Introduction:
A letter from Dr. David Olyphant, written February 6, 1791, to Congressman Benjamin Bourne (RI) discussing compensation and the differences between Southern and Northern hospitals. The letter includes a paragraph about the attack on the Muskingum Settlement and the Indian wars.
Date: 1791
Biographical Note:
Dr. David Olyphant (1720-1805), born in Scotland, was trained as a physician. He emigrated to the American colonies following the failure of the last Jacobite Rebellion in 1746. During the American Revolution, Olyphant served on the colonial side and was director of the Southern hospitals. After the Revolution, Olyphant served as a member of the General Assembly of South Carolina. In 1785, he moved to Rhode Island. The Dr. David Olyphant Letter documents Olyphant’s correspondence with Rhode Island Representative Benjamin Bourne, who served in the 1st through 4th Congresses. In this letter Dr. Olyphant highlights the unequal pay of directors in Northern and Southern hospitals. Olyphant also sheds light on public opinion of the government’s response to the Indian wars and attacks on settlements.
Collection Scope:
This collection consists of a two page letter from Dr. David Olyphant, written February 6, 1791, to Congressman Benjamin Bourne (RI) discussing compensation and the differences between Southern and Northern hospitals. The letter includes a paragraph about the attack on the Muskingum Settlement and the Indian wars. Folder also contains a short biography (highlighted) about Dr. David Olyphant and synopsis of the letter.
Access and Use
A digital copy of this collection is available:
M-341: Dr. David Olyphant Letter
Use Restrictions: Portions of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned, or photographed, depending on condition and restrictions.
Access Restrictions: Access to portions of this collection may be restricted depending on condition.
Please direct any questions regarding this collection to the Reading Room at the St. Louis Mercantile Library by contacting 314.516.7247.
Citation: When citing material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
