I have made this apology to you, my dear Hodge, because I look upon you as a chief representative of Medicine, on this topic, in the United States: and, as I desired to say a few words to the brethren, in addition to all I have said in these Letters to my Students, I trust that in saying these things to you, in whom they have confidence, I am, quoad hoc, absolved as to apologies. As to my personal feelings towards you-did we not sit on the same benches at the lectures?-and have we not interchangeably assisted us with counsel and with dexterity, in our vocation these thirty years?-What more!
I pray God to prosper you long; and to allow the City, and the Country, to enjoy, for many years, the advantages of your skill, the honor of your well-earned reputation, and the benefit of your public instruction, as well as your private example as a minister of your philanthropic calling. Farewell, dear doctor, and believe me very faithfully
Your affectionate friend,
Professor of Midwifery and Diseases of
Women and Children, in the University of Pennsylvania.