From the book, Wellford Family Facts, Descendants of John Leavitt Wellford

(1836-1897) and James Thomas Wellford (1839-1906):

John Leavitt Wellford and James Thomas Wellford, the younger sons of Charles Carter
Wellford (1802-1870) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, came to Memphis, Tennessee, after
the Civil War. Their grandfather, Dr. Robert Wellford (1753-1823), first of the name in
America and son of William Wellford of Ware, Hertfordshire, England, came as a
surgeon in the British Army to the Colonies. General Howe put him in charge of the
wounded American prisoners. When the Hessian officers complained that he was too
kind and humane in his treatment of those under his care and requested his removal,
Dr. Wellford resigned his position in the British Army and left camp for Philadelphia.
He was taken into custody by American scouts and carried to General Washingtons
headquarters in New Jersey. There Col. John Spotswood, whose life he had saved,
commended him to General Washington who recommended him to Spotswoods home,
Fredericksburg where Dr. Wellford settled:
Brunswick New Jersey July 6 1778
Dear Sir:
Dr. Wellford, late of the British Army, has an idea of settling in Virginia at the town of
Fredericksburg. He will have the pleasure of presenting this to you. He is a gentleman highly
spoken of in his profession and deserves every countenance and support from us for his great
humanity, care and tenderness for the sick and wounded of our Army in captivity. Hence, it is I
take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities.
I am with sincere regard and respect for you,
Your most obedient friend,
G. Washington
William Fitzhugh, Esq.
During the Whiskey Rebellion, Dr. Wellford served as Washingtons Surgeon General of the
Army