SLtAiSD EDITION AN ADYERTISEMFV1V C. B. COVENTRY, M. D. PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA and PHARMACY, IN THE BERKSHIRE MEDICAL INSTITUTION] * « A 6andid exposition of facts/* jr. P. BATCHELDEtr, M. D< LATE PROFESSOR OF SURGERY, IN THE SAME, • (*.»• — * • » • 33ttca: \ .fi~y & aiAt:riRr. printers, 81, ux.i-.mc s'i'flEl 183$ » '"' A CANDID EXPOSITION OF FACTS," &c. When the following advertisement came to hand, I was impressed with the idea, that justice to myself required that I should notice it. Absence from the Village, and pressure of professional business, ren- dered it for a considerable time very inconvenient, not to say abso- lutely impossible, to give it even a passing notice ; besides, friends were of opinion that I ought to treat the whole affair in silence. In deference to their opinion, I yielded, rather reluctantly, my own.— After giving the passions time to cool, and reason an opportunity to assert her supremacy in the minds of all concerned ; and the whole subject matter a full and candid examination, I am constrained by a sense of duty, to resume my former views, and bestow a few brief and cursory remarks upon that document. In relation to Doctor Coventry, I am happy to say, that as no injury was intended, none I believe, has been done him. So far as I can learn, it is generally thought that my opinion is in full accordance with, if not in advance, of that of the public, in relation to his " professional standing." If, however, I have underrated him, I shall rejoice to be convinced of my error, and will certainly hold myself open to correction. If the Doctor had advised me of the fact that he felt himself injured, and asked an explanation, some trouble to both might have been prevented —for I atn certain that an explanation would have been given, with which he, if a reasonable man, would have been perfectly satisfied. If I had injured him, I should have esteemed it a privilege and a favor, to have made reparation; but I can now only regret that the opportunity to do so, was denied me.. Had the Doctor refrained from an attempt to injure toy character, I should not have felt myself justified in troubling the public with any comments upon his " Ad- ver'i^m^n? " 4 A JL> VEK TiSEME \ 1. 'Jo the Citizens- of Utica, and the Members of the Medical Society oj the County of Oneida. The necessity of. appealing to the public in cases of individual dif- ference, is always painful, and particularly so where it may be sup- posed to have arisen from professional jealousy. There are, however, instances where a man's professional character may be aspersed by such an individual and in such a manner, that any other notice would only bring disgrace upon himself, and yet his relation to others and to .the public may require a candid exposition of facts. The following, letter will show in what manner, and under what circumstances that attempt was made. My duty to the Medical So- ciety of the County, which has repeatedly conferred pn me some of the most honorable and responsible offices in their gift; [1.] my duty to the citizens of Utica, whose agents A&ve honored me with the ap- pointment of Health Officer to the village, and my duty to the Medi-> cal Institution with which I am connected, all demand, and I trust will be a sufficient apology for the following attempt to free my professional character from the aspersions of an individual to whom 1 am almost an entire stranger. A very short explanation is necessary to understand the following documents. My friend Dr. Goodsill, having declined a re-appoint- ment as Lecturer in the Berkshire Medical Institution, I was, by the partiality of some of my friends, recommended as a candidate for the «-hair vacated by him. [2.] ri.3'rhe Society has honored "the Dr." with the important offices of Librarian and Treasurer,' nd I believe he is one of the Censors ; hot never with those of President, Vice President, or Delegate: therefore, it is not quite true, that it "hasrepeatedly conferred on him some of the most honorable and responsible offices in their gift."' T2.] I am inclined to think "theDr." is a little mistaken in this respect. On " my late visit to Pittsfield,'' I had some curiosity to learn by whom Dr. C. had been "recommended"; butcould not as- certain that any letters of recommendation whatever had been "laid before the Board of Trustees." They might haye been "suppressed or destroyed," but I do not believe that they were ever seen by the Trustees. I have learned, within a few days, that he was very highly recommended by a young gentleman who, about one year since, was a student in the Institution. "The chair vacated by Dr. Goodsiil" was divided, and one half given to young Dr. Coventry, and the other to young Dr. White: at least I have so, understood the arrangement To 1V Trustees and Faculty of the Institution, I was a perfect stranger. During the pending of the negociation, the following letter was received at Pittsfield, and after being circulated among the Students,* was, as might have been expected, laid before the "board of Trustees. If it failed in the intended effect, it could not certainly have been owing to a want of " entire confidence"! in the veracity and discrimination of Dr. B. on the part of the Trustees to whom he was so well known.