To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Rush [5 January 1789]
From Benjamin Rush1
[Philadelphia, January 5, 1789]
Dear Sir
A worthy friend of mine, & formerly my pupil Dr Rodgers2 has lately removed from our city to New York. Permit me to solicit a small share of your extensive influence in his favor. I do not expect that former medical connections should be given up to serve him. It will be eno’ from you—if when his name is mentioned in company you bear a testimony from his old preceptor that he is a gentleman of solid abilities—great industry—and extensive information in his profession. His principles as a man are pure, and his conduct in every respect irreproachable. In my opinion he will be an acquisition to your city.
The bearer of this letter Mr Tench Coxe3 is a moving common place book of knowledge with respect to the politicks of Pennsylvania. His appointment has subjected him to some newspaper attacks.4 They came from men who have in vain attempted to supplant him in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. The antifederalists have subscribed to his promotion, for in all his publications, he has treated them with moderation & liberality.5 From a long & intimate knowledge of him I can affirm that his integrity, as far as I have Observed, is equal to his talents as a politician. We have too few such men in Pennsylvania.
With great respect I am Dr Sir Yours Sincerely
Benjn Rush
January 5th 1789.
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Rush was a physician and a delegate to the Pennsylvania Ratifying Convention.
2. Dr. John R. B. Rodgers, upon his arrival in New York, set up his office at No. 18 Little Queen (Cedar) Street.
3. H needed no introduction to Tench Coxe. In 1785 he had represented Tench and John Coxe in legal transactions, and in 1786 H and Tench Coxe had served as delegates to the Annapolis Convention.
4. Coxe had recently been appointed a delegate from Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress.
5. An inveterate pamphleteer, Coxe had written frequently on the Constitution.