1885.] J-Ul [Ruschenberger. 



him to reach Londonderry and emigrate thence to the United 

 States. 



The indiscretion of those publications is manifest in their 

 consequence. It brought expatriation, permanent separation 

 from his kinsfolk and friends. But he was young, only twenty- 

 two years old, sanguine, self-confident, earnest, and though 

 usually cool and judicious in conduct, on critical occasions he 

 acted indiscreetly — on the impulse of the moment. 



He arrived in Philadelphia August, 1 798, probably on the 

 ship Rising Sun, after a passage of eighty-four days. 



At that period ships plied directly between Ireland and Phil- 

 adelphia. There was then quite a colony of people from the 

 north of Ireland settled in this city. The risks. many of them 

 had run and escaped in unsuccessful efforts to resist the political 

 oppression which exasperated and harassed them at home prob- 

 ably begot a fellow feeling, stronger than that of race affinity. 

 The fugitive, no doubt, was cordially received, and at once made 

 a welcome member of this Irish circle, which included persons 

 of social influence. 



In May, 1799, Mr. P. K. Rogers was appointed a tutor in the 

 University of Pennsylvania, and probably in the same year be- 

 gan to study medicine under the immediate direction of Dr. 

 Benjamin Smith Barton, Professor of Materia Medica, Natural 

 History and Botany. 



It is evident that a warm friendship between preceptor and 

 pupil was soon established. In dedicating his thesis he ascribes 

 to Dr. Barton's example, instruction and kindness any happi- 

 ness he may enjoy, in the course of his life, from his attachment 

 to the sciences connected with medicine, and declares that he 

 cannot help regarding the day on which he became his pupil as 

 truly auspicious. 



Mr. Rogers was married by the Rev. George C. Potts,* Jan- 

 uary 2, 1801, to Hannah Blythe, an intelligent woman, a year 

 older than himself, endowed with a cheerful and affectionate 

 disposition. He is described then as a tall, erect man of grave 



*The Rev. George Charles Potts had recently immigrated from Ireland. He 

 had been a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Castle, Del., for some months, 

 when he was ordained and installed the first pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian 

 Church of Philadelphia, May 22, 1800, which was founded by about a score of 

 Irishmen, June, 1799. — A Historical Discourse, delivered at the Fourth Presbyterian 

 Church, Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1879, by Rev. George Benaugh. 



