American Revolution
Revolutionary War Soldier Found “Unfit For Duty” By The Bunker Hill Veteran Continental Surgeon Thomas Kitteridge
April 14, 1800-Dated, Manuscript Document Signed, “Thomas Kittridge - Surg(eon) to Regiment,” Fine.
This original 5” x 6” Manuscipt Document is in regard to Moses Dorman, who has been released from military duty in Captain Jacob Gould's Company; due to short sightedness. It is signed by “Thomas Kitteridge” as Company Surgeon on front. Authorized by Captain Jacob Gould and Colonel Nathaniel Lovejoy on back, as they also have agreed to the official medical discharge of this soldier. This Document has some folds and expected scattered tone, and is in overall very good condition, being written in brown ink on period laid paper and is easily readable. It reads, in full:

“This Certifies that Mr. Moses Dorman of Col. Lovejoys Regiment to Capt Jacob Gooles Company has for a long time been lame & short sighted which I Judge renders him unable for Military duty -- Thomas Kittridge - Surg to s(aid) Regiment -- Andover 14 April 1800”.

Dr. Thomas Kittridge (1746 - 1818) did valuable service in the revolution. He was surgeon of the First Massachusetts Regiment, was at the battle of Bunker Hill, was at the side of General Warren when he was killed. General Warren, himself a physician, said that Kittredge was the greatest natural surgeon that he knew. Dr. Kittredge was the leading physician and surgeon of this section for many years. His signature is extremely rare and most historic due to his important participation at the Battle of Bunker Hill. It is the very first document with his historic signature we have offered.
Dr.Thomas Kittredge, (Kitteridge) was born in 1746 in Andover, Massachusetts. His grandfather had practiced also in the vicinity and doubtless his father located in Andover to take charge of that section of his practice. Ever since 1741 there has been one or more of this Kittredge family practicing medicine in Andover. Dr. Kittredge did valuable service in the revolution. He was surgeon of the First Massachusetts Regiment, was at the battle of Bunker Hill, was at the side of General Warren when he was killed. General Warren, himself a physician, said that Kittredge was the greatest natural surgeon that he knew. Dr. Kittredge was the leading physician and surgeon of this section for many years. He was a man of strong character, active and influential in public affairs. In politics he was a Republican, as the antiFederalists were called. He was prominent in the early history of the Massachusetts Medical Society.