 Charles McKnight ( October 10 , 1750 – November 16 , 1791 ) was an American physician during and after the American Revolutionary War . He served as a surgeon and physician in the Hospital Department of the Continental Army under General George Washington and other subordinate commanders . McKnight was one of the most respected surgeons of his day and was remembered by one colleague as " particularly distinguished as a practical surgeon … at the time of his death ( he ) was without a rival in that branch of his profession . " 
