Letter To Doctor Tom Lawrence's Letter From 'Valley Forge'

709 Words2 Pages

‘Dear Doctor Tom Lawrence,’ read the letter, ‘Valley Forge needs more medics. As you are one of the top doctors in Pennsylvania, you have been recognized to help the troops. Your country needs you; history is happening.’ Tom Lawrence hurried to Valley Forge, bringing a bag of clothes, blankets, and his medical equipment. As he arrived on horse to the hospital, he took in the scene: bone thin soldiers, the stench of puke, urine, and sickness, rows of filthy beds of straw, and death. He walked down the row with his bag and polished boots, his clean coat taunting the dying men. Tom walked slowly, turning heads, looking into the soldiers eyes. Through their eyes, Tom saw the determination, strength, pride, and bravery of the soldiers. The eyes smiled back at Tom, giving him inspiration and faith. Then, he saw the lack of clothing and …show more content…

The man turned his head and a smile came to his face. “Hey, Tom! How’re you doin’? What are you doing here?” Fred yelled back with enthusiasm, despite his weak state. “Oh I’m good. I came to help. What happened to you?” Tom asked, with a worried expression on his face. His eyes met Fred’s, and he could see the humor, and strength of Fred’s heart in Fred’s warm, chocolate brown eyes. To Tom, the eyes were a window to the soul. “Ah I got frostbite on my leg. No shoes, y’know?” Fred jokingly said as he pointed at his left leg. Fred was Tom’s 17-year-old neighbor. Tom looked at him with pity. Fred’s foot and calve were blackened and shriveled, like a burnt piece of bread. “I also have putrid fever. I’ve been here for a few days or so, so I have to wait for a doctor.” “Oh I can help you right now. I would need to amputate your leg and-” Tom started. “No,” Fred interrupted, “there are soldiers who have been here longer than I have and can survive. Don’t argue with me; you should get working. We need as much help as we can get.” Tom stayed quiet and nodded. Reluctantly, he moved on to help the other

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