The officers and prisoners of this depot, feeling an ardent desire
that the citizens of the United States may be informed of the many
and great services rendered them by Dr. Magrath, and likewise that
the subjects of Great Britain may learn with what sentiments of
gratitude and respect his unparalleled efforts in the cause of
humanity, and the discharge of his duty, have, at this depot, filled
us; we have to request that you will cause to be inserted in your
paper, as early as possible, copies of the enclosed testimonials,
addressed to that gentleman.
I am, &c.,
BENJAMIN MERCER.
HOSPITAL, April 13, 1815.
DARTMOOR PRISON, March 28, 1815.
To His Excellency JAMES MADISON.
_Honored and respected Sir_:
From the general philanthrophy of your character, and liberality
of sentiment, no apology is deemed requisite for introducing to
your particular notice, and that of the nation at large, Dr. George
Magrath, principal of the medical department for the American
prisoners of war in England. It is impossible for us to speak
of this gentleman in terms that will do justice to his superior
professional science, brilliant talents, the exemplary virtues of
his heart, the urbanity and easy accessibility of his manners, his
unremitting assiduities and unwearied exertions, in combatting
a succession of diseases of the most exasperated and malignant
character, which prevailed among the prisoners. At the first forming
of the depot, _pneumonia_, in its worst form, generally prevailed,
which degenerated into a still more dangerous species of pulmonic
complaint, nearly _peripneumonia notha_, which was rapidly succeeded
by a putrid kind of measles, and that destructive malady followed by
a malignant small-pox, which spread rapidly; dismay and apprehension
were painted on every countenance.
Dr. Magrath’s time and attention were fully occupied in the
hospital, and in vaccinating the prisoners. From his unprecedented
exertions in an inclement season of the year, in a most inhospitable
clime, his health became seriously impaired; but totally regardless
of himself, he persevered in his unparalleled exertions, and from
his superior knowledge in the healing art, was the means, under
divine Providence, of rescuing many citizens of the United States
from the fast approximating embraces of death. This malignant species
of small-pox, unknown to the generality of professional gentlemen,
appeared in other places, and a far greater number fell victims, in
proportion to the cases at the place. We therefore trust, that some
distinguished mark of the nation’s gratitude will be conferred on
Dr. Magrath; for this truly great man’s exertions in the cause of
suffering humanity, have been rarely equalled, but never excelled.
We have the honor to remain, with sentiments of respect and
attachment, your excellency’s obedient humble servants,
BENJ. MERCER, }
PIERRE G. DE PEYSTER, }
HENRY PROCTOR, }
JOHN COTTLE, }
THOS. CARBERRY, } Hospital
JAMES LESTER, } Committee.
HENRY BULL, }
THOS. B. MOTT, }
SETH WALKER, }
WILLIAM WEST, } For and in behalf of
CHARLES DEXTER, } the Amer. prisoners
WILLIAM MOLLEY, } at this depot.
JOHN S. TROUBRIDGE, }
HENRY SHERBURNE, }
THOS. B. FROST. }