The Bennington Banner

Concerning "Little Joe Benoir."

I was called Saturday evening, Sept. 24th, about 8.40 to see "little Joe," who was said to have broken both bones of the arm at the wrist. Taking what was necessary for such an injury, I went to see him. I arrived about 9 o'clock and found no injury of the wrist, but a serious injury of the elbow joint. My apparatus being in no way suitable for such an injury, I said after examining the case and deciding upon a plan of treatment, I will go home for the necessary apparatus for this case, and come back. The family being utterly poor, and I regarding the case as one proper for town aid, called on the overseer of the poor for aid. Mr. Morse said he would go and see the boy. I asked, shall I go home and wait instructions? He said yes. Considering that I had placed the case in the hands of the proper authority, I accordingly went home and remained where I would be found, when sent for. Mr. Morse visited the boy. Another physician was sent for; who asked for the assistance of still another physician. Another was accordingly called who, being in bed, gave instructions to dress the arm temporarily for the night, saying he would assist in a permanent dressing the next day. The arm was accordingly dressed temporarily, although I was prepared to dress it permanently that night had I gone back. The permanent dressing was not made until afternoon the next day; later mortification took place and amputation became necessary.

F. W. GOODALL