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of the Council of Safety, 1776. 13
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[Hancock to Council.]
Philadelphia July 8th 1776.
Gentlemen.
Altho' it is not possible to foresee the consequences of
Human Action, yet it is nevertheless a duty we owe our-
selves & Posterity in all our Public Councils, to decide in the
best manner we are able, and to trust the Event to that Being,
who controuls both Causes and Events, so as to bring about
his own determinations.
Impressed with this Sentiment, and at the same time fully
convinced that our affairs may take a more favourable turn,
the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve all connec-
tion between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and
to declare them free and Independent States, as you will per-
ceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed by
Congress to transmit to you, and to request you will have it
proclaimed in your Colony in the way you shall think most
proper.
The important consequences to the American States from
this Declaration of Independence, considered as the ground &
foundation of a future Government will naturally suggest the
propriety of proclaiming it in such a manner as that the People
may be universally informed of it.
I have the Honour to be Gentlemen
Your most obedt and very hble Seve
John Hancock Prest
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C. S. C.
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[Wiesenthal to Council.]
July 8th 1776.
Gentlemen.
In all the Troops which are design'd, or are taking the field,
there is a necesity for a Medical Department, abstract from
that of the Battalions, & which is committed to the superin-
tendancy of a Physician or Surgeon General, or Director in
Chief, who has the care of the Hospitals & given the proper
directions thereof as well, as to the Troops in General. This
was that station I meant when I accepted the service, very
well knowing that as Surgeon in common, several might be
had to fill that Station, because during Engagements in which
they chiefly act in dressing wounds &c. but very little art is
necessary, but after the removal of the wounded to the Hos-
pital, the proper applications are made.
The first Surgeon of a Battalion or Regiment is called
Surgeon Major, and his province goes no farther than his Bat-
talion, only except he is contiguous to the Hospital and has
time, then he assists his men belonging to the Battalion.
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