Solomon Bush

Solomon Bush was an American soldier, born in Philadelphia; son of Matthias Bush, one of the signers of the non-importation agreement (October 25, 1765).

Revolutionary War Service

Battle of Long Island

Solomon joined the Philadelphia militia as Captain early in 1776 in the Flying Camp of Associators of Pennsylvania. In August, he served in the Battle of Long Island, and while the American army was defeated, he was promoted to Major. On July 5, 1777, he was appointed deputy adjutant-general of the state militia by the supreme council of Pennsylvania.

Battle of Brandywine

In September, General Howe invaded Pennsylvania, and the militia was called up to defend the city of Philadelphia, and Solomon Bush again saw service. The Battle of Brandywine started on September 11, 1777, and on September 18th, 1777, in a skirmish, Solomon Bush was wounded, a musket ball breaking his thigh bone. His brother, Captain Lewis Bush, was killed in the same battle.

Recovery

He was taken to the city to recover from his wounds. According to a letter he wrote in November, his doctor had given him seven days to live. As he could not earn his living, being kept, on account of his wound, at his father's home (Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia), the council passed a series of resolutions, October 20, 1779, respecting him, and on October 27 of that year he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, with pay in accordance with the rank.

Prisoner

When the British captured the city in December, 1777, he was taken prisoner, but released on parole. It was during this time that he discovered that there was a spy in Washington's headquarters; by Dec. 19, 1777, the information reached Washington

Post War

Bush was in destitute circumstances in later years, and on November 5, 1785, the council of Pennsylvania, under the presidency of Benjamin Franklin, ordered that a pension be paid him for his meritorious services.

London

Solomon moved to London and opened a medical practice there. In 1789, he began writing occasional letters to George Washington. On July 20, though he was not the first to do so, he notified Washington of the seizure of an American ship from New York, because the British alleged that numerous seaman aboard were natives of Britain. Though not a diplomat, he undertook to represent America's position and volunteered as an Ambassador to England, but Washington declined to do so.