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One summer afternoon we rode out there on horseback -- old Drs Searcy and Guild-; and behind them myself and Shubal King -- one of my fellow students --
We young unfledged doctors carried their instrumants -; the negro quarters were built over a beautiful lawn -- a table was brought out &/ blankets & sheets spread & the dreadful preparations made -- a very large dose of laudanum was given to the wretched patient-; his ejaculations of agony were awful too listen to -- one of the
negro assistants fainted by me-; fortunately for my reputation -- I held out --tho' it was a frearful ordeal --

I remember that Dr Guild, in taking out his fearful instruments for the operation, got me to roll my pants up, as I had on boots-, so that he could wipe the blades on my boot legs -- my shanks being slender, he found it difficult to make a good cushion for the purpose-; & he said, jocosely " Why Hentz -- there isn't anybody at home is there? " -- very much to my mortification -- Bob Nelson, a son of the planter -- fellow student of mine (& classmate) was also with us --

Mr. Charles A Hentz
Present --