MILITARY RECORD 
of 
. .. Col. JOHN VAN RENSSELAER HOFF, 
- Medi'cal- Corps', " «■•*“-» U. S. A. 
, Retired 
1872-WM. 1918 CONTENTS. 
Page . 
1848 Birth, - - - - 1 
1871 Academic Degrees, - 1 
1872-’74 UNCOMMISSIONED SERVICE, 
Ft. D. A. Russell, Wyo. - 1 
Field, - 1 
COMMISSIONED SERVICE, - 
1874 Omaha, Neb. - 1 
1875- Ft. McPherson, Neb. - 1 
1876- Ft. Fetterman, Wyo. - 1 
l880-’82 Ft. Monroe, Va. - 2 
l882-’84 Alcatraz Island, Cal. - 2 
l884-’86 Ft. Mason, Cal. - 2 
1886- ’87 Abroad, - 3 
1887- ’89 Ft. Reno, I. T. - - - - 3 
1889-’92 Ft. Riley, Kansas, - 4 
Sioux Campaign (1890-’91), - - 4 
1892-’96 Governors Island, N. Y. - - 6 
1896-’98 Vancouver Barracks, Wash. - - 9 
1898 Washington, D. C. - - 10 
Chickamauga Park, 11 
1898-1900 Porto Rico, - 12 
1900 China, ----- 13 
1901 Washington, D. C. - - - 14 
Essays, - 15 
Societies, - - 15 OFFICIAL RECORD 
OF 
COL. JOHN VAN RENSSELAER HOFF, 
TL I- ’ , U. S. A. 
Born 1848. Mount Morris, New York, April 11, ’48. 
Literary de- A. B. , M. D. , Union University (Schenectady and 
grees, 1871- 
1874. Albany, N. Y.), ’71. A. M., ’74. 
Matriculant, Medical Department, University Pennsyl- 
vania, ’72. 
M. D. , Columbia University (N. Y. City), ’74. 
Matriculant, University of Vienna, Austria. 
Uncommis- :;:Appointed Act. Asst. Surgeon, June 22, ’72, and as- 
sioned ser- 
vice 1872- signed to duty at Ft. D. A. Russell, Wyo. Remained on duty 
in the Department of the Platte until October, ’73, when, 
at his own request, his appointment was annulled to enable 
him to take a post-graduate course in medicine. Service 
reported as "efficient and reliable” by Joseph B. Brown, 
Surgeon, U. S. A., Medical Director, Department of the 
Platte. 
Reappointed Act. Asst. Surgeon, May 21, ’74, and served 
in the field with troops during the Sioux troubles of 
that year until appointed 1st Lt., Asst. Surgeon, U. S. 
Commissioned Army, November 10, ’74, after competitive examination. 
Commi ssion©d miy > i\iu v eniD© r i ulj.lj.vc cAanuna nun. 
Assigned to duty at Omaha Barracks, Nebr. 
On detached service with the 13th Infantry in Lou- 
isiana , October, ’74, during the political disturbances 
there. 
Assigned to duty at Ft. Sanders, Wyo., April, ’75. 
Ft. McPherson, Nebr., October, ’75, to October, ’76. 
Of service at Ft. McPherson, Nebr-, Major (Bvt. Brig. 
Genl.) N. A. M. Dudley wrote: 
"A neat and model hospital you always kept—ever ready 
for inspection. The garrison was a very large one most 
of the time, but you never had any trouble in thoroughly 
caring for the sick.” 
, In October, ’76, was ordered to Ft. Fetterman, Wyo., 
1 o76“’ 79. 
*Under the provisions of law commissioned appointment in all staff 
corps of the Army was suspended between the years 1869 and 1874. for duty, and in charge of the base hospital of the Powder 
River Expedition, ’76-’77, to which hospital all of the 
wounded of the expedition were sent. Remained on duty at 
this post until November, ’79. 
During service at Ft. Fetterman submitted a report on 
so-called "Mountain Fever,” which is referred to in 
several standard works on the practice of medicine. Of 
this report Bvt. Maj. General M. C. Meigs, Qm. Genl., 
wrote to the Surgeon General May 27, ’79: 
"I return* the report of Asst. Surgeon Hoff on certain 
cases of Mountain Fever * * *. I congratulate you upon 
having in your Corps gentlemen so attentive, so skillful 
and careful in observation and able so well to record and 
discuss their observations. Such a Medical Corps cannot 
fail to do well by the Army and to advance the noble 
science of medicine in the world.” 
Also submitted a report on eoxo-fexmoral exarticulation 
for g. s. wound. Published in a note in the Medical 
and Surgical History of the War ’61-’65. 
1880-*82. Assigned to duty at Ft. Monroe, Va., February 6, ’80. 
On detached service with troops at Washington, D. C., at 
the inauguration and after the wounding of President 
Garfield. 
On detached service at Yorktown, Virginia, Centennial, 
as Acting Surgeon General of the State of New York, at 
request of the Governor. 
