129

CT. Doctor John Ely’s Supplies Invoice For His Continental Army Patients Care

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:240.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
CT. Doctor John Ely’s Supplies Invoice For His Continental Army Patients Care
American Revolution
Historic Revolutionary War Connecticut Doctor John Ely’s Supplies Invoice For His Continental Army Patients Care
October 20, 1779-Dated Revolutionary War. Manuscript Document. “Bill of Sickness - New York,” Receipt for Medical Supplies and expenses to the State of Connecticut. For Continental Line Colonel and Doctor John Ely. Choice Very Fine.
This original document is dated from August 10, 1779 to Oct. 20, 1779. It is made for various Connecticut Continental Line Soldiers list of medical, food and other supplies, entitled “Bill of Sickness at New York” on the reverse side docket. It is well written in rich brown ink on very clean period laid paper, measuring 7.25” x 6” being an invoice meant for reimbursement for items apparently paid in “N. York Currency.” A great, yet rather inexpensive document.

Dr. John Ely was born in 1743. He practiced in Saybrook, and was the first physician who regularly practiced inoculation for the smallpox in the state. He erected a hospital, where he pursued the business of inoculation for several years. The cool regimen for the smallpox, was generally practiced there, successfully, earlier than in Europe. During the Revolutionary War Dr. Ely was a colonel of a regiment, and was early made prisoner, and carried to New-York. On account of his skillful services and attention bestowed on his fellow prisoners, he was suffered to remain in captivity an additional three years for their benefit. He died in 1800, aged 63 years.