[3.] Nothing less than inspiration could have enabled the Dr., even with the aid of " twenty years practice," and " ten years experience in different Medical Institutions," to rank his medical brethren at a glance, and without any acquaintance, or five minutes conversation on any medical subject, to fix the exact " nich" in which each should be placed. p If the gentleman has a spark of candor, he will admit that his kind interferance was not elicited by any act on my part; and although he may have felt a little unpleasant at their want of judgment in paying so little regard to his suggestions, still he may console himself with the pleasure with which he must reflect upon the cordial reception, and affectionate adieu, which he received on his late visit to Pitts- field.^.] C. B. COVENTRY. * t E°r l^e notes to which are here referred, see end of advertisement. [3.] There is much that is incorrect in this sentence. My letter to Mr. White could not have been "received at Pittsfield during the pending of that negociation,'' because it was written twelve days after his appointmenthad been announced to the public. The circular forwarded to me by Mr. White was dated July 14, and my letter to him, July 26. "After being circulated among the stu- dents"—one of whom informed me that it was read to them by Dr. Childs : "laid before theboard of Trustees"—by Dr. Childs, who at the same time urged the publication of their preamble and vote. I received this information from the Secretary. The insinuation that the " intended effect" of my letter was, to have an influence in preventing the appointment of Dr. Coventry, must in the nature of things be unfounded. [4.] On that visit, certain " lewd fellows of the baser sort," among whom I observed Lewis Dyer, James Smedley, John A. S-te- ^crrs^and, if I mistake not, William May, with some ten or a dozen more under the immediate teaching of Dr.Coventry,made an "up- rpar" by hissing,&c. when the stage in which I was seated wheeled from the door of the hotel. It is presumable that those young a Copy of a letter from J. P. Bachelder to Amos B. White, Student of Medicine at Pittsfield. Utic'a, July 26ih, 1828. Dear Sir—I received the circulars which you were so polite &c to send me, and I am obliged to you for your politeness. When you have an opportunity, please write to me again, and inform me how they have got along the last term, and what are the prospects of the School, &c. In relation to the filling the vacancies, I have shurely no fault to find, for I am well satisfied that the medical corps belonging to the B. M. I. would not astonish the world even if it could be seen all at once with Dr. Childs at its head as its leader and manager. The young gentleman from this place is a clever young man, standing in about the 7th or 8th professional nich of Utica. Perhaps if business were the criterion, he would not be soon placed in so conspicuous a place as that which I have assigned to him. [5.] I do not anticipate that he will make a very strong impression in favor of the school in this vicinity. It is generally thought they would have done better to have continued Dr. Goodsill, who would I have no doubt, have given good satisfaction this year. Give him time, and shurely he has talent, and would have brought great personal character to the school. When I left, Dr. Mott was the most prominent candidate for the chair of Surgery and I am inclined to think if they could have obtained him gentlemen, under the authority of the Faculty, would never have ventured upon a measure of the kind, had they not been assured that it met the approbation of some, perhaps the whple, of that body. That it was approved by one, is apparent from the fact that he has alluded to it before the public in the tone of exultation. Dyer, the ringleader, has been rewarded with an M. D. Upon how many more of the " company" the degree of Doctor of Medicine has been conferred, by way of " commendation" and approbation, I cannot tell. I can assure "the Dr," that the disgraceful conduct of those students, has never for a moment interrupted the pleasure with which I reflect upon the cordial reception and affectionate adieu I received on my " late N visit to Pittsfield," from almost every persen I met who was not con- nected with the Institution, or under the influence of the Trustees or Faculty; and that I have never'"felt a little unpleasant" at the " little regard" of those in whom there was a " want of judgment." [5.] An eight months residence in this village has not only convih^ ced me of the correctness of the above opinion, but that the " Health Officer" has much less to do with the healths of the people than I was aware of at the time the above was penned. he would have given quite as good satisfaction as the two Wlnus Please give my respects to Dr. Wright and Mr. Bliss if with you : had you not better come to Fairfield this winter? [6.] I wish you would and bring some ten or a dozen with you; that school stands very high. When you see your Father and Brother and the Dr. please