General Headquarters, State of New York, 
November 4, ’81. 
"The Commander-in-Chief desires to convey hereby his 
personal thanks * * * to Asst. Surgeon John Van R. Hoff of 
the Army * * *.” 
Gen. Geo. B. McClellan wrote in ’82: 
"Let me here repeat my heartfelt thanks for your skill 
and kind care * * . ” 
1882-’86. , 
Assigned to duty at Alcatraz Island in the Department 
of California, June 17, ’82, and after two years’ ser- 
vice there was ordered to Ft. Mason, Cal., and as Attend- 
ing Surgeon to the Department Commander. 
Of the service at Alcatraz, the Commanding Officer, 
now Brig. General R. T. Frank, U. S. A., wrote: 
"Your duties there, exacting and arduous at all times, 
were made doubly so by reason of its being a prison post, where from 150 to 200 general prisoners were undergoing 
sentence. These duties were performed by you with a 
zeal, ability and efficiency which entitles you to the 
highest commendation.” 
While serving in California was appointed Asst. Pro- 
fessor of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, 
Medical Department, University of California, and to the 
charge of the clinics of these diseases at the San Fran- 
cisco County Hospital. During last year in the depart- 
ment, owing to the illness of the Professor, was in 
charge of all instruction. Under date of January 28, 
’86, the Dean of the Faculty wrote: 
"By resolution * * * the Dean was instructed to 
convey to you the thanks of the Faculty for the very 
able manner in which you have conducted the ophthalmic 
clinic * * *.” 
Assigned to duty in the Department of the Missouri, 
March 13, ’86. Upon being relieved, Major General Pope, 
Commanding Department of California, wrote, March 9, ’86: 
"Dr. Hoff ha8 been stationed at Black Point ever since 
we have been there, and is not only a most accomplished 
and efficient officer, but a gentleman of the highest 
personal character and social standing ’ 
l886-’87. On leave of absence in Europe from March 29, ’86, for 
one year, studying the sanitary organization of foreign 
armies and other specialties in his profession. 
1887-’ 89. Assigned to duty at Ft. Reno, Ind. Ter., April 4, ’87. 
In the summer of ’87, organized the first detachment 
of the Hospital Corps and company bearers in the U. S. 
Army, and formulated drill regulations for their instruc- 
tion, which formed the basis for those now used. The 
Medical Director (Col. Page) reported, November 18, ’87: 
''Inspected the hospital and found it in excellent con- 
dition. * * * Every part was scrupulously clean, and 
the discipline of the men of the Hospital Corps was ap- 
parently perfect. Witnessed a stretcher drill commanded 
by the post surgeon, Captain Hoff tactics instituted by 
him. Nothing could be suggested by me to improve the 
efficiency of the service as illustrated by the drill.” 
December, ’87, submitted scheme of organization for 
the Hospital Corps, National Guard, to the Adjutant Gen- 
eral, State of New York. Surgeon of the command (5th Cavalry) detailed for the 
first Camp of Instruction, September, ’88, Guthrie, Okla. 
Recommended the organization of field hospitals, and 
suggested equipment, February 13, ’89. 
Surgeon General Moore wrote, March 23, ’89: 
"I have not had time to make more than a partial exam- 
ination of your pamphlet on litter drill, etc., but I 
recognize the industry and zeal required to do so much 
extra work pro bono publico * * *.” 
On duty in the field during the opening of Oklahoma 
Territory to settlement. 
l889-’92. June, ’89, assigned to duty as Senior Surgeon at the 
Cavalry and Light Artillery School, Ft. Riley, Kansas. 
August 16, ’89, detailed as Chief Surgeon of troops in 
the field for autumn maneuvers at Chilocco. Major Gen- 
eral Merritt, U. S. A., in his report of operations, 
wrote: 
"Special attention is invited to the report * * * 0f 
Captain J Van R. Hoff, Asst. Surgeon, the competent 
chief medical officer during the course of instruction 
of troops assembled on the Chilocco. This officer is un- 
usually well equipped by cultivation and study and by a 
warm interest in the subject for practical field training 
of the Hospital Corps. The field hospital established 
under his direction was a model of neatness and admirable 
sanitary arrangements, and the field exercises, such as 
the care of the wounded in rear of the fighting lines, 
the establishment of dressing stations and the like, were 
realistic and instructive.” 
In report of annual inspection of Ft. Riley, Kansas, 
’90, the Inspector (Col. Sanger) says of the exercises in 
bearer drill and first aid: 
"The result was very gratifying; the men were well 
informed and proved to my satisfaction that these lessons 
are of paramount value to soldiers, and should be con- 
sidered just as much a part of their professional educa- 
tion as the use of weapons. Captain Hoff, the post sur- 
geon, should certainly be commended for the success he 
has attained in this field.” 
November, ’90, to January, ’91, on duty with the 7th 
Cavalry during the Sioux Campaign, and at the battle of 
Wounded Knee Creek, S. D., December 29th. Lt. Col. 
