Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer

FROM THE (RICHMOND) RECORDER.

Richmond, Sept. 22, 1802.

SIR,

IN the summer of 1798, you attended my family in Philadelphia, as a physician.

I intreat you to mention in a letter to me whether you perceived in any person there, symptoms of a complaint, which it is hardly decent to name. You were the only medical gentleman, who was called in.

I can, therefore, make this appeal to you, and to you only. The office may be disagreeable: but justice, as well as friendship, requires the performance of that duty. I shall also thank you for saying whether, at any period of our acquaintance, you had reason for believing that such a complaint had been communicated to me, or to any person belonging to me, in any manner whatever. If any medical practitioner in Philadelphia knows any thing of such a circumstance, if he will give the date, and other particulars, with his name annexed, he will afford me an eminent gratification.

I not only request as an act of friendship but I think myself entitled to demand, as an act of justice, that you will give your opinion on the case. I choose to address you thro' the medium of the press, in preference to a manuscript letter by post, because I have no confidential communication, or qualification, to make, or to solicit. On this subject, I am all open.

I should be equally gratified by hearing from any respectable citizen of Philadelphia what he is acquainted with concerning any theft of mahogany, or, as Duane has recently explained, a theft of wood.

I have invariably considered Dr. Reynolds, as a gentleman of veracity, of probity, and of firmness. Upon this ground, I have a right to expect his answer. His silence must admit of an unfavorable construction, It is therefore necessary that Dr. Reynolds should speak out. The secrecy and delicacy which may be required from a professional man, must give way to the request of his alleged patient.

What the Supreme Being, and his own conscience dictate, I invite, I welcome, I solicit Dr. Reynolds to say: and, if I did not consider him as my personal friend, I might add that I defy his utmost assertions. But, between one honest man, and another, there is no room for such language.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

JAMES T. CALLENDER.

Doctor James Reynolds, Philadelphia.