Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/256

 examine the character of the ordinary regimental surgeons. With a few honorable exceptions they were the scum of the trade, inexpert, refractory, dishonest, vindictive, characterized by Washington as “very great rascals,” and described by Gordon, the contemporary historian, as “many of them having no professional abilities, having never seen an operation of surgery, and being unlettered and ignorant to a degree scarcely to be imagined.” Although later put under the control of the director-general, in the first phase of the war they were utterly irresponsible, and took advantage of their freedom to disgrace their position by every species of knavery. Many supported themselves handsomely by selling the sick-certificates necessary for discharges or furloughs; though, owing to the competition in this despicable business, the price at one time fell as low as a shilling apiece. Forming a sort of band of medical outlaws, attracted by a common interest, they stubbornly maintained their miserable parodies of regimental hospitals, and under pretence of supplying these, drew from the commissary enormous quantities of wines and delicacies which never reached their patients; while, actuated by a common animosity, they delighted in obstructing and embarrassing the General Hospital