American Field Hospital
1781 Siege of Yorktown
I attended at the hospital, amputated a man’s arm, and assisted in dressing a number of wounds.
Dr. James Thacher, October 1781
I hastened with all speed to the hospital … to procure another supply from Dr. Craik; and he desired that if the Marquis de la Fayette should be wounded, I would devote to him my first attention.
Dr. James Thacher, October 7, 1781
Dr. James Craik, chief physician and surgeon, supervised the American Field Hospital located in this area. Assisted by Drs. James Thacher and Aeneas Munson, he fought a constant battle to protect soldiers from exposure to small pox and other diseases, to secure adequate medical supplies, and to shelter the sick and wounded. Patients needing long term medical care were transported to the American Hospital in Williamsburg.
This field hospital, located in the vicinity of the Marquis de Lafayette’s headquarters, may reflect the concern Dr. Craik had for Lafayette’s welfare.
Marker is on Historical Tour Road, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
