Thomas Jefferson, long since retired to private life, declines the request of Dr. James Mease for copies of Dr. Benjamin Rush’s correspondence with Jefferson. Mease had hoped to include them in a volume of Rush’s letters to be published and specifically requested letters pertaining to Rush’s personal views on religion and politics. After demurring, Jefferson discusses at length the differences between personal and official correspondence, with philosophical thoughts on public versus private expression. He closes with assurances that his decision is nothing personal, and of his great respect for Mease: “I hope, my dear Sir, you will see in my scruples only a sentiment of fidelity to a deceased friend.”
“The economic hurricane has wrecked homes, disrupted family life, destroyed health, lowered morale, crushed the spirit of courage and stifled enterprise and ambition … It has made more pitiful the plight of those many hundreds who continually are charges of the chest agencies.”
This small archive of pamphlets for the public and subscription cards, guidelines, and suggestions for fundraisers illustrates the tactics local Community Fund and Community Chest organizations employed across the United States from New York to Utah.
