To Thomas Jefferson from Gabriel Duvall, 19 March 1804
From Gabriel Duvall
Washington, 19 Mar. 1804.
Dear Sir,
Dr. Rogers of this place will accompany the Marines who are about to depart hence for New-Orleans, where he intends to fix his residence. He has just been informed by a friend of Dr. Bache, the physician, who, at present, attends the Marine hospital there, that he means to quit that service; and Dr. Rogers has requested me to mention to You that he wishes to succeed Dr. Bache in case of his resignation.
Presuming that You are not unacquainted with Dr. Rogers’s character & merit as a physician, I deem it unnecessary to mention my opinion. He has been several years a practitioner, & served as Surgeon on board one of the armed vessels of the United States. His character is unblemished, & his competency, it is believed, will not be questioned.
I am with great respect & esteem, your obedt. Svt.
G. Duvall
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “The president of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Mch. and “Rogers Doctr. Wm. for hospital N.O.” and so recorded in SJL, where it is connected by a brace with the letter from William Kilty of this date.
On this date, Duvall recommended William rogers to Gallatin as well (RC in same; endorsed by TJ: “Rogers Dr. for hospital N.O.”).
one of the armed vessels: Rogers served on the Enterprize in the Mediterranean from 1802 until May 1803, when he resigned his position as surgeon’s mate and returned to the United States. Rogers reentered the navy as a surgeon in March 1804 and was stationed at New Orleans until August 1807 (, Register, 47; Vol. 36:397, 488).