Elias Hicks letter to Thomas Rotch, Jericho, 12th Mo 28th 1819

              B-87-5
page 1
              Jericho 12th Mo 28th 1819
Dear Friend, Thine of the 25th Ult came duly to hand, and was truly acceptable, - My failure of visiting of you , as contemplated, when we were together at Mt Pleasant, thou mentions as a matter of regret, and disappointment, both to thyself and Wife; it was I believe equally so to myself, as it was fully in my expectation, before I left home, as a matter of desire on my part; But when I was drawing near the point of defection, where the road parted off that led to your place, being informed of the distance and roughness of the way, as also having been for several days previous thereto much out of health, when I Brought the matter to the test of religious duty, I apprehended I felt a pretty full resealed and therefore it brought me to consider whether I should be warranted in undertaking the journey, from the force of real friendship, and that mutual affection, that had long existed between us, which as a man, I had a strong inclination to do and had I been so near you, so some temporal concern, I I trust I should not mist of the opportunity, But having before me a considerable field of labour, in the line of my duty, and which only could in this my advanced stage of life, induced me to undertake the journey, I was I was desirous from my first setting out, not to spend any portion of the time, merely to please myself, but endeavour to be wholly devoted to the divine will, and requiring, let the consequences or result be what it might, and from the attendant peace of mind, that has been my steady companion in this journey, until restored to the bosom of my dear family  and friends at home, I am made thankful in believing that he who  careth for the Sparrows and