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Rush writes to Thornton regarding his opposition to capital punishment, and encloses copies of a his pamphlet on the matter, of which Thronton had approved. Rush also discusses his birthplace, Byberry, where Thornton resides.

Rush announces that a violent "fever" has broken out in one district of the city, where 12 people have died. If it spreads he plans to have Julia remain at Princeton. He then reports that influenza continues to spread, with violent symptoms that cause him anxiety. He adds that Mr. Wolstonecraft has refused to purchase their property, because he could not support himself by hunting on it. Finally, he notes the arrival of a fellow physician's son from France, who brings disturbing news of the state of affairs, there.

Rush updates Julia on the alarming spread of the fever. He reports that the College of Physicians has met to consult on how to stop the spread of disease and to draw up instructions for that purpose. These directions will be handed to the mayor. He asks her to stay in New Jersey with the children, and to pray for his protection, although he takes all precautions possible. He plans to confine his boys to the house for their protection.

Rush states that the boys are so apprehensive about contracting the fever from his clothes that he has decided to send them to Trenton. He asks her to have them read something useful, because he is worried about possible habits of idleness. He notes that the directions from the College of Physicians are to be published tomorrow, but worries that the fever will not subside before October's heavy rains and frost. His postscript provides instructions on how to protect the boys.

Rush notes that both boys have headaches, but are travelling regardless. He reports on the fever in their neighborhood, listing who has died or left town.

Rush provides a detailed account of the yellow fever epidemic, describing its varied presentation among individuals. He notes that the violence of the fever has caused Philadelphians to mistake it for plague. He points out that common remedies have all failed, but he consults with Dr. Caspar Wistar regarding treatments.

Rush describes the funerals taking place in the city, and tells Julia that the fever has been particularly fatal to the young. He rejoices that the boys left the city, but hopes they avoid fatigue, heat, and cold, so that they do not excite any portion of the fever they might have carried with them from town. He expresses concern that the city is only at the beginning of the epidemic, but joins Julia in planning to express more gratitude for God's mercies in the future.

Rush records that his case load is increasing, as is his fatigue, but that many of those he treats are out of danger. He reports on the progress of the epidemic in their neighborhood.

Rush briefly notes that the disease spreads, but mortality is not in proportion to the numbers afflicted. His cure is jalap and mercury, taken on the first day of the attack.

Rush writes that he has seen 100 patients, and that he now saves almost all those he sees within the first day. He notes that some doctors rail against the cure he uses, several of them publishing false information, even though they generally have not visited patients with the fever. He chronicles the fate of several doctors that have contracted the disease. He notes that some of his friends are ashamed to see him once they fall ill. He admonishes her once more to watch the boys closely for signs of infection, for the fever will lie dormant 1 to 16 days following contraction.

Rush notes that his cure is working, but there is a pause in new cases, and that fatalities are now among the poor without access to doctors or respectable people being treated by quacks. He states that if the fever breaks out in Princeton, he will send his assistant John Cox to execute his cure. Once again he documents the health status of his fellow physicians, although he records a rumor that some doctors have ceased seeing patients at all. He then discusses the various treatments that have been used for the fever. In a postscript, he adds that Africans in the city have proven immune to the disease.

Rush tells Julia that the pause is over; he has been called to countless cases. Two more doctors are ill, Dr. Morris has died, and Secretary Hamilton is sick. He describes the support he receives from friends, along with the more serious symptoms of the fever.

Rush expresses amazement that he remains uninfected by the fever, for he has seen over 100 patients on this date, and 40 people were buried. He states that he does not forget to treat the poor "remembering my dream in the Autumn of 1780." Many doctors have adopted his treatment, but several oppose it, as they oppose his treatment for lockjaw. He remarks that more of the French exiles have come down with the fever. He is now using bloodletting as a tool, since the weather is cooler.

Rush notes that the efficacy of his cures is now proven, and that his directions for treating and preventing the disease will be published in the newspapers. He adds that he is in surprisingly good health, since his meals now consist only of milk and vegetables, and water.

Rush writes that he is preparing for the "awful duties of the day," as yesterday exceeded any of the preceding days in distress and death, and two more physicians are ill.

Rush notes that the fever has been said to become more mild, but that is not the case, especially if his treatment has not been used. He adds that besides combatting the fever, he has to contend with the "prejudices, fears, & falsehoods" of his fellow physicians. He adds that all are tinged with infection, now. Even his own eyes are tinged a yellow color.

Rush refers to the tremendous opposition fellow physicians have given him regarding his cures, and Dr. Kuhn's publications have done the most harm. Rush announces that he has used his methods to cure his own attack of the fever.

