William S.W. Ruschenberger letter to Ann Ruschenberger, August 22, 1838

File — Box: 1, Folder: 26

Identifier: C-Misc 33

Scope and Contents

Includes one handwritten letter from W.S.W. Ruschenberger in London to his mother, Ann Ruschenberger in Philadelphia, sent in 1838. The letter discusses sightseeing in London, Ruschenberger's plans for future writing, as well as his personal life.

Dates

August 22, 1838

Creator

Ruschenberger, W. S. W. (William Samuel Waithman), 1807-1895 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research without restrictions

Biographical / Historical

Dr. William Samuel Waithman Ruschenberger (1807-1895) was a surgeon for the United States Navy and an author. He entered the Navy as surgeon's mate in 1826, and graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1830. Ruschenberger was fleet surgeon of the East India Squadron 1835-1847, was based at the naval rendezvous at Philadelphia 1840-1842, and at the naval hospital in Brooklyn 1843-1847. He served as fleet surgeon of the East India Squadron again 1847-1850, fleet surgeon of the Pacific Squadron 1854-1857, and fleet surgeon of the Mediterranean Squadron 1860-1861. During the Civil War, he was surgeon of the Boston Navy Yard. Ruschenberger was president of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 1870-1882, and president of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia 1879-1883. Ruschenberger married Mary Baynton of Germantown in 1839.