To Benjamin Rush
Mount Vernon Decr 26th 1804
Dear Sir
Whilst I was in Richmond, Mrs Washington commenced the taking of the mercurial pills, and having most unfortunately persevered too long, even after the soreness in the mouth had taken place, a kind of salivation was brought on, & though not attended by a spilling, her tongue & mouth have been for 8 or 10 days so much swollen, that she has been unable to take any kind of nourishment not in a liquid form. Her mouth is now somewhat better, but I am greatly alarmed by the return of the pain in the side which had almost ceased.
I think she is seldom quite clear of fever, and yet she is generally in a state of perspiration when in bed.
I understand that Docr Dangerfield wrote you upon her subject among my absence; but it may be proper for you to know the additional circumstances above stated.
I shall be impatient to hear from you. I am Dr Sir very respectfully yr ob. Sert
Bush. Washington
Mrs Washington corrects me as to her fever. She thinks she has been pretty clear of them till last night.
ALS, PPL: Rush Family Papers. BW addressed the letter to Rush in Philadelphia. Postmarked December 26 in Alexandria, Virginia. Rush endorsed this letter and noted “Robert Jenkins Church Town Lancaster County.”