The original letter was politely presented to the author, by his venerable friend, the profound Lawyer and distinguished Patriot to whom it was addressed. On that occasion, Governor M‘Kean expressed himself in terms of the highest respect and kindest regard for the memory of Dr. Rittenhouse, as one of his friends, whom, while living, he greatly valued for his talents and esteemed for his virtues. ----- “_Philadelphia, Dec. 26th, 1795._ “Dear Sir, “I am informed that Dr. Griffitts intends to resign his Professorship in the University, sometime this winter. On this occasion, I beg leave to recommend to your favourable notice my nephew, Dr. Barton. He certainly has abilities sufficient to enable him to be useful in any branch of medicine, and ambition enough to induce him to make the greatest exertions: Besides, the Materia Medica seems so nearly connected with Botany and Natural History, his favourite studies, that I flatter myself he will be successful in his intended application to the honourable Board of Trustees; yet I am certain this will much depend on your interest. I am, Dear Sir, with the sincerest affection and esteem, your most obedient Servant, “DAVID RITTENHOUSE.[296] (Superscribed.) “Hon. Thomas M‘Kean, LL. D. Chief Justice of Pennsylvania.” ----- Footnote 296: Dr. Rush has observed, in his _Eulogium_ on Rittenhouse, that “There was no affectation of singularity in any thing he said or did. Even his hand-writing,” said he, “in which this weakness so frequently discovers itself, was simple and intelligible at first sight, to all who saw it.” As a specimen of this, a _fac simile_ of the letter in the text is presented to the reader. ----- [Illustration: letter]