The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1929-01-11

for more than three years, during
which all the hardships and priva-
tions of the hardy frontier troops
were shared by the young surgeon.
whose service ceased only upon the
disbandment Of the little army after
the capture of Fort Pitt on Novem-
Der 20, 175S.
Upon his retirement from the vir-
ginia provincial service, Craik pur-
chased an extensive plantation at Port,
Tobacco, in Charles county. Maryland.
and erected upon It spacious man
sion which was described by his
grandson, Daniel Jenifer, in 1919 as
even then one Of the largest, most
comfortable and agreeable residences
in the country" Here on the 18th of
November, 176O, he brought his young
bride, nee Marianne Ewell of Belle
Air, in Prince William county. Va,
and here he passed In active medical
practice the years which elapsed until
he again followed his friend at his
country's call. During this time the
Craiks and the Washingtons never re-
linquished their intimacy, and the In
terchange Of visits between Port To-,
bacco and Mount Vernon were
source Of the sincerest pleasure 70
both.
When the occurrences arose which
culminated In the War for Independ-
ence, Doctor Craik was an active pa
triot. AS early as 1774, he was con-
spicuous in a meeting Of the citizens
Of his county at Port Tobacco, at
which were adopted a series of reso-
buttons in which the people pledged
themselves that IL the act of par
lament to blockade the port of Bos-
ton was not promptly repealed the
/ inhabitants of the county would join
with the several counties of Maryland
and the principal colonies of,America
to break off all commercial commune
cation with Great Britain and the
West Indies. Craik was a member of
tie committee Of correspondence Sc
lected to carry out these resolutions.
So valuable to the cause was the
presence of Craik In Maryland and so
deeply were planted the rootlets of
his social and professional relations
that Washington hesitated a consider
able time after assuming command Of
the American forces to ask his old
friend to again place his medico-mil-
itary experience ut the disposal of his
country. But in April, 1777, in most
cordial letter he rendered to him his
choice between the positions of "se-
nior physician and surgeon of the
hospital with pay of 81 and six ra-
tions per day and forage for one
horse" and assistant director general
with pay of So and six rations per
day and two horses and travelling ex-
penses found in the middle depart
ment.
The latter position the doctor ac-
cepted and soon entered upon his du-
ties. On the arrival of Count Roch-
ambeau and his forces Craik was or
dered to join them at Newport, r. l.,
and to organize their hospital depart
ment, a task which lie accomplished
with the most complete success,
On the reorganization of the medl-
cal department, October 9, 1880, Doc
tor Craik was appointed the senior of
the four .chief hospital physicians
and surgeons" being the third officer
in rank in the Medical corps. and up
on the resignation Of Director Gen !
erai Shipper and the promotion of DR.. /
Join Cochran. "chief physician and
surgeon of the army" he was adj
vanced to the second place under the
latter title. This position he held un.