porter of equal rights. Mingling with all classes through the medium. of his profession, his influence was as extensive and multiform as it was useful and salutary. The Independence of his country was the ultimatum of his desires. To see her regenerated and free was the anxious wish of his heart. So conspicuous was he in the glorious cause, that he was elected a member of the Congress of 1776 and had the proud pleasure of placing his name upon the chart of FREEDOM.

The year following he was appointed Surgeon General of the Military Hospital for the middle department and rendered himself extensively useful during the entire period of the Revolution. He was ever ready to go where duty called and exerted his noblest powers in the glorious cause he had espoused until he saw the star spangled banner wave in triumph over the land of the brave and free and the incense of LIBERTY ascending to Heaven in cerulean clouds from the altar of FREEDOM.

The Independence of his country secured-he desired no occupation but that of his profession. For a time his services were diverted from this channel in the Convention of his state to take into consideration the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Having carefully read the published arguments as they progressed in the National Convention, he was fully prepared to enter warmly into the advocacy of the adoption of that instrument. When this was adopted by the states, the measure of his political ambition was filled and hermetically sealed. He retired from that arena of turmoil crowned with the evergreen laurels of fame that will bloom with living freshness until patriotism shall be lost in anarchy and the last vestige of LIBERTY be swept away by the tornado of faction. The only station he ever consented to fill under government subsequently was Cashier of the U. S. Mint.

During the remainder of his life his time and talents were devoted to his profession, the improvement of medical science and the amelioration of the ills of afflicted humanity. In 1789 he was elected Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic. In 1791 he was appointed Professor of the Institutes of Medicine and Clinical Practice. In 1806 he was honored with the united Professorships of the Theory and Practice of Physic and Clinical Medicine, the duties of which he ably discharged until sickness and death closed his useful career. Besides the multiform duties already enumerated he was an efficient member of various bene ent associations. He was President of the American Association f the Abolition of Slavery-Vice President of the Philadelphia Bible iety-President of the Philadelphia Medical Society-a Vice Presid of the American Philosophical Society and a

.nember of several other philanthropic institutions in this country and in Europe. For many years he was a physician of the Pennsylvania Hospital and did much to promote its prosperity. He was ever anxious to be useful in counsel, influence and action. To soothe the troubled bosom heaving with anguish-to alleviate the suffering patient writhing under pain-to aid the poor and needy sinking under misfortunes-to visit the widow and the fatherless in their distress-afforded Dr. Rush a richer pleasure than to have reached the loftiest pinnacle of political fame-a holier joy than to have been the triumphant chieftain of a conquered world. Although his duties were onerous and various he arranged his time with such system and order that a harmonious routine was produced. His professional duties, his books, his pen each had their specific time. He wrote numerous literary, moral and philosophical essays-several volumes on medical science among which were his "Medical Inquiries and Observations" and a "History of the Yellow Fever." He spent much time in the investigation of that alarming disease-endeavoring to arrive at the best mode of treatment. In this, many other cases of disease-the lancet was his anchor of hope. His theory and practice in this particular have fewer advocates now. The theory and practice of medicine have virtually turned a somerset within the last half century in the regular departments of the science-to say nothing of the locust swarms of quackologists who are making awful havoc on the foliage of human life.

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During the prevalence of any disease his exertions to arrest its progress and alleviate distress were unremitting. He obeyed the calls of the poor as promptly as those of the rich. He was particularly attentive to those in adverse circumstances who had employed him when in affluence. He put a veto on sunshine friends by precept and example. A pious and consistent Christian-he often cheered the desponding heart where medicine failed to save the body from the grave. His counsels were full of wisdom and benevolence and saved many a frail bark from shipwreck. His enlivening presence and soul-cheering advice drove despair from many an agonized mind-imparting fresh vigor by admi-⚫ nistering the elixir of hope and the tonic of fortitude. This is an important talent in a physician-often more potent than any chemical.

Blessed with a vigorous constitution-Dr. Rush was active until a short time previous to the 19th of April 1813, when he rested from his labors and was numbered with the dead. As the news of his death spread, a universal sorrow pervaded all classes-funeral sermons were preached-eulogies pronounced and processions formed throughout the United States as a just tribute to the memory of the departed sage,

patriot, scholar and philanthropist. His goodness had decked his name with the rich garniture of profound esteem.

When the sad tidings reached England and France, the same demonstrations of respect were manifested there. The tears of sympathy suffused many European eyes. In the halls of science on both sides of the Atlantic, Dr. Rush was well known and highly appreciated. By our own country his loss was most keenly felt-by the civilized world deeply lamented. The graves of but few men have been moistened by as many tears from the rich and poor-high and low-as that of Dr. Rush. His fame is based upon substantial merit. His name is engraved in deep and indelible traces on the hearts of our countrymen. His untarnished reputation is written on the monument of history in letters of gold by the pen of justice dipped in the font of gratitude and will endure, unimpaired, until the last trump shall proclaim to the astonished millions on this whirling planet-TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER!!!

