Sir: General McDougall, in a letter of his, dated the 12th. Insvt. writes, "that you in a Letter to him of the 31st. Ulto. informed him that Dr. Warren⁵⁴ had advised you that the Inoculation of the forces at Fishkill was countermanded."

[Note:Dr. John Warren. He was surgeon of the Massachusetts Militia from 1776 to 1780 and hospital physician and surgeon from 1780 to close of the war. He was wounded at Bunker Hill. ]

    I am not a little surprised at this, when I reflect that such a measure was never even in Idea, and therefore desire that I may be truly informed, how such an order could be given, particularly when 'tis a certain fact, that every Doctor that was consuited on the occasion, recommended it in the warmest manner they could. The delay occasioned by this step, has been particularly prejudicial to the Service, I must insist that it may be carried on with all imaginable dispatch. The Doctors appointed for this business in Connecticut, complain that they cant be furnished with the Medicines proper for Inoculation. This complaint must be immediately removed, and every Assistance in your power afforded, towards accomplishing this necessary purpose. I congratulate you on your appointment by Congress to the Directorship of the Hospitals in your Department, an account of which has, I suppose reached you; I hope that as you are now intrusted with competent powers, every thing in that way will be conducted to genl. Satisfaction. I am etc.⁵⁵

[Note:The draft is in the writing of George Johnston. ]