Dallas Baehe, Medical Director, Department of the Platte, 
in his report of this campaign, wrote: "The field hospital of the 7th Cavalry, under Captain 
John Van R. Hoff, Asst. Surgeon, was a type of satisfac- 
tory method and completeness, and an example to which I 
felt safe in referring other medical officers for study 
and visible proof of efficiency.” 
Referring to the engagement at Wounded Knee Creek, 
Col. Bache reported: 
"That the work was done at all, that it was well done, 
was due simply to the ability of the Chief Medical Of- 
ficer, Captain Hoff, and to the instinct of devotion to 
duty to which his whole training and example had com- 
pelled his men.” 
In a personal letter, dated Jan. 27, *91, Colonel 
Bache wrote: 
"Let me thank you personally, as I shall officially, 
for your soldierly precision and invariable readiness.” 
The regimental commander, 7th Cavalry, Col. (Major 
General) James W. Forsyth, under date of Feb. 17, ’91, 
recommended: 
"That Captain and Asst. Surgeon John Van R. Hoff, 
Medical Department, be given a brevet of Major for con- 
spicuous bravery and coolness in earing for the killed 
and wounded in peculiarly dangerous positions in the 
battle of Wounded Knee, S. D-, December 29, ’90, and the 
engagement near Drexel Mission, S. D., December 30, ’90. 
The circumstances surrounding the performance of his 
duties by this officer in these two fields of action were 
such as to force the strongest feelings of admiration 
for his coolness under fire.” 
Mentioned in orders (G. 0. No. 100, s. ’91, Hdqrs. of 
the Army) "for conspicuous bravery”, etc. Recommended 
for a medal of honor. 
On duty as member of equipment board, Medical Depart- 
ment, ’91, by which the field equipment was completely 
remodel 1ed. 
In ’91 the Inspector (Col. Vroom) reported: 
"Major J. Van R. Hoff, Medical Department, is a most 
energetic and competent officer and thoroughly interested 
in his work, to which he devotes his whole time and at- 
tention. ” 
June 15, ’91, was promoted Surgeon with rank of Major. 
October 8, ’91, submitted a scheme for the organization 
of a Company of Instruction, Hospital Corps, at Ft. 
Riley, which was approved and the company organized. June 24, ’92, directed to revise the drill regula- 
tions, Hospital Corps. 
October, ’92, was relieved from further duty at Ft. 
Riley, Kansas, and assigned to duty at Governors Island, 
New York City, as Post Surgeon, Ft. Columbus, Ft. Wood, 
Sandy Hook Proving Ground, and Attending Surgeon at Head- 
quarters . 
On leaving Ft. Riley, the following letter was 
received: 
Headquarters 7th Cavalry, 
Ft. Riley, Kansas, Oct. 20, ’92. 
Major John Van R. Hoff, 
Surgeon, U. S. Army. 
Sir: Owing to the receipt of the order which removes 
you from further official connection with me, I desire 
you to know, and take advantage of this occasion to 
inform you, how great is the value I have assigned to 
your services while under my command for the past four 
years. 
The untiring and undivided attention which you have 
given to systematizing and developing the newly organized 
Hospital Corps, has not only merited an admiration and 
appreciation on my part commensurate with your complete 
success in this field, but has attracted the attention 
and commendation of all. 
The degree of this success is fitly shown by the fact 
that I do not fear a possibility of error when I state 
that your superior administrative ability and indefati- 
gable devotion to duty has organized a school of instruc- 
tion for the Hospital Corps complete in all its details, 
and has established a Medical Department at the post 
which has no equal in the Army for perfection of equip- 
ment in every respect and efficiency in the performance 
of the duties assigned it. 
The remarkable quality of your services and the signal 
efficiency of your department while with this command in 
the field near Pine Ridge, S. D., during the Sioux 
Campaign, ’90-’91, is already a matter of record in the 
War Department, known to all, and need not be referred to 
here. 
In conclusion, permit me to say, I hope in future 
fields of duty your success may be always equal to your 
merits, and that the Government may long continue in 
receipt of your valuable services. I am, sir, 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JAMES W. FORSYTH, 
Colonel, 7th Cavalry, 
Commanding. 
The Medical Director (Col. Irwin), in a report of his 
annual inspection, ’92, at Ft. Riley, says: 
"Everything pertaining to its sanitary police, the 
drill and discipline of the Hospital Corps and the admin- 
istration of the Medical Department were found in the 
most admirable and creditable state. The military bear- 
ing and discipline of the men of the Hospital Corps gave evidence of excellence in every particular, while the 
execution and prompt discharge of the duties of the 
medical officers of the station reflect the highest 
credit on Major John Van R. Hoff, the efficient sanitary 
officer in charge. The success which has crowned his 
efforts to drill and suitably educate sanitary soldiers 
has won for him the admiration and respect of all who 
witness the brilliant results of his zeal and abilities. 