Rush states that he is sending his assistants out to his patients, and will now visit the most serious cases. He updates her on those in the neighborhood who have not survived.

Rush seeks to reassure his wife that he is fully recovered and well cared for. He notes the numbers of those who oppose his treatments that have now left the city. He adds that it is cold, and that he hopes this will check the fever.

Rush describes how he has been forced to limit the number of patients he sees, and the reactions of those whose treatment he declines. He also describes how many of those who become infected are abandoned. He mentions that there is fear of famine in the city.

Rush says that distress increases in Philadelphia, and names several friends and one doctor who have died.

Rush announces that he is well, but has a sore throat from his treatment. He saw 25 patients by carriage; then 25 more, mostly poor people, at home, but was still forced to turn away 38 others. Their house continues as a hospital. He says that his professional detractors are increasing their persecution of him.

Rush enumerates the close family friends that are ill or have died, and notes that only one doctor who continues to follow his treatment.

Rush announces that his pupil, Johnny Stall, has died. He mentions that citizens universally exhibit symptoms of the fever, but that the poor suffer the most. He hopes the weather will change.

Rush announces that another of his assistants, Alston, has died. He admits to extreme weakness, but otherwise is in good health. He points out that bleeders, doctors, apothecaries, and nurses are becoming scarce, as are the medical necessities used to treat the fever.

Rush says he has been spending time treating and putting up medicines for the poor. He hopes rain and frost will follow to weaken the contagion. He points out that many have died because they mistake their symptoms for a common fever. He notes that now even the African Americans are succumbing in large numbers.

Rush announces that his final apprentice, John Coxe, has died and that his sister is very ill. There is some rain in the city. He reports that Dr. Wistar has published an account of his recovery that is calculated to undermine Rush's treatments.

Rush reports that his sister is in grave danger and that, by popular demand, physicians have been forced to adopt his treatment for the fever.

Rush defends his taking in Johnny Stall and Ed Fisher, as neither had any other home. His sister, who was at the brink of death, is better, but his mother is now ill and is refusing treatment.

Rush provides a detailed account of his sister's death, describing also the invaluable support she provided to him. He notes that there is a want of cash in the city, and that provisions are costly, and prices high. He adds that many of the committee men who sought to help the poor have now died. He hopes for a change in the weather. The close of the letter is missing.

Rush points out that Julia's letters are now delayed at the Post Office by 2 or 3 days, but her recent letter brought him comfort. He says that he cannot think of the family or the children, but lives in the moment, making himself useful to others. His sister has been buried, and he plans to plant medicinal plants at her grave; his mother is fully recovered.

Rush states that he receives many inquiries each day from country practitioners, and there is a high cost personally and in postage to answering each letter, so he is publishing an account of the fever, including preventatives and remedies. He reports that he is seeing 40-50 patients a day, and notes the progress in the cases.

Rush reports that he has had a relapse of the fever, but is still seeing patients as he can. He adds that the poor, children, and servants have been hardest hit by the fever. Nursing wages are now $4 a day. The signature for the letter has been excised.

Rush asks that Julia and the children mourn his sister's death, as he is doing. He is unable to see patients because of continued weakness.

Rush announces that the publication about the fever has been well received by the citizens. He updates Julia on the condition of several patients.

Rush states that he would rejoice at news of the birth of his niece if he could, but he feels as though he will never feel joy again. The mortality this day is worse than ever. He believes it is now unsafe for her to receive articles of clothing from their house. Also, he would prefer to borrow money from her brother than from a bank at the moment.

Rush reports that the women who waited before sending for him to treat their fever have now died. His meals are now public, and he describes his diet. He notes that some doctors have been adding bark and laudanum to his new remedies. He plans to publish to expose their ignorance.

Rush reports mortality is very great, and chiefly among the poor and servants. He adds that nearly 2000 people have died since the beginning of the fever. His own fever has returned and confined him to his house.

Rush is confined to his house, and has been prescribing based on the reports of his pupils. He remains weak, but otherwise healthy. He finds it strange when men write to propose business or contractual dealings at this point in time. Part of the final page of the letter is missing.

Rush informs Julia that he has been thinking more of the children than he has in weeks and describes a dream he has had about her. He inquires after the new baby. He plans to ride out to the countryside to repair his health and later reports feeling stronger. He lists the conditions of those among their acquaintances.

Rush points out that he has received no letters from Julia. He gains strength but must eat often to avoid becoming "weak and fainty." His patients now hand him a glass of milk or crust of bread as they would hand another a glass of wine. He adds that their servant, Marcus, has been very faithful and that his mother is well, but complains of the high cost of housekeeping.

