Angus McLean to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Angus McLean to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
MacLean, Angus
Identifier
WWP16968
Date
1917 January 1
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My dear Doctor
I just received a letter from Allen stating that he had talked with you and revealed the contents of my letter. I am glad to know that your onbservations there are not entirely different from mine. What I had written was not my own conclusions alone, but the thought of many others here. The Medical corps of the army here are in an uncertain state of mind, and do not know just what is going to transpire later on.
The prevailing opinion here is, that the political friends and the self appointed Medical Committee of the so-called war council, will attempt to continue Gorgas in Office until the war is finally settled. His time is up, I understand, in October, age limit.
They believe here that Gorgas has no decided opinions of his own and is acting entirely upon the suggestion of his associates. If they are not successful in retaining Gorgas they will recommend Theodore Lyster, Gorgas’ relative for SG thereby continuing the influence in office. Dr. Lyster has been over here observing (so-called). This crowd are so certain here they have control, that they are inclined to boast about it, and let out the secrets. General Bradley here, Chief AEF Surgeon, is their representative. We note now that the SG is working for the Owen bill in the Senate. Under this bill, there are a number of consultants to be appointed. The bill now recommends that they be appointed buy the SG instead of the President, as in the former bill. The saying here in the Medical corps is: “If you want recognition, get away from the trenches, be a politivcian, and not a fighter, stay in America, and do not come to France”. They are evidently building up a fine machine, and when completed it will not be friendly towards the admisnistration. We all wish thatt the army Medical corps was as satisfactory to the public, as the US Navy Medical Corps, and as loyal to her country.
It can be done. I think the opportunity is in October.
I will write you againI have just written Allen
Yours truly,
Angus Mclean
I just received a letter from Allen stating that he had talked with you and revealed the contents of my letter. I am glad to know that your onbservations there are not entirely different from mine. What I had written was not my own conclusions alone, but the thought of many others here. The Medical corps of the army here are in an uncertain state of mind, and do not know just what is going to transpire later on.
The prevailing opinion here is, that the political friends and the self appointed Medical Committee of the so-called war council, will attempt to continue Gorgas in Office until the war is finally settled. His time is up, I understand, in October, age limit.
They believe here that Gorgas has no decided opinions of his own and is acting entirely upon the suggestion of his associates. If they are not successful in retaining Gorgas they will recommend Theodore Lyster, Gorgas’ relative for SG thereby continuing the influence in office. Dr. Lyster has been over here observing (so-called). This crowd are so certain here they have control, that they are inclined to boast about it, and let out the secrets. General Bradley here, Chief AEF Surgeon, is their representative. We note now that the SG is working for the Owen bill in the Senate. Under this bill, there are a number of consultants to be appointed. The bill now recommends that they be appointed buy the SG instead of the President, as in the former bill. The saying here in the Medical corps is: “If you want recognition, get away from the trenches, be a politivcian, and not a fighter, stay in America, and do not come to France”. They are evidently building up a fine machine, and when completed it will not be friendly towards the admisnistration. We all wish thatt the army Medical corps was as satisfactory to the public, as the US Navy Medical Corps, and as loyal to her country.
It can be done. I think the opportunity is in October.
I will write you againI have just written Allen
Yours truly,
Angus Mclean
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
MacLean, Angus, “Angus McLean to Cary T. Grayson,” 1917 January 1, WWP16968, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.