His zealous devotion to his varied duties has done much 
toward removing the erroneous impression entertained by 
some army people that the sphere of the medical officer 
is limited to the routine of affording professional 
service." 
June 9, ’93, Surgeon General Charles Sutherland, U. S. 
A., wrote: 
"I need not say how much I relied on you in starting 
the fine School of Instruction at Fort Riley, and how 
distinguished you made it by your zeal, industry and 
ability. The Hospital Corps was thereby placed on a fine 
footing, and if kept in the future on the same high plane 
will become the finest body in the Army in the matter of 
drill, intelligence, and usefulness." 
l892-’96. During his service at Governors Island, Major Hoff was 
also repeatedly in charge of the office of Chief Surgeon 
of the Department for months at a time. He was detailed 
as member of many examining boards in his own department 
as well as generally. He devoted himself, aside from his 
strictly professional duties, to the placing of his own 
command in the highest state of efficiency, that it might 
serve as a model and encouragement to the medical 
officers of the National Guard, who were constant visi- 
tors at his hospital. He commanded the first detachment 
of the Hospital Corps that ever paraded in New York City, 
and encouraged by example, advice, and assistance the 
organization of this important body in the National 
Guard. The Surgeon General (Sternberg) of the Army said 
of thi8: 
"It is a subject of just pride to the Medical Depart- 
ment that its officers are so thoroughly conversant with 
this peculiar feature of their duties as to furnish a 
perfect object-lesson to our citizen soldiery." 
The evidence of his success in this direction is shown 
by the fact that to-day such an organization is attached 
to every regiment in that State, as well as in many 
others. 8 
In ’92, Major Hoff was appointed Secretary, Section on 
Military Medicine and Surgery of the Pan-American Med- 
ical Congress, and in August, ’93, established a model 
field hospital in Washington during its meeting there. 
At this Congress General Sutherland presented a paper on 
the Hospital Corps, U. S. Army, in which he said: 
"To the energy and ability of * * * Major John Van 
R. Hoff of the Medical Department is due that excellence 
and high standing.” 
The Medical Director, Department of the East (Col. 
Charles Page), in his report of an inspection of the 
Medical Department, Ft. Columbus, N. Y. H., August 26, 
’93, wrote: 
"At the inspection of the hospital to-day I found it 
in every respect in most exemplary condition. The admin- 
istration is admirable and as near perfection as can be. 
The Hospital Corps detachment is thoroughly instructed 
and drilled. It presents the most creditable appearance. 
The surgeon evidently devotes most of his time and much 
of his talents to the care of his hospital and corps 
detachment.” 
Surgeon General Sternberg remarked: 
"The above report is a most gratifying one to the 
Department, and reflects great credit upon Major Hoff.” 
Col. B. J. D. Irwin, Asst. Surgeon General, U. S. A., 
under date of July 20, ’94, wrote: 
"In conclusion, I may now add what I have said to many 
others, i. e., that in looking into the future I hope to 
see you the next Surgeon General of the Army, because 
your abilities and zealous efforts to elevate the stand- 
ing of the medical officer indicate that you will be the 
right one in the right place.” 
October, ’94, Major Hoff delivered a course of 
lectures at the Harvard Medical School on the duties of 
the medical officer in peace and war. 
January 23, ’95, Col. Chas. Page, Asst. Surgeon 
General, U. S. A., wrote: 
"To recount your services at the various posts would 
be a repetition of praise. Suffice it to say that wher- 
ever you have been you have devoted your whole talents 
to the best interests of the service.” 
Surgeon General Moore wrote: "I know of no member of the Army Medical Staff who has 
done as much as yourself in testing all these appliances 
(of the Medical Department) in field work.” 
Surgeon General Murray wrote, March 20, ’95: 
”1 was very much pleased to hear from the Surgeon Gen- 
eral that you kept up the reputation which you long ago 
earned of being a model medical officer. I believe you 
already know why I have taken so much interest in your 
career in the Corps. I was on the Board before which 
your father was examined as a surgeon of volunteers at 
the beginning of the war, and I not only served with him 
in the field, but afterwards when he came on duty to the 
Pacific Coast (in the regular establishment). I saw a 
great deal of him and knew of his desire that you should 
be carefully and thoroughly educated as a physician and 
come into the Army. I was, therefore, most gratified at 
the high place you took in your class, and, both before 
I was Surgeon General and since, have kept myself well 
informed in regard to your work and standing in the 
Corps. I can say with pride and pleasure that in every 
position in which you have been placed you have done not 
only your full duty and done it well, but if it were pos- 
sible for any Army officer to do so, have done more than 
your duty, for you have always been an advocate for 
progress and improvement and an enlargement of the work 
of the Medical Corps, and with an ardor and earnestness 
which has sometimes almost taken tie breath away from 
some of us old fogies. You have taken hold of and de- 
veloped new methods and improvements in military medical 
methods.” 
