Letter, Benjamin Rush to Bushrod Washington

Containers:
Box 43, Folder 1812.05.02
Creator:
Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813 and Washington, Bushrod, 1762-1829
Scope and content:

A.L.S. 2 pages. Philadelphia. Advises Bushrod Washington on his wife's treatment "to complete the conquest which Mrs. Washington has happily made in part over her attachment to laudanum" -- Rush directs a gradual lessening of the dose to nothing -- suggests various infusions, including ginger tea, bitters, spirits of hartshorne, and strong porter or wine -- asks Bushrod to pass on his words that "the habitual use of opium is often attended with the most serious and distressing consequences [including] idiotism and madness" -- he hopes her resolution to be cured is equal to her judgment on the subject of the letter. Autograph letter signed, docketed by B.W. "Doct. Rush Advice for Mrs. Washington", laminated.

Access and use

Location of collection:
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
3600 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Reference services
Phone: (703) 780-3600
Parent restrictions:
This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.