Letter from Benjamin Rush to John Rush

Benjamin Rush responds to his son, Dr. John Rush's request for money to help him settle in Charleston, South Carolina. Benjamin responds that he is unable to furnish his son due to economic difficulties, including the upkeep for his other sons: James, Ben, and Richard who "is still unable to maintain himself." He also states that "My receipts of money have been much less than in former years," owing in part to an economic downturn. Benjamin goes on to advise his son to proceed in his settlement, despite being unable to assist him, and also encourages him to pursue medicine.

In addition, Benjamin describes "a number of queries from the governments of Etrusia in Italy, and of Prussia" about "the origin and means of preventing the yellow fever." Benjamin also notes that his account on this disease has been translated into Spanish. Transcript included.