784 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
condition of “ His Nibs in the Army ” is largely due to the 
efforts of this intelligent and “ stay with it ” gentleman, who 
knows not defeat and whom it is useless to endeavor to “ turn 
down.” 
Some eight years ago I was requested by Dr. Treacy to visit 
Washington in the interest of a bill giving the veterinery sur¬ 
geons a rank. The visit was made, and Dr. Treacy furnished 
out of his private funds half of the expense, amounting to a 
considerable sum. At that time the General Commanding 
(General Schofield), having been interviewed, and having ascer¬ 
tained what we desired, suggested a bill, the one now before 
Congress being a counterpart of it, giving the rank, pay and 
allowances of a second lieutenant, and promising his support, 
but for some reason that could never be fathomed by us the 
promised support was withdrawn at the last moment. The then 
Secretary of War (Mr. Elkins) also promised his support, and 
in this connection thanks are given to Dr. Barnwell Robinson, 
of Washington, who exerted himself in our favor. During this 
time subscriptions of small amount were received from nearly 
all of the members of the service in the army. Although de¬ 
feat confronted us with the deadly gleam,” we were still ag¬ 
gressive, and once more, with Dr. Treacy as a standard-bearer, 
we stormed the powers that be. At this period we were won- 
(derfully aided by the assistance of Dr. Corcoran, of the Eighth, 
also, who interested his political friends in favor of our struggle. 
Dr. Corcoran has worked hard and faithfully, and contributed 
his funds and the product of his brain without stint, and if 
any progress has been made “ Barney ” ought to receive credit 
for his share in the battle. 
At this time the bill got so far as to be reported favorably in 
the House, where, alas! it died, and with it our hopes were 
buried; but again the invincible Treacy, “he is the rock, the 
oak not to be wind-shaken,” brought forth the dear (in more re¬ 
spects than one) remains, gave it a hypodermic of antitoxin, 
and placed it upon its “ pins.” This time, at the suggestion of 
the undersigned, in fact, after begging that it should be done. 
Dr. Tempany, of the Ninth Cavalry, visited Washington in the 
interests of the renewed effort, but Tempany made no progress 
whatever, and, in fact, never deemed it necessary to give an ac¬ 
counting of his stewardship. The bill fell flat, our diaphragms 
depressed, and we were afflicted with that peculiar feeling in the 
cardiac portion of the stomach that one has when he wishes he 
were some place else than close by. I regret that Tempany 
