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George Washington's Final Illness

Overview of George Washington's Final Hours

  • Date: December 14, 1799; George Washington was 67 years old.
  • Context: Washington was at home in Mount Vernon after over 30 months of retirement.

Initial Symptoms

  • December 13, 1799: Washington experienced:
    • Cough
    • Runny nose
    • Hoarseness
  • He had spent the previous day outdoors in poor weather, supervising estate activities.
  • Dinner was late; he chose to stay in wet clothes throughout the meal.

Health Decline

  • Early Morning of December 14:
    • Washington awoke with severe symptoms:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Clutching his chest
    • Martha Washington, concerned for his health, insisted on seeking medical help.
    • Washington prioritized her well-being, not wanting her to venture outdoors in the cold.

Medical Response

  • 6 a.m.:
    • Washington’s fever intensified and his breathing worsened.
  • Bloodletting:
    • Initial procedure removed 12-14 ounces of blood, requested by Washington to continue.
  • Tonic administered:
    • Col. Lear gave him a mixture of molasses, butter, and vinegar, aggravating his sore throat.

Treatment Measures

  • Medications and Interventions:
    • Dr. James Craik (primary physician) arrived at 9 a.m.:
    • Applied cantharides (Spanish fly) blister to the throat.
    • Bloodletting at 9:30 a.m. (18 ounces) and at 11 a.m. (another 32 ounces).
    • An enema was performed; unsuccessful gargling attempts with sage tea and vinegar.
    • Dr. Gustavus Richard Brown recommended emetic treatments with calomel and tartar emetic.
  • Results: Washington showed a brief improvement around 5 p.m. but ultimately struggled for air.

Last Moments

  • Washington communicated with the doctors, acknowledging his condition:
    • “Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go… my breath cannot last long.”
  • Final treatments included cantharides on limbs and poultices on the throat.
  • Death: 10 p.m., Washington took his last breath in the presence of Martha, doctors, and aides.

Controversies and Theories of Death

  • Physician Disagreements:
    • Causes of death were debated:
    • Dr. Craik: Inflammatory quinsy (peritonsillar abscess).
    • Dr. Dick: Suggested alternatives like stridular suffocatis or laryngea.
  • Massive blood loss: 80 ounces of blood was removed throughout the day, impacting his critical condition.
  • Reflection on Medical Practice:
    • Historical criticism directed at treatment methods of 1799, which were based on discredited theories.
  • Retrospective Diagnoses:
    • Various theories have been proposed over 215 years, including acute bacterial epiglottitis being most probable.

Legacy

  • Final Reflection: Washington’s death highlighted the struggle between the limits of medical science and a patient's suffering.
  • Quotations:
    • Remembered as “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
  • Learning Point: Washington’s experiences underscore enduring themes of leadership, citizenship, and the sacrifices made in public service.