tured leg, though not in the
usual acceptation of the term a drunkard, was, nevertheless, in the
habit of drinking more or less of ardent spirit; and there were not
wanting those who believed he was pretty well heated with liquor at the
time his leg was broken. But, however this may have been, his frequent
and excessive use of spirituous liquors had rendered his blood
exceedingly impure; and I could not help shrinking, at first, from the
task of having charge of him. Yet, it was a war from which there was no
honorable discharge. There was no other surgeon within a reasonable
distance, and why should I refuse to do my best for him? Somebody must
assist him; and though the case was a troublesome one, why should I not
take my share of troublesome cases among the rest?

There was another consideration. As he was poor, any thing like
reluctance would have been construed into a willingness to neglect him
on account of his poverty--a suspicion from which I should, at that
time, have shrunk as readily as from the charge of robbery or murder.

But his associates were worse than he; and, with the exception of his
own immediate relations, not an individual would be likely to call on or
proffer him aid who was not half or two thirds of the time steeped in
spirits. Has the surgeon or physician, in such circumstances, much
reason to hope? And what is the hope of his patient? Can he reasonably
expect, even with the aid of a skilful surgeon, ever to have a good leg?

However, I did my duty, according to my best knowledge. I had the man
laid in a proper position, then placed the divided bones as nearly in
their natural position as possible, and bound them. I confess, here, to
very great ignorance. Moreover, I repeat, it was a difficult case. And
yet I think I succeeded very well for a beginner.

Having properly placed the fractured bones and detained them there by
suitable means, I gave due orders concerning the patient's management
and treatment. I was particularly careful to interdict all stimulating
or indigestible food, and all drink but water. My directions were
written down with great care, and the strictest charge was given to his
friends and family to see that they were faithfully regarded.

But, alas, for the best person in the world with such attendants!
Whenever his wife took care of him, things went on very well; but in
other instances, almost every thing went wrong. His attendants gave him
rum, opium, laudanum, or almos