remember me to them. Most affectionately, I am dear sir yours, &c. &c. J. P. BATCHELDER. P. S. Some time ago I performed the tallicotion operation for making a new nose and have the satisfaction of seeing it succeed be- yond my most sanguine expectations. My business here is all I could ask and quite as much as I can do. [7.] As an additional evidence of the claims of Dr. Bb to the li entire confidence of the public," I would submit to their consideration the following extract from the records of the Berkshire Medical Insti- tution. [6.] If " every other department of Medical Instruction" in the Berkshire Medical Institution "is filled with the same ability" as that by the author of this advertisement,and the students declare that such is the fact, it requires not " the aid of inspiration" to discover that the Fairfield school should have the preference : unless young Dr* Coventry had, in about four years, " grown wiser than his teachers," there could be no doubt upon the subject. Independent of all feel- ing, the sound dictate of my judgment is, that the school at Fairfield stands much the highest, and should be visited in preference by stu- dents ; although my opinion of the relative merits of the different pro- fessors at Pittsfield, might not exactly coincide with that expressed by the students. In the honest expression of one's opinion there is no crime. [7.] The above is far from being a correct copy of the letter said to have been written by me to Mr. White. It contains whole words not to be found in my letter, and some spelt as I never spell. It is true, there is some negligence of expression, but no bad spelling in the original, which was hastily written, sealed, and sent away, unread or examined. Some of the spelling of the copy " shurely" belongs not to the language I speak. " Tallicotion," in the^original is written Taliacotian. It is derived from Taliacotius, a celebrated surgeon of Bologna, who, observing that scions adhered, united with, and be- came a part of the tree into which they were inserted, concluded that aioses, ears', lips, &c. might be engrafted. Fienus declares that he had not only seen Taliacotlti?" noses but had actually seen him «>/; Work making them. Dock Henry II. Child, Dr. Sir—In conformity to your request I have the pleasure id transmit the following extract from the records of the Berkshire Me- dical Institution, made at their meeting duly holden on the 20th of March 1828, which I hereby certify to be correct. S.M. McKAY, Sec'i. Pittsfield, Aug. 21st 1829. Whereas it appears on examination of the members of the Faculty, and from other sources, that Dr. John P.Batchelder has of late exerted an influence hostile to the interests of the Institution—having sup- pressed or destroyed letters [6.] addressed to him as one of said Faculty, from applicants for information, and having by his remarks to students and others tried to injure the reputation of the School— the Trustees having heard Dr. Batchelder's statements and explana- tions in respect to the same, Voted, that in the opinion of the Trus- tees it is not for the interest of the Institution to continue Dr. Bach- elder as a professor in the same. Voted, that the Secretary furnish Dr. Bachelder with a copy of the foregoing vote. [9.] [8.] The story of the letters is soon told.—There were four only, two of which were answered, one related to me individually, and the other was handed to Dr. Childs, or Prof. Dewey. [9.] Had the Trustees put the above preamble and^vote into my ' hands, or called for my defence, I should have said: " Gentlemen, although I have, as I conceive, been most unhandsomely and unjustly treated, and considerably wronged in relation to my accounts with the Institution, I am not aware of having exerted an influence hostile to its interests. So far from " having suppressed or destroyed letters addressed to me by applicants for information," I have written five hundred letters, and distributed five thousand circulars, promotive of the interests of the Institution.—By my remarks to students and oth- ers, I have prevailed on many to attend lectures in it:—have sub- scribed and paid about $127 to its funds:—assumed responsibilities: —" risen early, sat up late, and eaten the bread of carefulness," and indeed devoted a large portion of my time and attention for the last six years of my life, " for the advancement of the permanent interests of the Institution;"* I will trouble you with no defence; I will ask * The following extract of a report to the Faculty, and accepted by that body,. goes to show, in part, what services I had rendered the Institution. "The Trustees have voted to assume and pay, upon the possession of funds, the fol* [owing sums.