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Start Over Level Item Names St. Thomas' Church (Philadelphia, Pa.) -- History
David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers, bulk 1766-1845 and undated

0.8 Linear Feet 3 boxes, 2 volumes
The Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers include letters, writings, financial records, a few legal documents and one educational record. Benjamin Rush's personal and professional outgoing letters, with some incoming letters, cover a wide variety of topics, but focus primarily on medical concerns, particularly the 1793 and other yellow fever epidemics in Philadelphia, as well as mental illness and its treatment, and the medical department of the Continental Army. There are a few letters from others to Julia Stockton Rush that seek to continue ties with her and the Rush family or offer condolences following Benjamin's death. Collection also contains a medical case book and a fragment of an essay or lecture written by Benjamin Rush, along with his travel diary for a trip to meet with the Board of Trustees for Dickinson College in 178[4]; other writings include Julia Rush's devotional journal and exercise book. The financial records include a few statements and receipts, but primarily contain two account books, one maintained by Benjamin Rush, the other by Rush with his wife. These account books provide a complete picture of the family finances from the period before the couple married, almost to Julia's death. Legal documents include a sworn statement and a land patent, and there is an educational record for one of Rush's students.
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Benjamin Rush (Philadelphia) letter to Julia Stockton Rush (Princeton [N.J.]), 1791 July 16-17 1 Leaves Box 1, Folder 15

Rush writes of their exchange of letters, and mentions both of their sons, along with the grandson of President Washington, who is ill with a fever and is being attended by doctors Shippen and Kuhn. He also successfully treats a woman with a locked jaw. He announces his plan to open an African Church, and describes the resulting excitement in the free black community.

  1. Letters, 1777-1824

Benjamin Rush (Philadelphia) letter to Julia Stockton Rush (Princeton [N.J.]), 1793 October 17-18 1 Leaves Box 2, Folder 1

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.

  1. Letters, 1777-1824