Marine hospitals : letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, in answer to a resolution of the last Congress, relative to the establishment of Marine Hospitals at Buffalo, Oswego, Galveston, Detroit, Wilmington, North Carolina; Newport, Rhode Island; Erie, Pennsylvania, and Apalachicola.

  • Meredith, William M. (William Morris), 1799-1873.
Date:
[1850?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Marine hospitals : letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, in answer to a resolution of the last Congress, relative to the establishment of Marine Hospitals at Buffalo, Oswego, Galveston, Detroit, Wilmington, North Carolina; Newport, Rhode Island; Erie, Pennsylvania, and Apalachicola. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

    13/26
    (Justom-House, Galveston, Texas, Februury 15, 1S50. Sir: Our representative, Mr. Howard, has requested me to communi- cate to you my views in relation to Galveston as a location for the marine hospital. Similar information was required of my predecessor, to whose communications I respectfully refer—especially the one dated July 26, 1849. I feel almost warranted in saying that this is the only point at all eligible for such an establishment. It is now, and ever will be, the most commercial port in the State. It is nearly equidistant between New Or- leans and the Rio Grande—about one thousand miles of seacoast—having constant intercourse with all the other ports, thereby giving the greatest facility for the diseased seamen to be benefited by the institution. No other place would, 1 think, combine one tenth of the advantages. The Brazos, Trinity, and Sabine rivers, are navigable for hundreds of miles. Many of the intermediate streams are also navigable, and by small im- provements other rivers and sections of country will be tributary to Gal- veston. Considering the richness and extent of country watered by those streams, the varied climate and productions, embracing the sugar, cotton, grazing, and grain-growing interest, we may safely predict the rapid advance and great importance of this place in a commercial point of view. Besides, the pleasantness and healthfulness of this island are un- surpassed, and it is the only one of our ports that gives the promise of a foreign commerce. Last fall and winter ten vessels from Europe arrived here with emigrants and merchandise, and our merchants give me the assurance of an immense increase next fall. A vessel with a lull cargo recently left this place for Liverpool, to be there freighted and returned here—the commencement of a direct trade sanguinely believed to be practicable by intelligent merchants. I might make other suggestions as to the advantages of this location, but I hope what has been said will suffice to direct your favorable attention to it. My predecessor, as instructed, selected two blocks; on one of which the buildings might be placed. They are judicious selections and price moderate; but others equally suitable, and perhaps more convenient, can be commanded. This, however, will be for future and special considera- tion when the place and work is determined on. I may here add that for several years I had charge of the city hospital and marine patients, which circumstance, in the way of experience and information, cannot lessen the consideration that may be given to my views and recommendations; and, for intruding my views on the subject, my apology must be found in the request of our representative and the interest it is natural I should feel in the prosperity of this community. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. R SMITH. Hon. VVm. M. Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury. No. 4. Custom-House, Detroit, OJober 25, 1849. In obedience to the request contained in the circular addressed from the department to this office, bearing date the 29th January, 1849, ask-