Page:Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia - George W Norris.djvu/85

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The Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia.

the breaking up of regimental hospitals, and routing of the sick by the approach of the enemy, the sick being poured upon his care in vast numbers, without either surgeon, mate, quartermaster, or any one officer to accompany them, Dr. Morgan having but little assistance for such sudden increase of numbers, went from house to house to procure quarters for them, and provision for their support, instructing the country people in what manner to take charge of them, even to seeing them provide their meals for present refreshment, and take care for their future sustenance. That he visited hospitals, going through each ward in person, to see that the sick were duly attended and provided for. That he consulted with the surgeons, and gave his assistance whenever there was occasion, and showed a readiness to remove any difficulty that offered to the utmost of his power. That he performed capital operations himself when present, or assisted the surgeons therein, and stooped to do the duties of a mere mate in dressing the most simple as well as the most dangerous wounds of the soldiers in the General Hospital, as an example and encouragement to the officers under him to attend carefully to that duty. That if the sick have at any time suffered more than usual, it has been from unavoidable accidents not

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