Rush lists those in the neighborhood who were not his patients that have died. He praises their "black friend," Marcus, for faithfully waiting on him. He has received letters from Europe, among them a letter from Granville Sharp, authorizing him to draw on contributions in London for the African Church of Philadelphia. Among the contributors was the Duke of Grafton. Rush points out that no doctors have inquired after his health, and that their confederacy against him in stronger than ever. The letter's signature has been excised.

Rush announces that Dr. Sproat has died, adding, "It is truly distressing to think of the desolation which has followed the footsteps of this man, and of all the Doctors who use Bark- Wine- Laudanum, and hot, or cold Baths in this disorder. It is much more inflammatory than a common Pleurisy, & who ever thought of using those remedies in that disease?" He notes the health of other doctors, and reports that he is now employed again by Mr. Hammond, who had been persuaded against Rush's treatment. He ends noting that Julia's sister has written to urge him to leave the city, a move he feels would be "unwise, and perhaps sinful."

Rush details several patients' responses to treatment, or lack thereof, and includes consideration of the impact of psychological influences on recovery. He notes that the days grow colder, but they need rain. He has returned to his notes on yellow fever taken during his apprenticeship in 1762.

Rush reports that the fever declines daily and that he expects she will be able to return to the city by mid-November. He rode out for the first time in weeks, and found more people in the streets, and those more cheerful. He adds that he is feeling stronger daily.

Rush notes that rain and cold weather have not decreased cases of the fever; 700 have died since 11 October, and 3400 since 1 August. He feels the distress of others all the more because he cannot assist them now. He has discovered further evidence that his sister gave her life to save his. Finally, he notes that his publications are still saving lives.

Rush reports that his practice has fallen off. Disease has left their district and it is well known that he is too weak to see patients. His pupils attend to the poor. He describes his financial situation, then notes how few friends he now has among medical brethren, and how that impacts his future career, since he now cannot consult or operate with them.

Rush reports that only one person has been buried today in the Quaker graveyard, when 5-17 have been regular. He complains of fever treatments used by French physicians.

Rush announces he is contemplating moving into a new house before her return and considers a few locations. He adds that his day no grave was opened in the Quaker graveyard and their were no admissions or deaths in the Bush Hill hospital.

Rush has taken measures to purify their house. He points to a new clamor regarding his assertion that yellow fever has been operating in the city. He has been asked to prove that assertion.

In this letter to his sister, Rachel, Rush provides details of their sister Rebecca's death, his grief, and the state of their mother's health.

Rush records a visit from physicians who have quietly sought to prove the effectiveness of his mercury treatment by using it to treat the poor. He asks Julia to join him in reading Psalm 103 and praising God for his protection. He expects to take charge of the hospital shortly.

Rush notes the health of several doctors and points out that St. Paul's Church has offered prayers twice a week since the fever began. He is not seeing patients, but is spending his time reading and making notes on the epidemic. He describes his melancholy when he contemplates the state of the city and those he has lost.

Rush points out that many people are returning to town; he hopes not too soon, for there are still many who are ill or dying. The rest of the letter is regarding his professional feud with Dr. Wistar over treatment for the fever. Rush is especially offended because Wistar had originally assented to the efficacy of Rush's treatment, then changed his mind.

Rush has discovered that a letter containing charges against him has been circulating among physicians. He plans to obtain a copy and publish it. He is inquiring after a house.

Rush reports that he was driven to Rosehill to visit their son, Ben, and also met neighbors. He figures that two-fifths of all those sent to Bush Hill hospital have died, because his remedies were not used.

Rush outlines their full affection for each other, and makes tentative plans to visit Julia. The closing for the letter has been excised.

Rush challenges Julia to be patient regarding a return to town. He repeats the history of his relationship with his detractors, then returns to praising her as a "great woman" for never asking him to leave the city during the outbreak.

Rush reports having received various letters and items from London, including a medical book. He states that he has had no cases of yellow fever in two days. He uses the rest of the letter to recount fully his second attack of the fever, beginning October 10th. He writes that he expects her return the coming week.

Rush outlines the work that will keep him from visiting Julia, after all. He points out that there have been four deaths from fever, so unless there is a frost, she should not return to Philadelphia on the date they agreed upon. He repeats more of the "slander" against him.

Rush points out that he is too weak and busy to ride out to her at Rosehill, but she may come in to town, or he will ride out to spend the next day with her.

