.NDQy.NDA4OQ

be better pleased with Dr Shaw. He deserves promotion I think, although he had been with us but a short time. His promotion would also allow Hospital Steward Baker to be mustered in, & consequently make a vacancy in that office, which you desired to fill by the appointment of Rev. William Brown -- at present we are only entitled to one asst. surgeon.

This arrangement would suit us all very well. But I know how you must be embarrassed in making appointments, & beg that you will not give yourself too much trouble merely to please us. I am confident you would send us none but competent & worthy surgeons.