September, ’94, Chief Surgeon of the Provisional 
Brigade, U. S. Troops, at dedication of Chiekamauga Park, 
Georgia• 
Of the field hospital the Inspector (Col. Volkmar) 
reported: 
"The main field hospital was pitched at the southern 
end of the line * * *. It was a model in every re- 
spect.” 
1895- of Inspector (Col. Hughes) of post and 
garrison of Ft. Columbus, N. Y. Harbor: 
"The instruction of the Hospital Corps detachment in 
rendering of first aid and in methods of transporting the 
injured is exceptionally good and thorough. To say that 
the post surgeon, Major Hoff, supervises the instruction 
in person is tantamount to saying that all the impetus 
will be given to it that individual zeal and energy can 
throw into the work.” 
1896- of a board to revise the drill regula- 
tions, Hospital Corps. 10 
1896--Detai1ed as Medical Inspector, National Guards, 
New York and Pennsylvania. (See report published in 
annual report, Surgeon General, U. S. Army.) The then 
Surgeon General of New York State wrote appreciatively of 
the-- 
''valuable work for the Guard in this State, and with a 
feeling of pride that so competent a surgeon and pleasant 
a gentleman should have been associated with us * * 
September, ’96, Accompanied the Commanding General of 
the Army on his tour of inspection of the posts in the 
U. S. 
Col. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Asst. Surgeon General, wrote, 
November 2, ’96: 
"You are the future standard bearer of our hopes, and 
to your good sense and loyalty the rising generation in 
our Corps will look for their salvation.” 
Col. Jos. R. Smith, Chief Surgeon, Department of the 
East, wrote, in ’ 97: 
"All duties you performed to the satisfaction of your 
military commander and myself. I do not wish to be ful- 
some or chary in praise, so I say no more, save to assure 
you of my personal as well as official regard, and I wish 
you advancement and success in your chosen profession.” 
Reported for duty at Vancouver Barracks, December, ’96. 
1896--Founded the Alexander H. Hoff Memorial Prize, 
Army Medical School. 
"Resolved, That * * * the faculty (of the Army Med- 
ical School) recognizes Major Hoff’s interest in the 
education and professional standing of the members of the 
Medical Corps of the Army, and considers that his mode 
of giving it material expression, by instituting the Hoff 
Memorial Medal, will be fruitful of good results.” 
March, ’98, while in charge of the Chief Surgeon’s 
office, volunteered for active service for the war then 
impending. 
Of Major Hoff’s service at Vancouver Barracks, Col. 
(Major General) Anderson, Commanding Officer, wrote: 
"In the twelve years I commanded Vancouver Barracks, 
I had serving with me a number of the best known and most 
respected Army surgeons. You were the last, and I will 
say * * * that in your tour of duty as Post Surgeon 
you not only made a remarkable improvement in the hos- 11 
pital, but inaugurated an absolutely up-to-date and, as 
it seemed to me, a model method of administration. Your 
diligence was untiring and your zeal remarkable. As a 
result of my two years’ association with you I came to 
regard you as a most scientific and efficient Army sur- 
geon . ” 
Major General Otis wrote: 
"I was a close observer of the manner in which he per- 
formed his official duties, and although am not compe- 
tent to judge intelligently of his professional acquire- 
ments, I had every confidence in them, especially when 
he took charge of eases of severe illness in my house- 
hold. A8 an administrator of affairs and a disciplina- 
rian * * * he has few if any equals in the Medical 
Department, and his kindly impulses and professional zeal 
never permitted him to neglect the sick.” 
jggg April 31, ’98, reported to the Surgeon General of the 
Army to assist in formulating a field organization for 
the Medical Department. 
May, ’98, appointed Lt. Colonel, Chief Surgeon, 3d 
Corps, and reported for duty at Chiekamauga Park, Ga., 
May 23d. Organized the Medical Department, 3d Corps. 
(For scheme of organization see Vol. VIII, Transactions, 
Association of Military Surgeons.) 
Became Chief Surgeon, Camp George A. Thomas, July 27, 
in the midst of a typhoid epidemic. Immediately obtained 
authority to organize the Sternberg General Field Hos- 
pital (500 beds), and afterwards directed the organiza- 
tion of the Alexander H. Hoff General Field Hospital, 
which enabled the regiments constituting the command to 
be moved off the ground at an early date. 
Relieved from duty as Chief Surgeon, 3d Corps, Sep- 
tember 9, ’98, and ordered to report to the Surgeon Gen- 
eral for duty as Medical Inspector. 
Of the work at Chiekamauga, the Commanding General, 
Major General Breekenridge, wrote, in 1898: 
"The brunt of the staff work fell upon few, and you 
had more than your share to bear off, and sustained it 
not only cheerfully, but in every way to the best inter- 
est of the service, and to my great satisfaction. Some 
expression of appreciation for such continuous and meri- 
torious labors is due us both, and I tender it now with 
every hope of your high success, as you certainly have 
won the esteem of all.” 12 
September 25, ordered to duty as Chief Surgeon in 
Porto Rico. Of this, the Surgeon General of the Army 
wrote: 
"The President is extremely anxious to have an officer 
of rank and experience sent there (Porto Rico) as Chief 
Surgeon. I had hoped to keep you with me for inspection 
duty, but this seems to be more urgent, especially in 
view of the President’s earnest interest in the matter.” 
