Oliver Smith, advertising in a Boston newspaper in October 1777,
clearly emphasized the fact that "A Large and Valuable Assortment of
Drugs and Medicines" were on hand. Included in the listing were bark,
gum camphor, gum opium, jalap, rhubarb, and salts.[113]
Back in Philadelphia, the supply situation was also improving. William
Smith, Continental Druggists, received over $5,000 from Congress for
drug purchases,[114] and the Marshalls also continued to furnish
Congress with a variety of medical supplies in amounts upwards of
$4,000.[115] Drugs were occasionally being imported into Philadelphia
despite the British blockade. In January 1777, Robert Bass, an
apothecary in Market Street, advertised[116] "A Quantity of Peruvian
Bark, just imported ... together with Drugs and Medicines of most
kinds." Bass was supplying the Northern Department with drugs in
February 1777, but, according to a letter from John Warren to Potts,
"he is determined not even to pack them untill he shall receive the
money in payment for them."[117] In March, Bass wrote Potts directly
that
... if in future you want any compositions let me know in time that
I may have them ready. I cou'd not send a full quantity [of] fly
Plasters, but am this week making a large quantity of most kinds
and shall send of deficiency in your next order.[118]
In June, Christopher and Charles Marshall also received "a small
assortment of valuable medicines, just imported and to be sold"[119]
to replenish their stock. Even Congress purchased directly certain of
the importations, on May 28, 1778, for example, ordering that "755
42/90 dollars be advanced to the Committee of Commerce, to enable them
to pay Andrew and James Caldwell, the freight of sundry medicines
imported in their sloop from Martinico."[120] Many of the British
prize ships were carried to the French island of Martinique in the
West Indies for trans-shipment of their cargoes.
These shipments however did not meet with the requirements for medical
supplies. In March, Apothecary Cutting, then stationed at the
"Continental Medicine Store in Fourth-Street," Philadelphia,
advertised that "any price will be given for old sheets, or half worn
linen proper for lint and bandages," while, in May, Commissary Hugh
James advertised that "a handsome price will be given for Vials and
Corks."[121] The problems of medical supplies were often brought to
the attention of the public. Thomas Carnes, "Quarter Master and
Steward" of the American hospital in New England, advertised in
several papers that he
is authorized to make known in this public manner, that no Expense
shall be spared in future in making the most ample Provision for
the sick and wounded of the Army.... Proper medicines will be
prepared, not only by General Hospitals, but by Regimental
Surgeons. The Difficulties the Sick and Wounded met with the last
Campaign arose from the unsettled State of the Army, and the
Distance Medicines, and other Necessaries used to be sent.[122]
The reorganization of the medical department by Congress, including
the establishment of "two Apothecaries" and their duties, was
published in the _Pennsylvania Packet_ on April 15, and a front page
account presenting "directions for preserving the Health of Soldiers"
was featured in the next issue.[123]
Dr. Potts wrote the Medical Committee in Congress on April 3, 1777:
I have the Honour to enclose you a Return of the Medicines & Stores
belonging to the General Hospital in the Department, which I have
received from Doctor Samuel Stringer, these with what I brought
with me from Philadelphia & some few I expect from Boston will be
quite sufficient for this campaign.
In contrast to the time when stores were short in '76, the chairman of
the Medical Committee, M. Thornton, was quick to reply on April 12
that
... we are highly pleased with your having the prospect of a
sufficient supply of medicines in your Department for the ensuing
Campaign, & approve of the returns you have made us.[124]