American Medical Biographies/Hand, Edward
Hand, Edward (1744–1802).
Edward Hand, surgeon and major-general, was born in Clyduff, Kings County, Ireland, December 31, 1744. In 1774 he came to America as surgeon's mate with the Eighteenth Royal Irish Regiment, but soon resigned to practise medicine in Pennsylvania. However, on the breaking out of the Revolution he sought and received a commission as lieutenant-colonel in the Pennsylvania Line, in March being commissioned colonel, and taking part in the retreat of the American Army from Long Island while in command of the First Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line. His interesting account of his part of the retreat is preserved. In April, 1777, he was made brigadier-general, and took part in the battle of Trenton; in 1778 he commanded a body of troops at Albany, then went with Gen. Sullivan against the Six Indian Nations; in 1781 he succeeded Alexander Scammell as adjutant-general, and in 1780 was made major-general. In the years 1784–85 Hand represented Pennsylvania in Congress.
He was modest, was popular with his men although a "severe disciplinarian," and was "known as one of the handsomest men of the Continental army," and a fine horseman. He died of cholera morbus September 3, 1802, at Rockford, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.