The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1921-02-22
WASHINGTON'S DEATH
Described in Interesting Old Book
Owned by Sherman N. Parker.

Sherman n. Parker of Barre is the
possessor of an interesting volume, en-
titled Washingtons Political Lega
cies," which was printed in Boston IN
1900. One of the interesting chapters OF
the book is medical review of George
Washington's last illness, which oc-
cured in December, 1900. The chapter,
which is here reprinted, is of particular
interest at this time when the birthday
of the first president is being cele-
brated.
Some time in the night of Friday,
the 10th instant, having been exposed
to rain on the preceding day, General
Washington was attacked with an in
flammatory affection OF the upper part
of the wind pipe, called in technical
language cynache trachealis The DIS
ease commenced with a violent aguc,
accompanied with some pain in the
upper and fore part of the throat,
sense of structure in the same part,
cough, and difficult, rather than pain
full, deglutition, which were soon sue
cecded by fever and quick and labo-
rious respiration.
The necessity for blood letting sug-
gesting itself to the general he pro-
cured a blceder in the neighbourhood,
who took from his arm in the night
II or ii ounces of blood. He could not
by any means be prevailed on~by the
family TO send for the attending physi-
elan till the following morning, who
arrived at Mount Vernon at about ii
o'clock on Saturday.
Discovering the case to be highly
alarming and forseeing the fatal tend
ency of the disease. two consulting
physicians were Immediately sent for,
who arrived. one at half after three,
and the other at o'clock in the after
noon; in the meantime were employed
two pretty copious bleedings, a blister
was applied to the part affected two
moderate doses of calomel were given,
and an injection was administered,
which operated on the lower intestines,
but all without any perceptible adYan
tage, the respiration becoming still
more difficult and distressing,
Upon the arrival of the first of the
consulting physicians, it was agreed, as
there were vet no signs Of accumula
ton in the bronchial vessels of the
lungs, TO try the result of another
bleeding, when about - ounces of
blood were drawn, without the small
est apparent alienation of the disease.
Vapours of vinegar and water were
frequently inhaled, ten grains Of Gallo
mel were given, succeeded by repeated
doses of emetic tartar, amounting in
all to five or six grains, with no other
effect than a copious discharge from
the bowels.
The powers Of life seemed now
manifestly yielding to the force of the
disorder; blisters were applied TO the
extremities, together with a cataplasm
VI pran and vinegar to the throat.
Speaking, which was painful from the
beginning, now became almost imprac
ticable; respiration grew more and
more contracted and imperfect, till
half after II Saturday night, retaining
the full possession of his intellect
when he expired without struggle.
He was fully impressed at the be-
ginning of his complaint, as we'll as
through every succeeding stage Of it,
that it's conclusion would be mortal;
submitting to the several exertions
made for his recovery, rather las
their efficacy He considered the opera