Rush writes most likely to Dr. Basil G. Middleton, (c. 1740-1818), a former surgeon with Virginia forces in the Revolutionary War, now living in London. Rush discusses personal and medical matters, touching on College of Philadelphia medical school classes and enrollment, and comments on the unconcluded treaty with England and the American political system.

Rush announces that yellow fever has broken out throughout the city, but there have been no measures yet to exterminate the disease. Their son Richard plans to move a mattress and books to their farm. Rush notes that a Mr. Thomas has left Philadelphia forever as a result of his debts, and has ruined many young men in the meantime. In a postscript, Rush points out that Capt. Mitchell of the American Army has the fever. Rush is considering leaving and is urging his patients to leave. Rush's signature has been excised.

Rush notes that the fever has increased more in one week than it had in three weeks in 1793 and 1797. He had made plans to leave in 7-10 days when the U. S. Mint was closed, but by the end of the letter announces more immediate plans to remove to Sydenham, which has been prepared for the family and servants. Their son John is arriving via his ship in New Castle. A note was appended to the letter in 1848, saying that the close of the letter was cut out for an autograph seeker.

Rush notes that John arrived, and they are now at Sydenham. He also reports that he has sold the Chapel farm for $2,500. He describes a new remedy he has developed for yellow fever. The signature has been excised from this letter.

Rush points out that though staying in the country helps him forget all that is going on around him, he cannot forget the poor, sick, and dying in the city. Three more persons were admitted to the hospital this day than were admitted in 1793.

Rush notes that his pupil is better, and that he is using profuse sweating as part of his treatment for the fever. A later note was appended to the letter stating that Mrs. Rush allowed the signature to be cut away for an autograph.

Rush reports that despite being exposed to the fever daily for two months, he is still healthy. However, he has "felt, mourned, and wept" until he could no longer do so. He reports that poor people chase him down in the street, and that he carries medicine with him in order to do all he can to help them. Free blacks and servants form a large percentage of his patients.

Rush recounts all the improvements he has made for her at Sydenham. He will begin sending the family from town with the warm weather in May or June.

Rush comments on commerce and the work of physicians, and on Philadelphia physicians opposed to use of mercury and bloodletting.

Rush writes a brief note to inform Julia that a friend has failed, physically.

Rush writes that deaths from fever are decreasing, and he will soon end his engagement with city hospital. He outlines activities in the family, and their preparations for her return the following week. The signature to this letter has been excised.

Rush makes treatment recommendations for an undisclosed ailment.

Rush records the benefits of using Kinepox over variolation to inoculate against smallpox.

Rush thanks Dr. Bostock for his essay on respiration, saying he will read it with interest and awaits Bostock's future work on the topic. The rest of the letter relates to Rush's English ancestry and friendship with Bostock's father.

Copy of a letter Rush composed to Jefferson regarding appointments Jefferson has made, as well as the impact of yellow fever epidemics on commerce with Europe.

Rush thanks Bostock for his article "Analysis of Animal Fluides," then provides requested anecdotes regarding Bostock's father. Rush comments upon treatment for pulmonary consumption and the use of bloodletting in parturition and pregnancy.

Rush outlines how the family spent July 4th for Julia, then discusses possible successors to University of Pennsylvania chemist, James Woodhouse. Letter includes a poem by William Rush to his mother.

Rush describes his parting with their son, James, and announces that Dr. Coxe has been appointed Professor of Chemistry. Includes a letter from Samuel Rush to his mother.

Rush relates how he misses Julia, then describes the activities of their boys. He notes that the weather has been uncommonly cool, which has damaged crops. There has also been an outbreak of yellow fever in the city, but he expects it to be checked by the cool weather. He points out that the "ejection of Mr. Erskine's convention with our government by the British Court" has caused outrage in the city.

Rush writes regarding a Mr. Carter's debts, particularly regarding his coffin and grave.

Rush writes a more detailed letter regarding Mr. Carter's debts and ill treatment of Carter, who was insane, by his family. Includes a statement of charges certified by the hospital's steward. Letter features an additional written comment made by Henderson or someone in his firm.

Rush replies to a requested consult regarding a severe case of hemorrhoids or other bowel problem. He proposes that if the patient is willing to visit Philadelphia, the problem can be treated surgically.

Rush congratulates Jones on his decision to leave Congress, and records his own regrets regarding public service, with particular regard to the funding system and the banks. He now believes American citizens "unfit for and undeserving of liberty."

Rush writes his memories of John Rodgers, the patriarch of Presbyterianism in the United States. Rodger's had been his boyhood friend at Dr. Finley's school in Maryland. In 1777, Rush had taken care of Rodger's son in Kingston following a battle.