- viz. (see the report and mem. of the committee of Trustees,) to Dr. Bachelder for Arpan'us. ^10^.17. -Jcurnies, $433.69, f:r the Cabir.ot, 'Va_- :) Copy of a communication received from the Class at the close of the Lectures on Materia Medica and Pharmacy. Dr. Coventry. Sir—In behalf of the Medical Students .of this Institution, it is with peculiar pleasure that we have been directed to present you this, as a testimony of their unanimous commendation and satisfac- you for no proofs in support of your preamble ; but admit it all, and allow you, if you please, to magnify it an hundred fold, and then weigh it fairly and honestly against what I have done for the Institu- tion : and if the balance be against me, pass the vote, and advertise me as a miscreant. The Trustees took no such course ; they pre- ferred no charges in manner and form against me ; they gave me no intimation, official or unofficial, that I was put upon my trial; they managed with so much address, not to say duplicity, that I did not suspect their designs ; they took the advantage of my absence from the board to frame a preamble which would justify their conduct.* They passed the vote while I was at the door assisting to load a box of goods, which was to start that evening or the next morning for this place. I now call on the Trustees to publish the proofs exhibited to the meeting, upon which the allegations in their preamble are predi- cated :—to inform the public, who among the members of the Faculty were examined on that occasion, and what they stated. What were the " other sources," mentioned in the preamble, and the information derived therefrom ? Not an hour before the vote was passed, one of the members of the Board urged me, in the meeting, to come back and lecture ; to which tural History,) .519,0.3, two Stoves, $2-1, Printing, $75, $652 90 ' to Dr. Childs for Apparatus, $27,87, Journies, $321, Cabinet $5, 353 S7 This sum is expected to be paid by the Trustees, when they are in------■— funds for that purpose, on condition that the Faculty relinquish all ,51006 77 claims upon said articles." The Trustees are now abundantly able to pay me but the Faculty do not choose to relinquish : therefore, this money is as good as lost tome. The same report goes on to say, •' Your committee further suggest the propriety of requesting the Trustees to appropriate the first disposable funds in their possession towards the payment of the above sums, which were expended for the advancement of the permanent interests of the Institution, and without which the Institution conld not have gone into operation, or continued to exkt." *■ I have understood that one of the members suggested to the Board, that if they turned me out, they ought to have something upon their records which would be a justification of the measure li case i? ever became a -r.3."cr oA r~*' tion for the able and scientific manner in which you have discharged the Duties devolving on the Lecturer on Materia Medicaand Phar- macy, and they would further add that while every other department of Medical Instruction is filled with the same ability, they have no hesitation in expressing the belief, that this Institution will deserv- edly be ranked among the most eminent and useful Institutions of our country. B. MAGOUN, ) WILLIAM MAY,} committee. LEWIS DYER, ) Berkshire Med. Institution, Pittsfield, Oct. 23, 1828. * I know that Dr. B. will pretend that the letter was confident tial: this is denied by the younggentleman to whom it was written, I replied, that I was perfectly willing, and on some accounts desirous of doing so, if I could have the privilege of delivering my lectures in six, or eight, or perhaps ten weeks; if I could not have this liberty, I could not come; for I could not afford to be absent from my home and my business, to bear my expenses to and from the Institution, and while there, for my proportion of the fees. Immediately upon this, Col. McKay asked me if I would tarry, and assist in carrying on the reading term ? To this I replied, that as all my arrangements were made for a removal, and that I expected to leave the next Monday, I could not; that if, indeed, it were riot so, I Could not consistently en- gage in carrying into effect a measure, which I had from beginning to end opposed, as wrong in principle. Why this course of proceed- Ure, if they really thought the interests of the Institution would be compromitted by my continuance as a lecturer in the same ?* It is proper to state, that the number of Trustees of the B. M. In- stitution, is fixed by the charter to fifteen. At the time of this meet- ing the Board consisted of the following persons : viz. His Excellency Levi Lincoln, Hon. Daniel Noble, Hon. Henry Shaw, Hon. Henry W. Dwight, Josiah Goodhue, M. D., Joseph Shearer, Esq., J. F. Batchelder, M. D., Henry H. Childs, M. D., Samuel McKay, Esq. Henry Hubbard, Esq., Henry C. Brown, Esq., and Hon. Jonathan Allen. Of these, the five last named, constituting less than half the Board, and a quorum only, were present (the others not being noti- fied) at the meeting when this vote was passed. Between these five * It can be proved that two out of the five have, since the meeting, declared Mi they deemed my leaving a '.o.