Rush, Benjamin, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania

Autograph letter signed ("Benjn. Rush"), 2 pages with integral address leaf (13 x 7 1/2 in.; 330 x 190 mm), Philadelphia, 8 September 1797, to Elisha Boudinot at Newark, New Jersey, being a letter of condolence on the death of Boudinot's wife; a few folds and bottom margin strengthened, minor marginal loss from seal tear. Together with:  an engraved portrait of Rush by R. W. Dodson after Thomas Sully.  Folding case of pink and turquoise marbled paper, russet morocco spine, seafoam green morocco lettering pieces.

"Yes, my dear friend, we live among the dead; and in a valley of human bones. Every newspaper we pick up is an obituary of departed friends ... At the present awful moment, the passing hearse, the shut up houses, and the silent Streets of our city, all proclaim that we are made of the dust, & that we are doomed to return to it."  Dr. Rush consoles Elisha Boudinot on the loss of his wife of 19 years, Catharine Peartree Smith. Rush continues, "The conquests, & grace of Jesus Christ extend to the utmost limited of sin & misery, & all all shall in due time be made to partake of the benefits of his infinite atonement. Your late excellent consort will I doubt not be among the first fruits of his glorious resurrection ..."