Rush writes an unsolicited recommendation for Dr. James Mease to serve as head of the Office of Purveyor for the army's medical department.

Rush's draft letter acknowledges receipt of his certificate of membership in the Royal Academy of Medicine in Madrid, and laments the general lack of appreciation one experiences at the end of a career.

Rush's copy of a letter to Hosack on the origin of the fortifications and other Native ruins in different parts of the country.

Rush's copy of a letter assuring the Baron he has read all of the medical segments of Van Sach's letters from Surinam, regarding the origins of infectious disease, including yellow fever and influenza. He commends Van Sach on his plans for preventing fevers in Surinam.

Rush's copy of a letter he wrote regarding his memories of Dr. William Cullen.

The diary records Rush's travel, accompanied by a servant and via horses, between the outskirts of Philadelphia and Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for an initial meeting with the trustees of Dickinson College. During the meeting the Trustees selected Dr. Charles Nisbet to serve as the College's first president. Rush described the taverns and other travel lodges at which he stopped, along with Tavern staff and other patrons, the quality of the food and drink, along with conversations he witnessed or took part in. Discussion often centered on the topics of the Constitution, paper money, as well as Dickinson College. Rush also described the results of a rapid Spring thaw on the Susquehanna River, the unusually cold weather, the scenery, and the presence whiskey stills in Irish settlements and their impact on their communities.

In the casebook, Rush provided brief histories for his treatment of about 75 individuals. Entries generally included the year, patient's name, presented medical issue, dates of treatment, prescriptions applied, pulses noted, and the progression or resolution of the problem. Rheumatism was the most common complaint, along with dropsy (edema), pneumonia, diarrhea, and mania. Among the other illnesses listed were palsy (paralysis), fever, typhus, epilepsy, consumption, scurvy, hydrothorax, swelled spleen, and hysteria.

Lecture or essay regarding use of cordial remedies and bleeding, a discussion of influenza, along with a 2-page partial report on an autopsy that noted the presence of a tumor in the abdomen.

Contains primarily Benjamin Rush's records of his expenses, including tax and bond payments, rental property fees, classes and dance lessons for family members, as well as money lent or advanced, accounts paid, cash received, and income from boarders. Rush noted the wide variety of areas where his money was spent, from postage and travel, to clothing and shoes, to household provisions and stores, along with medicines purchased. In addition, Rush created accounts for servants when they arrived, and noted their wages and any increased wages, advances, or loans; cloth, clothing, and shoes provided; with occasional notes on their personal and work habits and work history, and when they exited his service or married. Several of the comments have been redacted, along with a few pages of the account book. Finally, Rush made a few brief commonplace notes randomly in the volume, providing a "style sheet" for description of pulses, outlining a few prescriptions for patients, describing the weather, listing inventories of his furniture and linens, recording a few recipes, and in 1783, noting the news of possible peace with England.

Rush issued this certificate documenting that Samuel Cole attended 3 courses of his lectures on Chemistry and Pharmacy. Signed by Rush, Professor of Chemistry, College of Philadelphia.

Sworn statement that the certificate dated 1 July 1784, payable to Thomas Gilby and signed by John Pierce, is really the property of Dickinson College. signed by Benjamin Rush.

Land deed for the Williamsburg tract purchased by Benjamin Rush, signed by Gov. Thomas Mifflin and Dep. Sec. James Trimble, with the Pennsylvania State seal, with notice that it was recorded in the state patent books.

Includes statements and receipts for medicines, advice, consultations, and sundries. In one case, Rush collected a fee on behalf of another physician. Julia Stockton Rush also served as collector, along with her husband. Includes a receipt from Richard Henderson in Leesburg, Va., for payment on the account of Mr. Carter, who had been a patient in Rush's care (see Letters series).

Contains primarily accounts for individuals the Rush's employed in their household, including various house servants, cooks, coachmen, farmers and gardeners, along with accounts for work completed by washerwomen outside the residence. Individual accounts include the servant's name, followed by notes on pay and payments made, as well as any holds on pay, advances, loans, and pay rate increases. They also indicated when an individual was supplied with shoes or clothing, or had time off to visit the country. In addition, for the majority of the individuals, Benjamin continued his habit of adding a descriptive note when the person left their service, stating the reason for the departure, commenting on the quality of that servant's work, outlining their personal and work habits (especially their drinking habits), whether they married or not, and their race or ethnic background. Includes an incomplete alphabetical index for servant names. There are a few additional household accounts briefly noted, for wood and an umbrella, as well as two receipts, one for taxes and another (laid-in) for bread.