Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “B. Rush,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 12, April 14, 1777. Addressed from Philadelphia, a handwritten letter to his wife, Julia, in part: “I am sorry to inform you that I could not get a single fish, nor an ounce of fresh meat in market this morning owing to their both being all bought up before Azariah came to town. I am glad to hear that our new Levee behaves so well. I think the less Molly and he dispute about politicks the better. Such disputes especially among ignorant people generally confirm predjudices and increase Obstinacy. Perhaps by a different course of behavior to him he may be induced to refuse to be exchanged, and may continue with us as long as we want him.
Our town is alive with news. The minute guns were fired this morning. It threw the city into confusion. An express has just arrived who says there are nine Men of War in the river. This Acc't makes it certain that Phila. is the object of the enemy. We expect every moment to hear of our bay being crowded with transports filled with British and Hessian soldiers.
Major General Lincoln (a Massachusetts Bay man), was surprised and taken prisoner a few nights ago near Bound Brook in New Jersey together with 200 men by a party of the enemy.
Our brother came to town last night. He positively sets off early tomorrow morning to Mr. Bartrams…agreeable to his duty and our mother's orders.
As everything is now turned topsy turvy in town, I fear you will not spend your time agreeably here. I think you had better set off tomorrow morning for Grame Park. It will not however do to spend a week there, as I know not how soon Gen'l Howe’s progress up the Delaware may make it necessary to fly with you to Maryland. Suppose you leave Mrs. Pamper at Capt. Allison's and call for her in a day or two. I fear I shall not be able to come for you. I enter upon the care of a military hospital tomorrow, and shall have a hundred things to do that are important to ourselves as well as the public.
Enclosed is an Evening Post. Gen Washington's letter is a masterpiece. It has raised his character higher than ever in the opinion of Congress and his friends.
The Congress have settled my appointment in the Army so as to be perfectly agreeable to me. They have made me Joint Physician and Surgeon General with Dr. Jones of Virginia of the middle department.
You may depend upon my care and tenderness in conducting you to Mr. Halls as soon as the danger is more imminent. Much love to our brother and sister.” Rush adds a postscript: “Keep up the spirits of our brother and sister. All is for the best and all will end well…The counsels of Heaven must be fulfilled. ‘Clouds and darkness are before him, but righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.’” In very good to fine condition, with seal-related paper loss near the hinge.
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