On July 29, 1866 Crane was confirmed by the US. Senate to be the Assistant Surgeon General of the Army under Surgeon General Joseph K. Barnes.[4]
Crane began to serve as Acting Surgeon General of the Army when his predecessor resigned.[5] Crane was subsequently nominated by President Chester A. Arthur for the permanent position. Crane's nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 7, 1882,[6] and he formally entered into his office on August 9, 1882.[5]
Crane served as Surgeon General of the Army until his death on October 10, 1883.[2] He was succeeded by Robert Murray.[7]
New York Times Obituary: Surgeon General Crane Dead. An Illness Which Terminates Suddenly - His Probable Successor. New York, NY: New York Times,(October 11, 1883), p. 4.
New York TimesThe Senate's Executive Work. John A. Luby Confirmed as Surveyor at Albany – A new Surgeon General., New York, NY: New York Times, (August 8, 1882), p. 1.
New York TimesNational Capital Topics; News and Orders for the Army and Navy., New York, NY: New York Times, August 10, 1882, p. 3.
Pilcher, James Evelyn.: The Surgeon Generals of the Army of the United States of America: A Series of Biographical Sketches of the Senior Officers of the Military Medical Service from the American Revolution to the Philippine Pacification (1905) pp. 64–66
Special Dispatches to The New York Times, Washington News.; Final Adjournment of Congress to December. Scenes and Incidents of an All Night Session. Sharp Struggle on the Omnibus Appropriation Bill. Increased Pay to Members Goes Through by One Majority. Also a Modified Extension of Bounties. Final Disposition of the Tennessee Senator's Case. Mr. Patterson Permitted to Take the Oath if He Chooses. Passage of the Army Bill Making a Large Increase of Force. The President Supposed to Have Pocketed the Nebraska Bill., New York, NY: New York Times, (July 29, 1866), p. 1.