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RUSH, BENJAMIN

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8. BENJAMIN RUSH (1745 - 1813) Pioneering American physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Fine content A.L. 3pp. legal folio, Philadelphia, July 31, 1791 to his wife Julia discussing the disciplining of "John" whom we believe to be his first son (1777-?). He writes in part: "...Circumstances I know should alter cases. Given the most positive precepts of the [illeg.] institutions have yielded to our times and plans. I objected chiefly to John's using a gun contrary to my orders. His offence arises from an act of disobedience to my authority. This must be supported in trifles, or no government will long be maintained over him. I remember once to have received a severe blow from Dr. [Samuel] Finley for throwing at a single apple upon a half dead tree. I remonstrated against my punishment by saying the apple was good for nothing. He granted it - but said he [illeg.] for disobedience to his orders. In this he was right - and by thus maintaining his authority in little matters, he was finally obeyed in every thing...." Samuel Finley (1715 - 1766), Rush's uncle through marriage, and mentor from age eight until his entrance into college. Finley was a Presbyterian clergyman and was also president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). Rush continues the letter by commenting on the funeral of a Miss Bullock and sends other messages: "Tell John [Rush?] I shall answer his letter by Col. Morgan. -- Mr. Lee says he will make a good speaker - what say you? Richd. [Rush] is well. he drove me out to Mrs. Flower's. He asked for permission to stay at home this afternoon. I told him I had no more right to excuse him from going to Church, than I had to grant him permission by lye [sic], or steal. After this explanation of the obligation of public worship he went without a single objection..." The third page bears a rectangular cut out with replacement paper where the signature originally appeared. On the replacement paper bears a note "Signature cut off to give an autograph by Mrs. Julia Rush" Despite this family authorized piece of vandalism the letter bears the usual folds, with light soiling, a few marginal nicks and tears, otherwise very good condition. $1,000-1,500

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