1815: Dr. Ennalls Martin to Dr. John Moore

This letter was offered for sale in April 2011. I transcribed it directly from the internet.

The letter was addressed to Doctor John Moore who lived, in 1815, at 61 Spence Street in Philadelphia.

TRANSCRIPTION

Easton [Maryland]
October 21, 1815

Dear Friend,

You were so kind when here as to say that tho you could not take in my son George as a boarder, you would procure board for him in a certain agreeable family, as I intend that he shall be ready to start off the hear the introductory lecture to Anatomy, he would be in the city a few days before the first Monday in the next month. He wishes to have a room to himself and I hope you will engage the lodging and board for him in that way upon the best terms to commence on the day of his arrival, or a few days sooner if required.

As George has just graduated at Dickinson College, he is of course entirely unacquainted with every branch of Medicine except Chemistry, and therefore will begin above, which I think will be no disadvantage to him ultimately. Under these circumstances it is intended that he shall devote this winter to Anatomy and Surgery exclusively, spending the greater part of his time in the Dissecting Room, except when he is attending the lectures on Anatomy and Surgery, and during his attendance or the Hospital. Will you be so obliging as to write to me by the first mail, and inform me of the terms of board and as well the expenses attendant on the lectures of _______ & Physics together with those of Dissection, and the Hospital? There are all serious considerations at this juncture for such a time is coming as was never before known in this country. Let it be remembered, if this has been a year of scarcity, the next will be little short of famine!!

Your father desires me to say that all are well and that he is busily engaged in sending out Benjamin and some other person to Georgia on account of William Melvin who died lately at Fort Hawkins. My wife begs to be remembered to yours, as well as your friend, — Ennalls Martin