Greek Revolution
Howe didn't remain in Massachusetts for long after graduating. In 1824, shortly after Howe was certified to practice medicine, fired by enthusiasm for the Greek Revolution, by the example of his idol Lord Byron, and fleeing the memory of an unhappy love affair, Howe sailed for Greece, where he joined the Greek army as a surgeon.
In Greece his services were not confined to the duties of a surgeon, but were of a more military nature, and his bravery, enthusiasm, and ability as a commander, as well as his humanity, won for Howe the title "the Lafayette of the Greek Revolution." Howe returned to America in 1827, to raise funds and supplies to help alleviate the famine and suffering in Greece. Howe's fervid appeals enabled him to collect about $60,000 which he spent on provisions, clothing, and the establishment of a relief depot for refugees near Aegina. He later formed another colony for exiles on the Isthmus of Corinth. Afterwards, Howe wrote an account of the revolt, Historical Sketch of the Greek Revolution, which was published in 1828.
After leaving Greece, Howe continued his medical studies in Paris, where his enthusiasm for a republican form of government led him to take part in the July Revolution.
Read more about this topic: Samuel Gridley Howe
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