Benjamin Rush travel diary, 178[4] April 2-7

Containers:

Box 3, Folder 1

Creator:

Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813

Extent:

2 items

Scope and content:

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.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Josiah Charles Trent Collection, 1956

Physical description:

23 pages

Alternative form available:

5-page transcription available

Subjects:

Travel writing -- History -- 18th century
Taverns (Inns) -- Pennsylvania -- History -- 18th century.
Diaries

Names:

Dickinson College

Places:

Pennsylvania -- Description and travel -- 18th century
Pennsylvania -- Social life and customs.
Susquehanna River

Access and use