General Washington to the President of Congress (excerpt on care of the sick) New York, September 14, 1776 "Our sick are extremely numerous, and we find their removal attended with the greatest difficulty.  It is a matter that employs much of our time and care, and what makes it most distressing, is the want of proper and convenient places for their reception. I fear their sufferings will be great and many; however, nothing on my part that humanity or policy can require shall be wanting to make them comfortable, so far as the state of things will admit of." American Archives 5, Vol. 2, column 326