« and 3 misfortune to the School-, 11 and contradicted by the tenor of the letter itself. But even ad- mitting that it was, is it less bass to attempt to stab a gentleman's professional standing in the dark than to do it openly ?.r_10.] t Pomeroy fc Bachelder's advertisement. gentlemen and myself there had been considerable difficulty, in rela- tion to the settlement of accounts; between two of them and myself, a state of open hostility had long existed ; one of the others I had for many months considered a secret enemy ; and perhaps there was no good reason for believing that the minds of the other two were, in relation to me, " pure and unsullied as the snow which fell on Dian's lap." From this state of feeling, from what has been already stated, and from information obtained from one of the gentlemen present, it is not unreasonable to "infer, that the causes and reasons set forth in the preamble, were not in reality those which prompted to my re- moval. My terms upon which I would continue my connexion with the school, return and lecture in the fall, were, by the request of Col. McKay, very explicitly given, and in such a form that it only remained for them, if they wished to be rid of me, to say, " we cannot concede to you the privilege in regard to time, which you have made the sine. gua non of your continuance with the Institution : we must therefore obtain another man to fill your place." [10.] The following letter furnishes a very satisfactory comment upon the above note, Pittsfield, August 18, 1828, Dear Sir—Agreeably to your request I enclose to you your lettei of July last. I am somewhat mortified at being compelled to explain the unpleasant circumstance of the letter having been in the possession of Dr. Childs. I knew it to be a private letter di- rected to me and not to the pubhck, and had no idea of making it so. I mentioned to one of my brother students something in your letter relating to the young gentleman of Utica: he, contrary to my expectation, told Dr. Childs, (as he afterwards told me,)Dr. Childs called on me, and wished to see the letter. Without much thought I handed it to him. After reading it, he said he should like to take it home, and asked if I was willing. I told him, it being a private letter, I felt some delicacy in doing so, arul asked him what his object was in requesting the letter. He said he wanted to look at what was stated of Dr. Coventry, and took it; said he would hand it to me the next morning. I had no ideaof his copying it, or send- ing it where it appears he has by your letter of August 12th, to my entire astonishment; You will have the charity to believe that t did not intend to do any thing ungenerous in this thing. Indeed, 'ri i always wish to do'right in all things. I deem it 'unnecessary in say more on this subject, except to express the hope that you will pardon what has appeared to you dishonorable exposure of private Correspondence. Your's Respectfully, AMOS K. WHITE. With an attempt fto masterly and successful "to free his profes- sional character," "the Dr." should have been satisfied, without committing the fault which had appeared to him so reprehensible m fanother ; "still he may console himself with the pleasure with which he must reflect upon the" injury he may have done me, by the publication of the vote of the Trustees ; but I cannot envy him that gratification, nor the Trustees the "pleasure'9 with which it was furnished for that purpose. Coming from a body of grave men, acting professedly in solemn reference to the high trust committed to their charge by a liberal government and a generous people, and published without explanation or comment, it could hardly " fail to produce the intended effect;" i. e. to injure an individual, stand- ing alone in a strange land, relying solely upon his exertions and character, private and professional, for success. As the vote is expressive of the opinion of five men, probably the only five in the Commonwealth who entertained the same, I shall presume so much upon the indulgence of the public, as to take the liberty to lay before it certain letters and extracts of letters, con- taining opinions which, all circumstances considered, will, I fancy, be deemed a just counterpoise to that of the Trustees. My situ- tion among strangers, remote from former friends, and the field of former labours, together with want of frequent communication be- tween this and Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Vermont, in which the scenes of my life, until my removal to this place, had been principally laid," will, I trust, be a sufficient apology for the attempt to free my professional character from the aspersions of an individual to whom I am almost an entire stfanger,5' and from those of Trustees who were indebted to me for their corporate capacity 5 but to whose resentment I had rendered myself obnoxious by vin- dicating rights and urging claims, which duty to ray family required that I should maintain. In relation to the conduct of the Trustees, and the hearing it was calculated to have upon the Institution, I have been perhaps more frank than prudent in the expression of my opinions to them and to others ; but I do not believe that I have ever compromitted its interests. Considering the School in a srreat 1.3 measure a child of ray own, and having made great exertions and sacrifices for its establishment and prosperity, I may have felt most keenly any act the tendency of which was to injure me, and may have expressed myself, as it is exceedingly natural for me to do, strongly and unguardedly