Obad[ia]h M. Brown letter to Thomas Rotch, Providence, 10th mo 5th 1809

               
 A-76-1
                Providence 10th mo 5th 1809
  Dear Thomas
              Haveing a direct opportunity by
  Uncle & Aunt Coffin, who expect to leave this for
  home, either this afternoon or in the morning, to
                                                               thy
  send thee some patterns of Cloth which by^ make-
  ing, the business we are both engaged in would be
  promoted, And as I trust this business carried on by
  us is as much for the benefit of others, destitute
                 &
  of employ ^ as for our own emoloments, yet at the
  same time in order that we might have it
  in our power, to hand to the necessities of those
  whom from some cause or other do not seem ade-
  quated of takeing care or supporting themselves
  without the aid of those who may be placed as
  steward to hand out in the needful time, if we
  can but labour for Wisdom to direct when to
  administer & to do it without views of ostenta
  tion, seems all that I at times crave.
        My mind my dear friend has been
  at times very nearly united with you, in your
  getting along in the land which your lots seem
  to be cast in, And at times fervent desires