This is one of a flurry of letters sent out on the 17th and 18th of February, 1868 on the same topic, but referring to different surgeries. “Form” letters went out on the 18th: a letter sent to a surgeon in Westchester, New York, followed with a notation that it was also sent to surgeons in Albany, Boston, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We’re thinking they were doing a push for the MSHWR and were trying to tie up loose ends, at least for the chapter on knees.
Surgeon General’s Office
Washington City, DC
February 17, 1868
Doctor:
I have read with extreme interest your report of a case of excision of the knee-joint in the Southern Medical and Surgical Journal. It is of such great importance to determine the value of this procedure in military surgery that I venture to take the liberty of writing to you to enquire farther particulars of the case, especially whether the officer still survives, and if his limb is useful still. Were the condyles of the femur interfered with, and, if not, did any disease of the cartilage supervene?
The Surgeon General has published some statistics of amputations and excisions of joints which I should be pleased to send you if have not seen them.
I am, Doctor,
Very respectfully yours,
George A. Otis
Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A.
Dr. A.W. Bailey,
Barnwell Dist.
South Carolina.
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