The private character of this great and good man was as unsullied and pure as his career was brilliant and useful. His heart overflowed with the milk of human kindness-his benevolence often carried him beyond his professional income. He was temperate in his habits-neat in his person and dress-social and gentlemanly in his intercourse-urbane and courteous in his manners-interesting and instructive in his conversation-modest and unassuming in his deportment. He was a warm and affectionate companion-the widows' friend and the orphans' father.

He was a little above the middle height-rather slender but a good figure. His mouth and chin were well formed-his nose aqueline-his eyes blue and animated-his forehead high and prominent. The diameter of his head from back to front was unusually large. His combined features were commanding and prepossessing, his physiognomy indicating a gigantic intellect.

When attacked by the disease which terminated his life he was aware a rapid dissolution awaited him. He was fully prepared to enter upon the untried scenes of the other and brighter world. He could look back upon a life well spent. He had run a noble race-was ready to finish his course-resign his tabernacle of clay to its mother dust-his immortal soul to Him who gave it.

In the history of this great and good man we see nothing to censure but much to admire. To be useful and do all the good in his power was his constant aim. No blanks appear on the record for the apologist to fill up. But few men have performed as much-no one performed more in the same time. If such examples as his, spread out in bold relievo on the historic page, will not exercise a salutary influence on the reader-if his

devotion to his country-benevolence and unsurpassed virtues do not mellow your heart-you cannot be a patriot or a philanthropist-you do not realize the priceless value of our UNION.

EDWARD RUTLEDGE.

THE name of every patriot, sage and hero who aided in gaining the Liberty we now enjoy, is repeated with veneration and respect. But a few of those noble spirits who breasted the storm of the Revolution. are lingering on earth. All who were prominent leaders have paid the debt of nature and gone to their permanent and final home. particular veneration is felt for those whose names are enrolled on that bold and soul-stirring production-the Declaration of Independence. Their names, with many others, will glide down the stream of time on the peaceful waves of admiration and gratitude until merged in the consummation of this whirling planet-" the wreck of matter and the crush of worlds." Among the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is that of Edward Rutledge, born in Charleston S. C. in November 1749. He was the son of Dr. Rutledge, a native of Ireland, who married Sarah West, a lady of refined accomplishments, piety and good sense.

Edward lost his father at an early age and like those of many great and good men, his mind was happily moulded by his accomplished mother. After passing through the usual routine of an education he commenced the study of law with an elder brother who stood high at the Charleston bar. As a relaxation from Coke and Bacon he occasionally entered the bowers of elocution. In 1769 he went to England, became a student at the temple-made himself familiar with the courts, rules of parliament, the policy, designs and feelings of the British ministry and cultivated an acquaintance with the celebrated orators and statesmen-Chatham, Mansfield and others. He returned in 1773, richly laden with stock for future use.

He commenced a successful practice-uniting an expressive countenance, a good voice, a rich imagination, elegance of action, an honorable mind and a good heart-with strong native talent improved by superior advantages and great industry. He soon acquired a well earned eminence as a bold, discreet and able advocate. He was ever ready-the spur of the moment made him shine most conspicuously His lamp was always trimmed and burning. With true Irish zeal he

was always ready to enter the arena where duty called-especially if it was to defend the weak-aid the oppressed or relieve the distressed.

It was self-evident that with a soul and talents like his, he could not remain an idle spectator of the elements of revolution that were in motion. He was the kind of man to rouse the popular fury when circumstances would justify and required it. Warm-hearted, zealous, bold and daring-he was a necessary part in the political machine of that time to put the more sluggish parts in motion. He was an admirable fireman, a safe engineer, a good pilot and a popular captain. Liberal in his views, republican in his principles, a stickler for equal rights he was among the first to strike for Liberty.

He was elected a member of the first Congress in 1774. None but men of superior merit, known fortitude and pure patriotism were selected to represent their country's rights and repel the wrongs of monarchy. Such a man was Mr. Rutledge. His open frankness and bold exposure of the corruptions of the British ministry-preying upon the Colonies like canker worms, rendered him obnoxious to the adherents of the crown-the very thing to rouse such a man to determined action. Opposition seemed to kindle in his manly bosom a brighter flame of patriotic fire which he imparted to the friends of freedom without stint or measure.

With his ardor and zeal he united prudence and discretion-was a friend to order and cool deliberation. He acted from enlightened principles--aiming to build every superstructure on the firm basis of reason and justice. To this nobleness of design-conceived and adhered to by all the signers of the Declaration, may be attributed that lofty dignity which pervades that unique document.

Revolution is a tornado rarely chastened by prudence or discretion to neutralize its baneful effects. Up to the time of the American Revolution history claims no body of men to compare with those who constituted the Continental Congress-men who commanded the whirlwind of passion to stay its fury-who conducted the lightning of revenge by the silken thread of reason to the goal of deliberation.

Mr. Rutledge was made a member of several important committees. He was appointed, in conjunction with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to meet Lord Howe when he came to offer terms of ministerial peace. They were received with marked attention and respect by the royal messenger. He only had power to pardon repenting rebelsthese were not to be found. His insulting proposition was repelled with indignation. The committee disclaimed all allegiance to the crown-it had been sacrificed at the shrine of an ambitious and oppres