_Communicated to the Author of the Memoirs of his Life, in a letter from
Andrew Ellicott, Esq._
_Lancaster, December 30th, 1812._
Dear Sir,
I felt no small degree of pleasure and satisfaction, on understanding
that you are about publishing Memoirs of the Life of Dr. Rittenhouse;
knowing, from your connexion, and intimacy with him for many years, you
have it in your power to delineate, and transmit his true character and
a knowledge of his rare virtues to posterity, with as much, if not more
accuracy than any other person. As I also have had the pleasure and
advantage of Dr. Rittenhouse’s acquaintance and friendship, I request
you to accept of the following short sketch of his character, as a small
testimony of my esteem for him when living, and of my veneration for his
memory, now he is no more. I am, dear Sir, your sincere friend,