respecting the same ; but to express frankly and independently my opinion of men and measures, is one of the sacred rights sealed and consecrated by the blood of my fa- ther, which I will continue to exercise si ccelum mat. J. P. BATCHELDER. Utica, Feb. 11, 1829. Extract of a Letter from the Hon. Mr. Hubbard, Speaker of the House of Representatives, N. Hampshire. Charlestown, N. H. Feb. 19, 1827. To whom it may concern: My long and intimate acquaintance with John P. Batchelder, M. D. who is now connected with the Medical Institution in the county of Berkshire, has induced me to offer and voluntarily to make this communication, as a testimonial of the high estimation in which his professional and private character has been held in this, his native state. And I avail myself of this opportunity of testify- ing to the world the convictions of my own mind ; that but few men can be found more deservedly respectable in his own profes- sion than Dr. Batchelder. His industry—his severe application to study while residing in this village, aided by a mind of a peculiarly discriminating character—very soon secured for him a commanding distinction in his profession. For several years Dr. Batchelder was the President of the Western District of the N. H. Medical Society : at a subsequent period he filled the office of Professor of Anatomy in a Medical School at Castleton in Vermont. In the last office, it is but an act of justice to say, that its arduous and re- sponsible duties were discharged by the incumbent, (according to public opinion,) in a manner highly creditable to himself, and sat- isfactory to the Institution. For some years past Dr. Batchelder has resided in Pittsfield, Mass. and has been connected with the Berkshire Medical Institution, with no loss or diminution of pro- fessional character, if any confidence whatever can be placed in public sentiment. It has so happened for the last sixteen years I have been more or less connected with the Legislature of this state,# during which time that circumstance has afforded me an opportunity of learning the professional character of Dr. Batchelder in the different sec- tions of N. Hampshire ; and, if the statement could possibly be of any service to him, a regard to truth, and a high sense of his worth aa a man and a surgeon, would induce me to say—that Dr. Batchel- der9 s professional attainments and private character had secured ta him a commanding reputation as a Physician and Surgeon, at the time of his departure from this state. 14 This communication I have most cheerfully and freely made, from a consideration of the merits of the individual to whom it re- lates ; and should it have any effect in recommending him to the respectful regard of any individual or individuals in the community, I should feel no inconsiderable degree of personal gratification, for having offered this tribute to virtue and science. HENRY HUBBARD. Letter from Col. McKay, Speaker pro. tem. of the House of Re- presentatives. Col. McKay lives in Pittsfield, and is one of the Trustees of the Berkshire Medical Institution, and Secretary of the Board. Boston, Feb. 17, 1827. My dear Sir—I learn, with much regret, your intention to leave the Medical Institution at Pittsfield. While I deplore your deci- sion. I feel myself constrained to afford you such facility in the furtherance of your wishes as is due to your individual reputation: to which I cheerfully add my testimony, however humble or unim- portant it may be. It must be obvious that Physicians are best qualified to judge of each other's qualifications. In this view of the subject I have been induced, from time to time, by the interest I feel in the Medical School at Pittsfield, to make inquiries of the young gentlemen who had been in attendance there ; and itv gives me pleasure to state, that uniformly in your department, the result has been most satisfac- tory. These opinions, and those expressed by gentlemen of the Fa- culty, your associates, relieves me from the embarrasment which I otherwise should have felt on this occasion ; and in reliance on them, I believe that you are eminently qualified to fill the chair of Surgery in any institution. I remain, very respectfully, your obed't servant and friend, S. M. McKAY. Dr. John P. Batchelder. This certifies, whom it may concern, that Dr. John P. Batchel- der, the bearer of this, is a gentleman with whom I have for many years been intimately acquainted. I know of no man who has taken more unwearied pains to store his mind with accurate and useful knowledge in his profession. As a lecturer, he has met with the general approbation of the students, and his colleagues. Therefore, as a public instructor, and an eminent and accurate practitioner in the various branches of his profession, he is most cordially recommended to the discerning public, by their most ob't and very humble servant, JOSIAH GOODHUE, M. D. President of the Berkshire Medical Institution. Hadley, Feb. 22, 1827. Letter from John Delamatter, M. D. Professor of Surgery in the New-York College of Physicians and Surgeons, for the Western District. The bearer, John P. Batchelder, M. D. was several years pro- fessor of Anatomy in the Vermont Academy of Medicine, and has 15 been Professor of Surgery in the Berkshire Medical Institution ?.