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ADAMS, John. Autograph letter signed ("John Adams") TO BENJAMIN RUSH, Quincy, 13 October 1811. 1½ pages, 4to, framed. In very fine condition.
THE SCOURGE OF CANCER STRIKES A PRESIDENT'S FAMILY: "OUR ONLY ULTIMATE RESOURCE IS RESIGNATION". The former President's daughter, Abigail Amelia "Nabby" (1765-1813), married to William S. Smith, detected a tumor in her breast in 1811. Adams asked his friend Benjamin Rush for advice, and he recommended surgery. Here, following a successful operation, Adams heaps praise on the doctor for his diagnosis: "The Physicians and Surgeons all unanimously pronounced Dr. Rush's opinion and Advice to be exactly and perfectly in all Points agreeable to their own, and the plan was laid...On Tuesday...a day memorable in my little annals, the operation was performed...The operation was twenty-five minutes in performing, and the dressing an hour longer....The Surgeons all agree that in no Instance did they ever witness a patient of more intrepidity than she exhibited through the whole transaction. They all affirm that the morbid substance is totally eradicated and nothing left but flesh perfectly sound. They all agree that the probability of compleat and ultimate success is as great as in any instance that has fallen under their experience...Had not your letter overcome all her scruples and timidity, I believe she would have returned to Smith's Valley [her home] which would have been to soon the Valley of Jehosophat [i.e., of death]....I rejoice however still with trembling. I know the uncertainty that still remains, and that our only ultimate resource is Resignation. We are all very sensible of our obligation to you..." Two years later, Adams' fears were realized. Nabby's tumor reoccurred and she died in August 1813.
THE SCOURGE OF CANCER STRIKES A PRESIDENT'S FAMILY: "OUR ONLY ULTIMATE RESOURCE IS RESIGNATION". The former President's daughter, Abigail Amelia "Nabby" (1765-1813), married to William S. Smith, detected a tumor in her breast in 1811. Adams asked his friend Benjamin Rush for advice, and he recommended surgery. Here, following a successful operation, Adams heaps praise on the doctor for his diagnosis: "The Physicians and Surgeons all unanimously pronounced Dr. Rush's opinion and Advice to be exactly and perfectly in all Points agreeable to their own, and the plan was laid...On Tuesday...a day memorable in my little annals, the operation was performed...The operation was twenty-five minutes in performing, and the dressing an hour longer....The Surgeons all agree that in no Instance did they ever witness a patient of more intrepidity than she exhibited through the whole transaction. They all affirm that the morbid substance is totally eradicated and nothing left but flesh perfectly sound. They all agree that the probability of compleat and ultimate success is as great as in any instance that has fallen under their experience...Had not your letter overcome all her scruples and timidity, I believe she would have returned to Smith's Valley [her home] which would have been to soon the Valley of Jehosophat [i.e., of death]....I rejoice however still with trembling. I know the uncertainty that still remains, and that our only ultimate resource is Resignation. We are all very sensible of our obligation to you..." Two years later, Adams' fears were realized. Nabby's tumor reoccurred and she died in August 1813.