The Founding of the New Haven County Medical Association

The year 1780 brought the darkest hours of America's struggle for independence. Whatever advantage the Colonists gained by the defeat of Burgoyne in 1777 was lost in two years of inactivity and minor defeat, and one event after another made it appear that Lord George Germaine would be successful in his tiring-out policy. Rochambeau's legion, whose coming had briefly revived the Ameri-can hopes, was unable to leave Rhode Island; Gates' force was completely routed at Camden in the most disastrous defeat ever suffered by American Arms; and Arnold's treachery all but delivered the hard-won northern territory to the enemy. The Army was mutinous, desertions to the British were occurring by the hundreds, and the loyal soldiers in the field were practically destitute of shelter and subsistence. Colonial rag money was valueless, the American people were war weary, and despair crept into Washington's sturdy heart. Then, the great tide of fortune turned. It was preached from many pulpits that at last right was to triumph and a beneficent God was on the side of the Colonists. Less pious commentators suggested that the turn came as soon as Nathaniel Greene replaced the elegant and selfish Gates in command in the South, and it appears to be the real explanation, but whatever the cause the Americans, greatly h'aartened by the dashing victory at King's Mountain, entered the final phase of the war with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. The year 1781 opened with Morgan's brilliant triumph at the Cowpens, and in March Greene wrested an important strategic advantage from his tactical defeat at Guilford Court House. American hopes soared. Rochambeau was able to leave the Narragansett in July, and crossed Connecticut with six thousand splendidly equipped veterans to join Washington on the Hudson. In September deGrasse brought his fleet into the Chesapeake, and by October Washington had, with brilliant strategy, marched his strengthened army from West Point to join Lafayette at Williamsburg in Virginia. The British were entrapped on Yorktown Neck, and their escape was impossible. Led by Washington and Lafayette the bedraggled and footsore Colonials surged to glorious victory at the side of the gorgeous French Legions.