* Pittsfield from its commencement, about five years. - And I hereby certify, that I believe him one of the best Anato- mists in the country, and very thoroughly acquainted with the science of his profession. I do further certify, that his Surgical Lectures have always been acceptable to his several classes, and that he sustains a-highly respectable character as a practical sur- geon. Given under my hand at Pittsfield, this 27th day of Febru- ary, 1827. JOHN DELAMATER. At the time this letter was written, Dr. Delamater was Professor of Materia Medica and Obstetrics, and one of the Trustees of the Berkshire Med. Institution. Extract of a letter from the same to Dr. Perry, of Pine Plains, Dutches county, N. Y. Dr. Perry: Dear Sir—I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance Dr. Batchelder,Professor of Surgery of the Berkshire Med. Institution; and, should you wish any operations done, to recommend him to you, as one of the best anatomists and nicest operators in the coun- try. Most respectfully yours, JOHN DELAMATTER. Pittsfield, March S, 1826. Extract of a letter from David Lawrence Morril, M. D.* *To the Regents of the New-York College of Physicians and Surgeons, Western District: Goffstown, N. H. March 6, 1827. Gentlemen—Dr. J. P. Batchelder has lectured three years on Anatomy in one Medical Institution of high standing; and on Surgery five years in another not less eminent, in public estimation. He has, at the same time, been extensively engaged in the practice, particularly in surgery ; during which time he has, vtith great suc- cess, performed almost all the important and difficult operations in that branch of his profession. He is a gentleman, highly respecta- ble, of fine talents and education, and of a fair moral character. I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your obedient humble ser- vant, DAVID LAWRENCE MORRIL. Extract from a Letter from the late Gov. Woodbury, Senator from New-Hampshire in the U. S. Congress. Washington City Feb. 20, 1827. Gentlemen—I have known him (Dr. Batchelder) for many years; and. from his indefatigable industry, his ardent enterpri/.c, and high standing as a Surgeon, can most cordially recommend his ap- pointment. With much consideration* your most ob't LEVI WOODBURY. The Regents of the University of ]Sew-York. * Gov. Morril has been a very distinguished Physician in New-Hampshire,. and was formerly President of the State Medical Society. He has been foftr years Representative in "Congress, and six years in the U. S. Senate : a^d h *">>v, ji.? he has been foy ««".-?•■•>' vnnr? ras<, r'?-^itjof c*" fho.t c'v^ iti Williams College, Feb. 19, 1827. Dr. J. P. Batchelder, Dean of Berkshire Medical Institution,.in connexion with this Collegers a gentleman whom we much esteem. He bears the reputation of being a distinguished Surgfcfn and An- atomist, and of having made high attainments in Medical Science generally. As a man of strict integrity and honor, of unsullied morals, of professed and hopeful piety, he claims the confidence and affection of those who have the happiness of his intimate ac- quaintance, and the respect of the public. \p. GRIFFIN, President. From the Hon. Mr. D* wight,* and the Hon. Mr. Mills.t To the Regents of the University of New- York: Gentlemen—Having been informed that the Professorship of Surgery in the College of Physicians and Surgeons for the Western District has recently been vacated, by the resignation of Doctor White, we take the liberty of recommending John P. Batchelder, Professorpf the principles and practice of Surgery in the Berkshire Medical Institution, to fill that place. We take great pleasure in^assuring you that the distinguished talents and great experience of Dr. Batchelder as a Surgfeon, have * rendered him eminently useful in the College to which he is now attached $ and that he will prove to be (should you select him) a great acquisition to the Institution over which you, gentlemen, preside. H. W. DWIGHT, E.' H. MILLS. Washington City, Feb. 19, 1827. From tile gentlemen of the Faculty in the city of Troy. To the Hon. the Regents of the University of the state of N; York: Gentlemen—^From our acquaintance with the reputation of John P. Batchelder, M. D. both as to general science, and as to surgical knowledge, by which he has distinguished himself in the jProfessorship of Surgery at the Berkshire Medical Institution, we" cordially recommend him as a gentleman well qualified to fill the same office*in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the West- fern District. AMATUS ROBBINS, M. D. ELISHA SHELDON, M. D* ALFRED WOTKYNS, ABM. D. SPOOR, M. D. J. VAIL, Troy, Much 2, 182r. JNO. WHEELER. The above named gentlemen are among the most respectable: Physicians in this cjty. S. WARREN. % Representative in the II. of It. in Congress from the county of Berkshire. Col. Dwight is a Trustee of the B. M. Ifist. but was absent when the vote was passed. • ] In th? U. S. Senate from Massachusetts'. % ^i'i mm \&'tM ■'■■'■ '.':■ UMa- 1 IS saSsf BHiiril" !!ijj":i-::V &!!&.;.■■