These letters detail the continued health struggles that Bushrod and Nancy Washington dealt with, especially in the latter years of their life. Bushrod rode circuit to New Jersey and Pennsylvania multiple times a year in service of his appellate duties as a Supreme Court Justice. Such journeys, traveled even during the colder months, strained both of their health. These correspondences afford insight into how people grappled with health concerns in the Early Republic era, including the enjoyment of hot springs which were reputed for their soothing, healing qualities.
- AuthorRecipient:
To erase from your Mind any Suspicions that I am indifferent as to your Concerns I am induced to break through an established Rule of never writing to a Gentlemam that does not correspond with Mr Powel.
- Recipient:
I received yours My dear Sir of the 12th of Decr and am happy to hear from you & your family.
- AuthorRecipient:
I received the day before yesterday at my brothers your letter of the 7th and am much concerned to hear that your health has not been so good as I had been led to hope it was from what I had heard c… Continue Reading From John Marshall, 19 Aug. 1827
- AuthorRecipient:
I am grieved to learn by your late letter of your continued indisposition— I heard in the autumn quite by accident of your sickness at Philadelphia; but I presumed it was temporary.
- AuthorRecipient:
I yesterday recd a very discouraging letter from Mrs Washington from which I beg leave to trouble you with the following extracts.
- AuthorRecipient:
Mrs Washington’s mouth having got much better, we commenced the application of the mercurial ointment about ten nights ago.
- AuthorRecipient:
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,… Continue Reading To Benjamin Rush, 26 Dec. 1804