Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Orders to report to Major Hindman of the 2nd Artillery to serve as surgeon "until he shall be supplied with a surgeon or s. mate."

First in a series of five letters, approximating a journal describing Gilpin's trip from Newcastle to Baltimore and onward to Pittsburgh. This first letter (Sept. 4, 1828) recounts travel by steamboat, detailing fellow passengers' use of alcohol and those in love. Notes social calls in Baltimore and maps of the area. Letters are accompanied by a carte-de-visite of Henry Gilpin and six newspaper clippings concerning his death.

Mentions a concert of the Hutchinson family at the Musical Hall, which was shut down by the mayor of Philadelphia [John Swift] "on account of their admitting Gentleman of Couler, wich has made quite a stir amongst the abolitionist here--"

Comments on Christmas presents and dinner. Attending an Episcopal church where Mr. Canfield preaches and is trying to "live to the glory of god." News of acquaintances and family health.

Smallpox. Difficulties due to snow. Installation of water pumps. Family news and details about children. Sending six copies of the Messenger to distribute.

Letter 1 of 6, page 106: Attends the Union Convention at Nashville. Business prevents him from visiting. Has $30,000 in capital at Murfreesboro and Nashville.

Speech on anatomy, physiology, and "the art of preserving health." Invokes religion and the names of many prominent leaders over time, especially Hippocrates. Expressing appreciation for trained physicians and dismay towards untrained ones. States that "in our own land thousands of children are annually sacrificed by there [sic.] own mothers and fathers at the insatiate alter of medical ignorance." Considers the belief that sickness is an example of Divine Providence to be “unreasonable and irreligious” and refers to God as "Him who never afflicts willingly." Includes a discussion on the idea of common sense. "Anatomy is an exact and demonstrative science; whatever is known, is known not with the dubiousness of a metaphysical or moral statement but with the certainty of a mathematical fact." Mentions dissection with the intent of observation. Speaking out against quack medicine claiming to cure all ailments, particularly those that are claimed to come out of Native American practices. Ruminations on the place of science and medicine in politics. Does not desire legal mandates regarding medicine or medical knowledge, just an increase in education on the topic.