Search

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 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 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.

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 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.