Future President James Monroe Seeks Medical Consultation for his Daughter From Preeminent Physician, Dr. Benjamin Rush

Washington, (D.C.), May 26, 1811. One sheet folded to make four pages, 10 x 8 in. (254 x 203 mm) (sight). Autograph letter, signed by James Monroe, as Secretary of State, to Benjamin Rush, "Dear Sir/Many years have lapsed since I had the pleasure/to see you, tho' I have always taken a great interest in your welfare/& in your professional success & fame. I am sorry that a/case in which my daughter Mrs. Hay is interested, should be the/particular-matter to this communication. I am inclined to/apply to you, from the respect I have for your talents, and a/belief that it will give you satisfaction, to be instrumental, to/the restoration of her health. As the case is partly a surgi-/cal one, I shall be glad that you will have the goodness, to show/the statement also to Dr. Phisick and send me the result of your/joint reflections on it. I enclose you 20 dolllars, 10. for each/as an introductory fee./With great respect & esteem I am/sincerely your friend & servant/Jas Monroe." Address on verso, also in Monroe's hand. Creasing from original folds; soiling, top left corner. In mat and double-pane plexi-glass frame, with an engraved portraits of Rush, and Monroe, 13 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (343 x 603 mm). Preston, p. 216

Monroe writes to respected physician and Declaration of Independence signer, Benjamin Rush (1746-1813), seeking to arrange a consultation for his daughter, Eliza Monroe Hay (1786-1840), regarding an unspecified illness.