Search

A copy, in an unknown hand, of a letter from Rush to Bayard regarding sentiments expressed in an earlier letter to General John Armstrong. The letter reflects post-revolutionary state politics in Pennsylvania. In the letter, Rush censures his fellow Presbyterians, who refuse to revoke the test laws and to admit amendments to the state constitution. He also condemns the taking over by the Presbyterian dominated state government of the charter of the College of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania, and refers to the College of Carlisle, or Dickinson College, established in protest to the first action. He regrets the inflammatory remarks and publications made by members of the state's single legislative body, the Council of Censors, and by Joseph Reed and Mr. Smiley, and deplores the character of Henry Osborn and Owen Faris.

Sworn statement that the certificate dated 1 July 1784, payable to Thomas Gilby and signed by John Pierce, is really the property of Dickinson College. signed by Benjamin Rush.

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.