected with this transaction, and as the endorsement of Assistant Adjutant General Ruggles on the voucher implies that there is an attempt to defraud the government by making an 'exhorbitant' charge, I feel it is my duty to address you on the subject....Dr. McCoy not only supplied the medicine, but visited the sick...So far from the charges being too high, it is much lower than would be the bill of any physician whose services are worth having...". VF condition...Plus; Autograph Note Signed "Morris J. Asch", one page, 3 1/2" x 4", December 2, 1861, Washington, D.C. Asch, the Assistant Surgeon general writes: "Respectfully referred to the Adjutant General. Dr, McCoy has been informed from this office that the Surgeon general sees no reason why the endorsement of November 6th should be changed." Vf condition.

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