He examined the leg, and said:
“No, I see nothing in this case from which the danger would be increased by waiting five or six hours.”
There was nothing for it but patience.
“I taxed my mind to make an effort, but pain, far from loosening his fangs at the suggestion of reason, clung fast, and taught me that, in spite of mental pride, he is, and must be, dreadful to the human frame.”
Mr. Higgins came to him about three o’clock, bringing with him Mr. Gunning and Mr. Bell, and such instruments as they might have occasion for.
Mr. Gunning sat down by his bedside, and made a formal exhortation: explained that to save the life it was necessary to part with the limb, and he required of him an effort of mind and a manly resolution.
“Whatever is necessary, that I am ready to bear,” said the Captain.
Then the surgeons, having examined his wound, went to another part of the room to consult, after which they withdrew—to bring the apparatus, as he imagined. Hours passed, and they did not return. His servant, Aaron, having sought Mr. Gunning, was told that he was too much occupied. This after having warned him that there was no time to be lost!
“Go, then,” said the Captain to Aaron—“go into the street, and bring me the first medical officer you happen to fall in with.”
He returned, bringing with him Mr. Grasset, surgeon of the 48th Regiment.