Honorably discharged as Lt. Colonel, Chief Surgeon, 
U. S. V., November 5, ’98, upon disbandment of the 3d 
Corps. 
Early service in Porto Rico was directed to the organ- 
ization of the Medical Department and improvement of 
sanitary conditions. (See Annual Report, Chief Surgeon, 
Department of Porto Rico, ’99.) Of this, the Department 
Commander (Major General Brooke) wrote: 
"In all of this work Colonel Hoff showed administra- 
tive ability of a high order, to which I desire to bear 
witness.” 
1899-1900. In ’99, smallpox being epidemic there. Inaugurated and 
executed the vaccination of the entire civil population 
of Porto Rico, since which an annual death rate of 700 
from this cause has been reduced to nil. 
July 1, ’99, organized the Superior Board of Health 
and, August 9, the Board of Charities, Porto Rico, and 
the hurricane relief work, which work entailed the feed- 
ing of an average of 100,000 people daily for nearly a 
year. (For details of the work of the Superior Board of 
Health, the Board of Charities, and the Porto Rico Re- 
lief, see appendix to the report of the Military Governor 
of Porto Rico, 1900.) 
The Department Commander (Brig. General Geo. W. Davis), 
in transmitting report to the Secretary of War, wrote: 
"The work committed to the Board of Charities has 
proved to be one of very great magnitude, for the direct 
application of the measures for the relief of suffering 
caused by the cyclone of August 8, ’99, was intrusted to 
this Board. A famine was impending, a direct result of 
the destruction caused by the storm, which it was at once 
seen would involve a considerable part of the whole popu- 
lation of nearly a million souls- Therefore, the organ- 
ization and machinery for applying the bountiful contri- 13 
butions of the people and Government of the U. S. had to 
be prepared in the shortest possible time and managed 
ably, or the results to the surviving hurricane sufferers 
would be disastrous. This report of Major Hoff’s tells 
the story of this work which involved the distribution 
of over thirty million rations, and cost private con- 
tributors and the treasuries of the U. S. and Porto Rico 
quite a million and a half dollars. It was work for 
which no member of the Military Government or any resi- 
dent of Porto Rico had any training or experience or any 
knowledge, save that gained by reading of similar catas- 
trophes in other lands. Major John Van R. Hoff, at that 
time Chief Surgeon of the Department, was the President 
of the Board from its organization to the completion of 
the work, and deserves mention for his able discharge of 
duty as the Chief Executor of the Porto Rico Relief. The 
treatment of the collateral questions of health and 
charity is also an important contribution to the history 
of the Military Government of Porto Rico.” 
Of the relief work in Porto Rico, Major General Ruger 
wrote: 
"The thought occurs to me that while rewards have 
been so profuse in some directions, services so important 
as those performed by you * * * should not be ade- 
quately recognized by official act. The fault is, of 
course, * the lack of legal authority on the part 
of the powers that be to properly reward services of an 
extraordinary kind.” 
1900. August 7, 1900, was relieved from duty as Chief Sur- 
geon, Department of Porto Rico, and assigned to duty as 
Chief Surgeon, China Relief Expedition. 
The Commanding General, Department of Porto Rico 
(General Davis), wrote; 
"I congratulate you on the receipt of orders for im- 
portant foreign service. Their issuance is proof of 
appreciation by the Surgeon General and the Secretary of 
War of your exceptional merit and capacity for the most 
important executive and administrative duties that fall 
to the lot of medical officers in peace or war. While I 
congratulate you personally on your good fortune, I re- 
gret the loss it entails to me, but I cannot permit you 
to take leave without saying in this way that I feel 
under infinite obligations to you for most loyal assist- 
ance and thorough performance of duties which were out- 
side the line of your profession, and of a most important 
character. The year during which you have been at the 
head of the board controlling hurricane and famine relief 
work, has been one of great anxiety; for the work in- 
volved responsibilities of vast magnitude, greater I be- 
lieve than was ever before assigned to American officers. 
The work has been done to my entire satisfaction, and my 
heartfelt thanks are due to you. Bringing to your new 
duties the qualities and abilities for systematic organi- 
zation which you possess to a remarkable degree, I am 
sure that success is guaranteed.” * * 14 
Reported for duty at Tien-tsin, China, September 25, 
1900, and proceeded to Pekin which had already been cap- 
tured- The necessity for the very considerable re- 
enforcements ordered from home having ceased, the forces 
were at once reduced to a minimum, and Major Hoff was 
ordered back to the U. S., where he was assigned to duty 
in the office of the Surgeon General of the Army, in 
charge of the Hospital Corps Division and the Medical 
Supply Depot (reserve field equipment). 
