From George Washington to William Shippen, Jr., 19 October 1779
To William Shippen, Jr.
Head Quarters West-point 19th Octbr 1779.
Sir
General Scott writes me by the last post that he is in the utmost distress for Regimental Surgeons.1 There is an absolute and immediate necessity for appointments to the regiments which march to the Southward. King he has heard nothing of.2 You will be pleased to order two surgeons and their mates to join him with all expedition at Petersburg in Virginia—where they will receive his instructions. Should there be any subject to your orders in Virginia or to be obtained by your assistants, it will be nearer Genl Scott, and serve the purpose as well as if they were to go from Philadelphia.
I have received your letter of the 7th instant, inclosing the General Hospital return.3 I am Sir &.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Brig. Gen. Charles Scott’s letter to GW of 28 Sept. has not been found, but see GW to Scott, this date.
2. Dr. John Cochran, surgeon general of the middle department, had ordered Dr. Miles King, formerly surgeon of the 1st Virginia Regiment, to Virginia in June (see GW to Charles Scott, 27 July).
3. This letter has not been found. The enclosed return has not been identified.