John Langdon autograph letter signed ("John Langdon"). Two pages of a bifolium, 7.75" x 10", Portsmouth, [New Hampshire]; February 17, 1805. With integral address sheet. Docketed. John Langdon thanks Benjamin Rush for sending a pamphlet and reflects on their shared experiences in founding the country. Letter to Benjamin Rush (1746-1813), physician and Declaration of Independence signer, in Philadelphia, acknowledging the receipt of a pamphlet and recalling with affection their friendship and shared experiences in founding the nation. Letter reads, in full: "My dear Sir. Your truely [sic] friendly note of the 18th Ult. with the Pamphlet inclosed, by Mr. Evans, I have received, for which you'll please accept my sincere thanks, I have no doubt the Salutary advice you have given our fellow Citizens in this performance will have considerable effect in destroying the great evil you mention. I see by this that you are not weary in well doing, and I am fully convinced you will continue to serve our common Country while life shall last, this must give you many moments of comfortable reflections. Your kind recollection of myself and family, demands my acknowledgemts., and in return let me say I have the most lively recollection of yourself and family as well as my other numerous friends in your Beautiful and hospital City. I assure you Sr. when I reflect, upon what great things have come to pass in our time, the Revolutions we have passed thro; and the happy result, I feel greatful [sic] to Divine Providence, and think of my old Revolutionary friends, with the utmost pleasure and satisfaction. Accept my sincere wishes for the happiness of yourself and family and believe me ever your friend and Hble. Servt." Signed, "John Langdon". New Hampshire merchant John Langdon (1741-1819) served as a delegate in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776 and at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. After signing the U.S. Constitution, he served as a senator from 1789 to 1801, as the first president pro-tempore of the Senate, and governor of New Hampshire. Benjamin Rush (1746-1813), a political activist, patriot, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was also one of the most respected medical doctors and theorists in America. Though the quality of his medicine was quite primitive by today's standards (he advocated bleeding for almost any illness), his system of theory and practice, his specific contributions to medical science, and his influence as a teacher made him one of the most sought-after physicians of his time. He became a Professor of medical theory and clinical practice at the University of Pennsylvania in 1791, and during his lengthy career, he educated over 3,000 medical students. He wrote a descriptive account of the yellow fever epidemic that struck Philadelphia in 1793, during which he treated up to 100 patients per day, further enhancing his reputation. Rush was also far ahead of his time in the treatment of mental illness and is considered by some to be the "father of American Psychiatry". He published the first textbook on the subject in the United States, Medical Inquiries and Observations upon the Diseases of the Mind, in 1812; the emblem of the American Psychiatric Association also bears his portrait. Also included with the letter is a typed transcription, an engraved portrait of Langdon, probably done by Philadelphia printmaker Samuel Sartain, and an engraving of Rush. Condition: Paper loss at integral fold measures 3" and 1.25"; just affecting docketing on address leaf. Pencil notation. Light scattered soiling. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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