Of this the Surgeon General (Sternberg) of the Army 
stated in his annual report, 1901: 
"Major John Van R. Hoff, Surgeon, U. S. A., having 
made an excellent record as Chief Surgeon in Porto Rico, 
was selected by me as Chief Surgeon of the China Relief 
Expedition, but upon his arrival in China hostilities 
were over, and at my request he was ordered to this city 
for duty in my office. He was placed in charge of the 
Hospital Corps Division and of the Supply Depot at the 
Army Medical Museum, and has performed all the duties 
devolving upon him with zeal and ability.” 
June 17, ’01, was detailed as member of the faculty of 
the Army Medical School. 
1902. January 1, promoted Deputy Surgeon General, U. S. A., 
with rank of Lieut. Colonel, th.i-o- whi e 15 
AUTHOR OF-- 
The Most Practicable Organization for the Medical De- 
partment, U. S. A., in Active Service. 
Outlines of the Military Sanitary Organization of Some 
of the Great Armies of the World. 
Military Sanitary Organization on the Lines of Com- 
munication and at the Base. 
A Scheme of Military Sanitary Organization. 
Some Suggestions for the Organization and Interior 
Economy of a State Medical Military Sub-Depot in War 
Time. 
Etc., ete. 
President of the Association of Military Surgeons, 
U. S. 
Member of the New York Academy of Medicine. 
Society of the War 1812. New York. 
Loyal Legion, U. S. (by inheritance). 
Society of the Dragon. 
Sons of the Revolution. 
Society of Colonial Wars. Reorganized the field equipment of the Medical Department. 
Formulated a scheme for the aocumraulation of reserve equipment for five 
army corps and carried it into effeot as far as practicable. 
Detailed Chief Surgeon, Maneuvers of 1902, Fort Riley, Kansas, where 
the present field equipment was assembled by Colonel Hoff and used for the 
first time in the form now prescribed in regulations. 
Relieved from duty in Surgeon General fs Office and assigned to duty 
as Surgeon, Port Leavenworth, Kansas. 
1903- *05 Detailed as instructor in military sanitation in the General Service 
and Staff College, Port Leavenworth. 
Reestablished the course in "Care of Troops". 
Suggested and promoted the introduction of the teaching of military 
hygiene in the garrison and service schools; also the requirement that 
company officers should pass in this subject in the examinations for pro., 
motion, all of which was adopted. 
Detailed as Chief Surgeon, Maneuvers at Port Riley, Kansas. 
January 19, 1905, promoted Colonel, Assistant Surgeon General U.S.Amy. 
Detailed as military observer with the Russian Army in Manchuria. 
Decorated with the Russian order of St. Anne. 
1906 Detailed as Chief Surgeon, Department of the Missouri. 
Professor of Military Sanitation, University of Nebraska, and of the 
Maneuver Camp at Port Riley. 
1907. Chief Surgeon, Department of Luzon, and of the Philippines Division. 
Suggested and consummated the organization of Company "D", Hospital 
Corpsj suggested the training of 3% of the Native Soouts in hospital work 
and their use as an adjunct to the Hospital Corps, which was carried into 
effeot; also the organization of an active field hospital in each Depart- 
ment of the Philippines Division, authority for which was obtained from 
the Secretary of War. 
Received the degree of L. L. D. 
Jan* 1, 1908. Chief Surgeon, Philippines Division, accomplished the detail of Privates Sanitary with the Philippine Scouts- Organized Field Hospitals. 
1909 Chief Surgeon, Department of the Lakes 
1910 - 1912 Chief Surgeon, Department of the East and Eastern Division. 
On Colonel Hoff’s return from the Philippines, he made effective 
in the Departments of the Lakes, the East and the Eastern division the 
suggestions of the Surgeon General of the Army looking to the reduction 
of non-effectiveness from venereal diseases thus materially increasing 
the strength of the fighting line and diminishing the cost of the sick 
list. 
April 11th, 1912 Retired from active service, having reached the age of 64 years. 
1913 Appointed by the President of the United States a member of the Y/ar 
Conmittee of the American Red Gross. Member of the Executive Committee 
of the D. C. Chapter Red Cross. 
1916 Volunteered for active Duty during mobilization on the T.fexican Border. 
Assigned to active duty in the Office of the Surgeon General U. S. A. 
1918 Peremptorily relieved from active duty, with reprimand Ang* 2nd, 1918. 1903 - *05 Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas Page 
15 
Manchuria, 
1906 Department of the Missouri, 15 
/ 
1907 Philippines Division 16 
Essays - Societies 17 
1909 Department of the Lakes 16 
1910 - 1912 Department of the East and Eastern Division 
1913 Menber of War Committee American Red Cross 
1916 Assigned to Active Duty in Surgeon Generali Office 
1918 Relieved from Active Duty. Uoff (J. ▼ R.) Typho-malarial fever, the so-called "mountain" fever of 
/ the Rocky Mountain regioh. Am. J. M. Sc., Phila., 1990, xucalxxix, 
38-59 (pee, also; Woodward (J.J.) 
