16. Smith, Anna M. and G. Benjamin, 1847

File — Box: 1, Folder: 16

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: This collection of Ruschenberger's papers contains personal correspondence. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence from Ruschenberger to his wife, Mary B. Wister, 1843-1848, and to his mother, Ann, 1826-1846. Although the correspondence with his wife is primarily concerned with domestic issues, principally the birth of their daughter, Fanny, these letters also describe a trip Ruschenberger made to Saratoga Springs in 1843 and are filled with information on basic medical care. The letters Ruschenberger wrote to his mother describe his career and experiences in the United States Navy and provide a sketch of life in Valparaiso, South America, in 1827. There are also small collections of letters received by Ruschenberger from his wife and mother.

The remainder of the collection is composed of letters received by Ruschenberger from various, mostly obscure, correspondents, presumably friends and acquaintances. There are occasional references to his published works, notably the 1844 letter from Philadelphia publisher, John Grigg. The only material with medical content is the series of letters from John Styles, a New York physician. Styles gives a personal account of a bout with dysentery and a cataract operation. Refer to the attached calendar for details.