The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-01-16

first used for surgical operations. Several
surgeons and students were present at the
operation, but they retired as soon as it
was over, and the patient removed to his
bed. AS soon as the man began to revive
and noticing Surgeon Wheaton standing
in about the same position as he was be-
fore he lost his leg, said to him, 81. you
are going to take my leg off I wish you
would do it, as do not wish to be think
ing about it - and Surgeon Wheaton i'm
formed him that his leg had been of for
some time, and was then probably being
examined by the other surgeon 10 ascer-
tain the precise condition of the diseased
bone.
Upon the breaking out OF the Mexican
war Surgeon Wheaton was ordered to
Fort Adams, Newport, X. L., and there
placed in charge of all the hospital stores,
supposed TO be requisite for the cam
paign. He afterwards embarked from
Boston, 9th Reg giment, u. 5. Volunteers,
and upon his arrival in Mexico was sur
geon in charge OF the Thirn Section Gem
eral Hospital and stationed at Minnesota.
The voyage from Boston was replete with
Incidents, and 81 inestimable value to
very many OF the officers. The command
ant of the ship was All old experienced
United States officer. and thoroughly
posted in his duties. Surgeon Wheaton's
authority, power and duties were clearly
specified in printed form. There were
many wrangles and differences among the
minor officers during the voyage, and ii
required very many days for some OF them
TO fully understand the limit OF their own
authority.
AT the emharkstion from Boston Sur
geon Wheaton was we'll acquainted with
General Franklin Pierce (aiterward Presi-
dent) but 33 days with him In the same
stateroom rendered IT lifelong intimacy.
II was through this influence and
through General Cooper that Surgeon
Wheaton's son Frank, now Brigadier Gem
eral u. S. army, received his ap-
pointment 10 Nest Point. General Cooper
became interested and much attached to
this young man, ana, when he became
General Cooper's daughter.
Soon after the close of the Mexican war
Surgeon Wheaton received his own ap-
pointment to West Point and returned to
Providence TO arrange for It, but subse-
quenlly decided not to accept ii, but to
remain here
IL was about this time that the cure for
stra brismus was attracting general atten-
tion throughout the country. Surgeon
Wheaton, then temporarily residing in
Norwich, thoroughly ana carefully
studied IL up and made n model for such
instruments as he should require. These
were soon made for him and the same in
struments were soon after generally
adopted by the profession. Ho then COM
menced searching for patients, and soon
finding them he made several operat ions,
each OF which proved entirely satisfactory
in every respect, except in fees. He sought
his patients in that sphere OF life, that
was not blessed with much OF this
worlds goods. They were profuse in
their thanks and in promises to find
weslt bier patients for him, but as he was
more than anxious to practically test both
bis theory and his instruments the re-
suit was mutually satisfactory.
In the late war OF the rebellion Surgeon
Wheaton was appointed surgeon. both OF
the First and Second regiments OF Rhode
Island Volunteers, and was for a long
time stationed at Fort sprogue. lie was
afterward importuncd to sccep: similar
appointments in other Rhode Island tesl.
ments, but declined. lie was the exam
ining surgeon OF all enrolled soldiers en-
listing in Rhode Island during the war.
Preparatory to the first battle OF Bull
Run. ana on the march from camp to the
battle field, a halt was made and the two
Rhode Island regiments were in a very
uncomfortably hot position among the