Collections : [David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library]

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 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 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 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 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 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.