Description:

Revolutionary War
[Chester, PA], February 17, 1777
Rev. War Surgeon Samuel Kennedy ALS to Major P. Frazer on Treating Wounded Men
ALS

An autograph letter from Revolutionary War doctor Samuel Kennedy discussing wounded men near Chester, Pennsylvania, signed at conclusion as "Saml Kennedy". 1p, measuring 8" x 7", [Chester, PA], February 17, 1777. Addressed on the verso to Major Persifor Frazer (1736-1792), with remnants of original wax seal at middle. Isolated spot staining near center recto, not affecting visibility of text. General toning and creasing throughout, with uneven lower margin. Else, very good. Housed within an elegant blue cloth presentation case, measuring 9.75" x 12.5" x 1.25" overall.

In part:
"On my arrival at Chester I found sundry of the men much indispos'd but no medicine [I] was therefore oblidg'd to return without doing anything for them but, directing the commissary and nurse. Must now go immediately for Philad[elphi]a to get a proper supply of med…."

Between February and December 1776, Dr. Kennedy (1731-1779) served as surgeon of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment under the command of "Mad" Anthony Wayne. During this time, he followed the army along the Canadian border, eventually making their way through Ticonderoga and Long Island before reaching Chester County. Upon his return in May 1777, Kennedy became a hospital surgeon and later, a senior surgeon of the general hospital in the middle department that November.

In early 1776, Persifor Frazer was elected the captain of Company A, Fourth Pennsylvania Battalion, and was later promoted to lieutenant colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania Line, also under General Wayne. He would be captured at the Battle of Brandywine and held as a POW for an unknown period before his eventual parole.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

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