Box 01

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Correspondence to Lettsom in London discussing publication of an unnamed book by Waterhouse, and opposition to smallpox vaccination in the United States. He asks to be sent additional matter via "a little infected thread" in time for spring.

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In correspondence to Luzac, a professor at the University of Leyden, Waterhouse provides updates on several mutual friends, as well as the status of commerce, culture, and the military in the United States.

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Correspondence on topics including Waterhouse's lectures on the dangers of intemperance and tobacco use, and his published works on botany and Junius. Madison also discusses his proposal for a professorship of agriculture at the University of Virginia and includes a printed circular he published on the matter, as well as a circular containing resolutions establishing the professorship. The later correspondence was dictated to a third party, as Madison's rheumatism made writing difficult.

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In correspondence addressed to Mellen, A.B., Harvard College, and the Selectmen of the Town of Cambridge, Waterhouse proposes that Cambridge initiate a general cowpox vaccination program for all its citizens. He also advocates vaccinating the poor without charge.

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Correspondence from the New York physician and naturalist, mainly regarding his study of marine life, particularly his investigation into sightings of colossal sepia (squid).

Scope and Contents: Correspondence from Oliver, A.B., Harvard University, the grandfather of Waterhouse's wife, on topics ranging from the literary endeavors of both men to his thoughts on nature, politics, and medicine. Oliver, a Loyalist who moved to England in 1777, comments on the state of the former colonies after the Revolutionary War, and on the Constitution. He also discusses an unnamed illness he developed and the treatment prescribed by his doctor after an emetic failed: "Madeira wine in quick...

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Correspondence from Rush relaying efforts he and John Adams were making on Waterhouse's behalf to secure him a position with the government, and his opinions on the progress of John Fothergill Waterhouse, who was his student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Scope and Contents: Correspondence to the United States Surgeon General written over the course of the War of 1812. Waterhouse reports on the state of the hospital at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and relays the recommendation of General Thomas Cushing that Pittsfield be closed, and a temporary hospital be established in Charlestown, where Waterhouse was stationed as surgeon. He also responds to Tilton's inquiry about his plans after the war, relaying his history with Harvard and the Essex Junto, and advocates for...

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Correspondence accompanying a diploma for Waterhouse granted by the School of Medicine in Paris.

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Correspondence written to his grandson in which Waterhouse teases him about signing his letters "Henry the Third" and encourages him in his studies.

Scope and Contents: Waterhouse asks his daughter to procure and send William Tudor's Letters on the Eastern States to her brother Benjamin in Glasgow. He also discusses her other siblings, writing: "My comfort, pride, trouble & mortification arise from my children; and of them Daniel's conduct is the most distressing." While Waterhouse was under the impression Daniel was traveling in the East Indies, he tells Mary he has learned his son is in jail in Philadelphia for...

Scope and Contents: Correspondence in which Waterhouse relays details of his travels and social activities, news of relatives and friends, including Noah Webster, and activities of their church. He frequently expresses disappointment in his other children, saying they "act strangely, & keep aloft from their father." He also advises Mary regarding difficulties her son Henry is experiencing while teething: "There are two indications -- one is to moderate the irritation, for there will always be some, while...

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Correspondence regarding a sea trunk for Andrew Waterhouse.

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Correspondence to his son informing him his grandmother has died and left him her estate.

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Correspondence addressed to his son at Andover in which he expresses admiration at the "energy" John displayed in a letter refuting some sort of accusation.

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Correspondence written to mathematician Bowditch, in which Waterhouse says he plans to send him an interleaved copy of his Essay on Junius and his letters, and asks that Bowditch add his comments on the blank pages. "I seek correction rather than eulogy, accuracy rather than practical flourish," Waterhouse explains. He also mentions he will seek the opinion of the New Hampshire judge John Pickering (1737-1805).

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Correspondence asking Waterhouse to contribute his knowledge of medicine and surgery to a publication of the London Medical Society.

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Correspondence discussing medical writings, news of mutual friends and colleagues, and Dutch relations with England. One letter is in French regarding the Batavian Society for Experimental Philosophy.

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Correspondence on topics including: Fansher's potential appointment as a "vaccine agent" by President John Quincy Adams; smallpox inoculation in Newport, Rhode Island; politics and the potential election of the "outrageous & sometimes lawless" Andrew Jackson instead of the "great, moral & truly serious" sitting president, John Quincy Adams, in 1828; the origins of cowpox; cholera; and the activities of his family.

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Correspondence mainly regarding Fansher's intent to publish a book on vaccination containing plates or engravings. Waterhouse also writes about the nullification crisis: "You seem alarmed at the rebellion in S. Carolina. I am not. Barking Dogs seldom bite." He also requests Fansher send him additional matter so he can vaccinate his grandchildren.

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Correspondence discussing the prospects of Fansher gaining a patent for his design for a window-sash fastener and earning a profit from the device. Waterhouse also writes about Samuel Thomson's difficulties with other practitioners encroaching on his patent rights for medical treatments.

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Correspondence to the wife of Sylvanus Fansher, requesting she notify her husband that he should be ready to travel to Newport, Rhode Island, and administer vaccinations to the town, which was facing a smallpox outbreak.

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Waterhouse writes to United States Treasury Secretary Gallatin regarding his request to add a 25 square foot room to an unnamed hospital, which would be dedicated to treatment of infectious disease.

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Correspondence regarding repayment of a debt. In French.

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Correspondence in Latin.