Note 101 — AN ACCOUNT OF THE Bilious Remitting Yellow Fever, AS IT APPEARED IN PHILADELPHIA, IN THE YEAR 1793. (continued 4)
Reading edition
This accomplished youth had made great attainments in his profession. He possessed, with an uncommon genius for science, talents for music, painting, and poetry. The following copy of an unfinished letter to his father (who had left the city) was found among his papers after his death. It shows that the qualities of his heart were equal to those of his head.
“Philadelphia, September 15, 1793.
“MY DEAR FATHER,
“I take every moment I have to spare to write to you, which is not many; but you must excuse me, as I am doing good to my fellow-creatures. At this time, every moment I spend in idleness might probably cost a life. The sickness increases every day, but most of those who die, die for want of good attendance. We cure all we are called to on the first day, who are well attended, but so many doctors are sick, the poor creatures are glad to get a doctor's servant.”