ABSTRACT
Normally cheerful, in spite of bad health, John Hull was full of hope in the spring of 1851. He had got himself engaged more than a year before to Mary Perkins. After completing his medical training in New York City, he accepted a position as assistant physician at the Seamen's Retreat at Stapleton, Staten Island. His position was an easy one, without much responsibility, and he had time to study before a window which opened on a view of the Narrows.