Some considerations in military surgery of the fe ur with case of ex- 
cision of the hip-Joint. Am. J. M. Sc., Phila, 1392, n.s. lrxtiii, 
406-421. 
Notes on naso-pharyngeal catarrh. 
pacific U. & S. J. Son Fran., 1995, xxviii, 520-526. 
What is a hospital corps? 
Med. News, Phila. 1388. lii, 315-317 
Notes cji be rer drill with hand-litter, ambulance; wagon, etc., 
Supplementary to a provisional Hi. ual of instruction for the hos- 
pital corps, U.3.A., and company bearers. (Fort Reno I. T., 1889] 
53 p. 16°. 
Outlines of the e nitary organization of some of the great armies of 
tao world. Proc. A-s., Mil, 3urg., U.S., Wi-ah., 1094, iv, 426-514. 
The travois; a new sanitary appliance in the first line of battlefield. 
assistance. Ibid: 73-64. 
The militury nediall officer in peace and war. 
Boston K. & S. J., 1394, cxxxi, 543; 573; C01. 
TThat ia tne no.;t practicable plan of sanitary organization for active 
service in the United States Army? 
I ed. Age, Detroit, 1895, xiv, 353-364. 
Sutherland (Charles) In memoriam. 
Proc. Ass. Mil. Surg. U.S., 1895, Cinein., 1896, 110-114. 
Military sanitar organization on the lines of communication end at 
the base. Proc. Ass., Mil., Surgeon, U.S. Colnmbue, 1897, 464-477. 
Scheme of military sanitary rgenization. Ibid. 437-447. 
Some suggestions for the organization and interior economy of a state 
medical military sub-depot in war time. 
Med. Rec., N.Y. 1898, liii, 547-651. 
What does the Red Cross of Beneva Convention signify? 
Albany med. Ann., 1898, xix, 205-210. 
Army Medical Organization. 
Boston M. & S. J., 1898, cxxxix, 28-30. 
Some steps in the organization and instruction of the Med. Dept, of the 
3rd Corps, U.S.V. Proc. Asa. Mil. Surge. U.S., 1899, viii, 106^138. 
A public service medical school. 
J. Ass. Mil. Surg. U.S., Carlisle, 1903, xiii, 37-59. 
The 8 - nitary organization of the Ressian Array. 
•-r. Ass. . il. urg• U.S. ,1964, xiv, 308—315.  The Japanese as military sanitarians* 
J* Ass* ».il* >jUrg* JtS*i ibidj 379”384» 
The medical department in the field* course of orgn ization and tactics* 
n.p. 1904 22 p* 12°* 
Military medical education* 
J*Ass• Mil. bur£* U*S*) Carlisle, 1905, xvii, 195~203• 
The Ruwwian Red Cross* 
Med. Rec*, N.Y., 1906, lxix, 782-797. 
Pedicel statistics and the sanitary department of the Ru sian forces 
in the far Bast. Boston M. & S* J., 1906, clix, 599-607* 
The sanit ry depax-tncnt of armies rnd the military medical officer. 
Albany led.. Ann., 1906, xxvii, 462-462; 555. 
6 Ifedico milit-ry notes in Manchuria* 
J. Ass. Mil* Surg.U.S., Carlisle, 1905, xix, 97-141. 
Aiuo: Reprint.*loo; Surg. Gynec. & Gost., Chicago, 1906, iii,196-216? 
Report of Cocmittee on the Public Serfice Medical School, 1906, Mil. Slug* 
Carlisle, 1907, xx, 383-389. 
Ie there a venereal peril foruue? 
Med* Roc., ‘7.Y., 1909, Ixxvi, 896-9C0* 
Also: Mil. Surg. Wash., 1909, xxv, 732-748. 
The soldier nurse. 
Am* J. Ihirsing, Phila., 1910-11, xi, 342-346. 2 pi. 
.Experience of the army with vaccination as a prophylactic against smallpox 
Mil* Surg., hash., 1911, xxviii, 490-503. 
Also: N.Y. State Jour. M. N.Y., 1911, xi, 435-442. 
Memoir of Alexander Henry Koff. 
Mil. Surg., Wash*, 1912, xxxi, 47-51. 
The personal hygiene of the soldier nan from the vie*?'point of his officers 
Caducee* Par., 1913, xiii, 130-141. 
See also: War Dept. Off. Chief of Staff, Son. Staff, !7o. 8, Rrpprts of 
Military observers attached to the Annies in Manchuria durinr the Russo- 
Japanese War, "art ii, Wash., 1906. Col . JOHN VAN RENSSELAER HOFF, 
Dc. , : -w » 
U. S. Army. 
MILITARY RECORD 
1872 to 1902.