Year: 1860

The Medical Convention.
special correspondent of the Wilmington
Herald wrote an interesting letter to that paper
from Washington, n. c., dated April 29th, during
the setting of the Medical Convention. Though
we have already devoted considerable space to the
Convention cannot refrain from copying por-
ton of the letter referred to:


Messrs Editors: Your " special correspondent"
seized the first available moment to give You some
of the incidents of the meeting of the State Medi
cal Society in this place. 1t might be summed
ND in few warm words of appreciation and graft
fed remembrance, but that would be far
from doing justice to the facts of the case, must
go more fully into detail, especially as this will
be the only way-for some time to come-in
W hich of Wilmington can testify how warmly
| our hearts respond to the genial welcome given.
Along the line from our own good town to New
bern, there was but little worth relating, except
that one of Griswold's in Godsboro' has two
litters of the finest pups have which he
is selling at $40 apiece if you want dog worth
raising now is your time. Of the CASTOR House
IN Newbern, l need not speak. There are few
travellers who are not acquainted with its home
like detais--tbe smiling and prompt atten-
dance of admirable servants, and above all, the
graceful and lady-like spirit that pervades the
whole in the kind and charming hostess To
traveller dirty and tired. and may be little home
sick, know of no more agreeable place than the
CASTOR House, where both the physical and mental
will be cheered, comforted and refreshed At
ewbern a steamer was chartered to convey the
Delegates to Washington, distance by water of
$50 miles. J d. Myers, Esq of the former place.
was chosen commander and, under his conduct,
the members of the Convention enjoyed of
the most delightful water parties that can be i'm
mapiued. Liberal hands provisoned the stea
mer with every luxury that could be desired, by
means forgetting choice and bountiful sup
ply of those other creature comforts which are
said to make glad the heart of man. During the
transit, meeting convened, and vote of
thanks passed unanimously to the young COM
mander. As mark Of respect and appreciation
of the efficient manner in which he discharged the
duties voluntarily assumed. Arrived at Washing
ton. the steamer was instantly boarded. and the
passengers carried OFF to the comfort and privacy
of the citizens houses. The list of Delegates was
quite numerous, each part of the State being rep
resented. From Salisbury, there was Doctor
Whitehead and the venerable and distinguished
Doctor Long, whose very appearance amongst
his young bretheren. as giant and lordly oak
surrounded by the forest saplings, one to be
looked on with pride and pleasure. StatesviIle
sent Dr. Kelly, one who combines in himself
the three-fold attributes of the Christian, the
Gentleman and the man of Science-one who,
if not so loud and noisy. in debate some others,
still would be an uncomfortable antagonist, as
his confreres know how thoroughly his sound
sense and clear understanding is to be trusted.
and therefore will take his opinion on any point
at issue, Warrenton sent her young orator. Or
Howard, who delivered what may be termed his
maiden speech before the Society the subject
" The utility and dignity of the Medical Profess
sion" For once in our lives during the reading
of that oration, the Healing Art and its
votaries raised above the ranks of charlatamy to
their legitimate position and second to none. Full
of poetic fire and generous enthusiasm, the orator
overlaid the plain and practical facts it neces
sary to bring before his audience with delicate
tracery of flashing wit, keen and polished satire
and adrot praise that made the whole one of the
most scholally " and finished orations it has ever
been my good fortune to hear. Raleigh sent her
handsome Delegate, DIR. Mckee, whose reputation
at home and abroad is, strange to say, perfectly
antitheheal in the former being that of physi-
clan, in whose skill to arrest disease
one would have all faith, but in the latter he is de-
cidedly the reverse, in fact, a killing doctor
this, however, is what the ladies say and do
not hold myself accountable for their verdict.
From Edenton we have the accomplished Dr. Ed
ward Warren, who, unfortunately for North Caro-
lima, has been induced to accept the chair of Ma
terra Medca in the Baltimore University.


Our own town was efficiently represented, con-
spicuous among the number being DR.. J f McRee.
To you who well acquainted with this gentle
mans genial qualities need not say how much
satisfaction We felt in his presence, nor need l
tell you how eagerly his society sought by
all, enough to say that where he is, conversation
will neither flag or become commonplace. and
that the Wilmingtonians may congratulate them
selves on being represented by such brilliant
speaker, profound scholar and finished gentle
AS DR.. J. F. Mckee.


And now what shall I say of the reception
given to strangers by the people of Washington.
i
rich bouquets champagne dinners, and farewell
ball given by the ladies to the Medical Dele
gates.


Let it suffice to say that the character of the
place for the genuine hospitality has in no way
been impaired by the visit of Delegates who
must ever carry with them feelings of respect
and gratitude to their kind hosts and entertain
ers.


The wind up in the ball magnificent
clasp to the brilliant gems strung together on
each succeeding day. The array of beauty will
not afraid. contribute much to the peace of
mind of the younger doctors, but at least, there
was one point where all young and DID, could be
satisfied, and that was the supper table. Provi-
ded by the ladies, I need give you other
guarontee of its profuse and noble liberality.
have seldom seen more beautiful arrangement;
crowned with flowers, cleaning with plate and
glass. and sparkling with various long-necked
TASKS, the table was magnificent coup dea
as you imagine.


The sentiment of the entire Convention was
one of highest qualification, thoroughly
echoed by yours ATGREDoUX.


APPOINTMENT.