Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-05-13
From, the Democratic Press.
DIR. BENJAMIN RUSH

1t has been customary in all ages, and times
to paytributes OF respect to the merits of great
men. The Statesman, Philosopher, Patriot,
and Philanulropist, has each in his turn been
eulogised, and exalted but when all that is
estimable in these characters are concentrated
inone person, it requires some skill in langiage
to do justice 20 such subject. i will not say
any thing respecting the parent ge, birth, and
early education ot,5r. Rush. They are iamili-
TO many. Dr. Rush at an early age went to
Scotland and completed his medic educat ion
III the celebrated school of Edinburgh He
was there distinguished for industry, appiica
tion and agreeable conversation. lie received
in manner peculiarly fiaitering, ali the no.
nors of the University. Having returned to
America, lie for some time served as Surgeon
general In tlie army; where he acquired a
great part OF that experience, which laid the
foundation Of most OF that knowledge so hon
orable 20 himself, and beneficial 10 his country.
Even in tie early manhood OF DIR. Rush his ee.
MUS AND talents were conspicuous He was a
republican OF the boldest stamp. He opposed
the claims of England, and at all times showed
himself the friend OF liberty, and equal rights.
He signed the declaration of Independence /:
that Independence which We now enjoy All !
illustrious Rush-memorab PATRIOTS my tears
shall water your graves. When you lave all
mouldered into dust, your names shall adhere
TO the declaration OF independence, and the
hearts OF ali freemen. IL is we'll known how
much censure was attached 10 his name upon
account OF the firm stand he took in defence ofhis
country, and medicGl principles but this cen.
sure has all passed away. II was dictated by
malice and euvy-and Ruth lived TO see the
complete triumph of his principles in all quar-
ters. Happy happy circumstance would
to heaven all men anxious only for their coIn.
try's good should be 80 successful. His merit
is now universally acknowledged, and no one
dares accuse hls moral character in slncle
point OF deficiency. Perhaps it would be alto.
gether useless 10 attempt TO shew how great
q physician lie was Neasy every one knows
it. lie was indeed the Sydenham of America.
His immense stores OF knowledge qualified him
10 teach all his acquaintance. Ills ingenuity
was unequalled. his happy and eloquent de-
livery will long be wanting in tic universitv
OF Pennsylvania. No more will the inyoIttntn-
ny psudits OF the students echo through the
hall. His voice is hushed in death that voice
which so often delighted and never failed 10
please. II men deserve credit for invention
and originality it is particularly due to Rush
for no man ever exhibited more, throuphout a
course OF Lectures or medical writinps.-IIis
stile was pure, chaste, and elegant. lie threw
all the rubbish and obscurity Of ancient au
thors aside, and charmed us with simplicity.
Like Thompson'sL avinia, W hen unadorned
she 10 adorned the most" The patriotism.
skill, learning, ingenuity and eloouence of DR..
Rush arc we'll known but the most sure and
certain criterion Of his character his private yir-
taes, are yet 70 be mentioned and here must
besitote--I feel as if were about 20 give tic
character of a being super-human Perhaps
no man ever approached nearer to perfection
than Rush. He was amiable, kind, and insi-
nuatlng IN his manners, familiar in his address,
prodigal OF good counsel, and anxious for the
happiness Of every one. 10 his family he was
ASYing' tender and afcc,ioDate. To his youth