These original letters were written either by Benjamin Rush or his son Richard Rush, Esq. Benjamin Rush was a Founding Father and signatory of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a physician, professor, and writer who many consider to be the "Father of American Psychiatry." Richard Rush held several political positions, including United States Attorney General, Secretary of Treasury, and Minister to England and France. Topics in this correspondence include yellow fever epidemics in Philadelphia, news about family and friends/acquaintances, current reading, real estate and other property matters, religion and church, advice on health matters, legal and fiscal matters, publishing and writing, the American Revolution, the 1848 revolution in France and Major Poussin, politics and political careers, etc. Also with the papers are some court and legal documents from Richard Rush. These papers are part of the historic psychiatry material in the Menninger Archives.

Creator: Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813
Date: 1791-1856