Lot 224
Rush, Benjamin (1746-1813), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, physician, politician, abolitionist, Treasurer of U.S. Mint, son, Richard, became Attorney General under Madison and Secretary of the Treasury under Monroe. Autograph Letter Signed, 1½ pages [one sheet, two sides], 7¼ x 8¾ no place, no date, "Thursday evening". To an unidentified person, in full:
"My dear Friend Just after you left me a gentleman called for me in his Chair to visit a patient in a fitt [sic]. I thought on my good friend Mrs Archer (who would not have scolded me as you have done) on my way, & expected to have returned before you called. But was unfortunately disappointed. Please to put the ingredients into a half a pint of boiling water, & give a teaspoonful of it every hour until it produces the intended effect. A teaspoonful of the bark must be given every hour in the absence of the fever. My best compts. await my amiable patient. She I know will not only forgive, but pity your hurried and fatigued friend. &c Hble Servant B Rush"
Fine condition, accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS OF THIS EARLY DATE ARE QUITE RARE, ESPECIALLY SO FROM SUCH A NOTED PHYSICIAN.
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| Realized $3,250 |
