Medical Testimony
This sworn "Medical Testimony," given shortly before December 25, 1888, is the affidavit of physician M. D. Raiford of Hockley, Harris County, Texas, describing his treatment of Elias Roberts — late a private under Capt. Jas. Gillespie of the J.C. Hays Regiment of Cavalry, Texas. Dr. Raiford found Roberts, then turning sixty-five, acutely suffering from malarial poisoning that had brought on hepatitis, ascites, hæmaturia, and sciatica, on top of long-standing chronic hemorrhoids, leaving him unable to support himself or his elderly, infirm wife. He further certified Roberts was physically unable to travel the 40 miles to the county seat to execute his own declaration.
Full Transcription
MEDICAL TESTIMONY.
STATE OF Texas
COUNTY OF Harris }
M. D. Raiford, whose Post Office address is Hockley, County of Harris, State of Texas, and whose age is now 43 years, being first duly sworn, says that he is a regular practicing physician of 1[?] years' standing, and that he gave medical advice and treatment to Elias Roberts, late a private ^(Capt. Jas. Gillespie) of Company ___ of the J.C. Hays Regiment of Cavalry, Texas, as follows:
That having been recently professionally called to see him, found him acutely suffering from the effects of malarial poisoning, which have brought about Hepatitis, Ascites, Hæmaturia & Sciatica, in his case, & from all of which, with chronic Hemorrhoids, he is now a sufferer and is under my treatment for the same.
The malarial poisoning & Hemorrhoids are of long standing & his condition is such as to render him, at his age, sixty-five the 25th day of Dec. 1888, should he ever convalesce, to be in any way self supporting, much less to support his family, an aged & infirm wife of sixty-two [?] years.
I do further certify that the said soldier, Elias Roberts, is unable to go to the County Seat of this county to have this Declaration (accompanying this affidavit) executed according to law — it being forty (40) miles from his place of residence to said County Seat, and that such a trip even on Railroad cars would be jeopardizing his life.
I further swear that I am not interested in this claim for pension.
M. D. Raiford, M.D.
(Affiant's Signature.)
___________________ (If ever in the Service, give rank.)
