The /Only doctor involved in Governor Long's release from Southeast Louisiana (mental)1 hospital was Dr. Jesse J. McClendon of Amite.
Dr. McClendon, 72-year-old small town physician, was appointed by the Hospital board the morning of Long's release.; He replaced the ousted Dr. Charles Belcher as hospital superintendent.
Commenting on the editorial which criticized his release of Long, McClendon said in a telephone interview from his Amite, La., home.
"Two head psychiatrists from Tulane and Louisiana State university examined him (Long) also, and declared him sane.";
Dr. McClendon referred to Dr. Robert Heath, professor and chairman of the psychiatry and neurology department at Tulane university medical school, and Dr. Charles Watkins, professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry and neurology at Louisiana State university.
They examined Long for several days following hh release from the state hospital.
