Lot 217
[Garfield, James A.] Letter on Garfield's Death, by Surgeon Joseph J. Woodward. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, 8 x 5 in., War Department, Surgeon General's Office, Washington, D.C., September 26, 1881. To Dr. I. Minis Hays (1847-1925). An important letter from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Janvier Woodward (1833-1884), who wrote reports on the autopsies of both Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, and was one of the physicians attending President James A. Garfield after he was shot. Woodward writes to the great Jewish pioneer opthamologist and curator of the Franklin Papers at The Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. Marked "Confidential": "My dear Doctor, After our last conversation I think I ought to send you the enclosed [not present] copy of the proceedings of a meeting of the late Presidents physicians held last night, which however you must regard as shown you in strict confidence. The proceedings have today been sent to Drs. Hamilton and Agnew for their views. A copy of my report of the post mortem examination was also sent to day to Drs. Hamilton, Agnew, and Smith, and this report will not be made public till their approval (which they are asked to telegraph if possible) is secured. So soon as this is done I am authorized to furnish copies to the New York Medical Record and to you. The reason for not giving it to either exclusively is because it is not yet determined which offer for the History of the Case will be accepted. As soon as any conclusion is arrived at I will let you know. Meanwhile you must judge for yourself whether you wish to wait for the October number for the post-mortem record, which will probably be ready in a day or two at farthest. Sincerely Your friend, J.J. Woodward".
After being shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, the President's wound was probed by numerous medical experts with unsterilized metal instruments or bare hands. The sterile technique taught by British surgeon Joseph Lister in the mid 1860s, and accepted in France, German, and other parts of Europe, was not widely recognized or used by American physicians. The massive infection which resulted from unsterile practices was a contributor to Garfield's death.
Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500.
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