Previously Unknown Free Frank of General George Washington, from May 1777, Addressed to Dr. James Craik, the Assistant Director General of the Medical Department of the Continental Army

Dr. James Craik studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, and then moved to Virginia, where in 1754 he was appointed surgeon of Washington’s Virginia Regiment. During the ensuing campaigns Craik and Washington became close friends. Craik served with the Virginia Regiment until it was disbanded in 1762; he subsequently settled on a plantation near Port Tobacco, Md., where he established a profitable private medical practice. In April 1777, Washington offered him the post of Assistant Director General of the hospitals in the middle department. On May 13, 1777, Craik accepted Washington’s offer, but made it clear he hoped he could delay leaving to take up the post right away. The reason: He was inoculating patients against smallpox, and felt keenly the need to monitor their condition as they recovered. “At the Same time that I Solicit for this Appointment,” he wrote, “I must inform you that in case my immediate attendance at Camp is necessary, it will not be in my power to Comply with it as I have Some familys under Inoculation near Fredericksburgh whom I am not certain that I could leave under three or four Weeks from this time.” But that letter contained additional important information about inoculation. Craik indicated that he had inoculated Washington’s own family, and his slaves, against smallpox. At about the same time he inoculated George Mason, later author of the Bill of Rights. Craik continued, “I have the Pleasure to inform you that Mrs Custis’ Child has got over the Small Pox very well, and all your Negroes who have been Inoculated, and all others in that Neighbourhood whom I have Inoculated. Coll Mason has had it very favourably and is now well…”

On May 31, 1777, Washington responded to Craik’s letter, telling him he is sending on to the Director General his application for a late arrival, which meant that the application had Washington’s approval. William Shippen, Jr., the Director General, approved it as well, adding that he hoped Craik could assist with patients under inoculation near Craik’s location.

Autograph free frank signed, the one that covered Washington’s letter to Craik of that date, Middle Brook, May 31, 1777, “For Dr. Craik at Port Tobacco, Maryland”, signed with his frank at lower left and the entirety being in Washington’s hand. Thus, the letter it covered related to Washington’s Assistant Director General of the Medical Department of the Continental Army giving inoculations, making this free frank a fine association piece with a relevance to the vaccination situation today. The original letter and this free frank were separated nearly a century ago.