B-124-2
Philadelphia 2 mo 1814
Esteemed Friend,
In concern for my dear Son, who is tryed, as
others these times, in the circumstance of having nothing to do
in this situation not being yet a grounded in our principles against
defensive weapons is ready at times I believe to yield, to [illegible]
to take a Commission in the Army: And under the impressive
its belirving my duty as a Parent to endeavour to turn his feet into
another channel of employ, if I can see any light on any thing; I
have conceived it might be right for me to address a few lines to the
on the important subject; As I have mentioned tot Samuel, it if
any useful employment could open for him under the wing, as we
have land in that country, he might also see to the improvement of
it; and in that way perhaps be more safely advancing property
with a blessing, than in any other; if he could be [illegible]
=sonally engaged, if any way opend for it, with the [illegible]
a great satisfaction to me to have him Sheltered under your
-- And a thought turned with me, whether there is any one [who]
might strike thy attention, wherein thee would be free to take him
as a partner in a certain degree, & what capital would be wanting
to that end. --I do not mean any general concern, as that might
call for much too large a one. - And if nothing with clearness
strikes thy attention in that way, whether he could be for a time em-
ployed as a Clerk, or in some mode, where there would be part writing
& part action, as he does not like a too sedentary life . [illegible]
he might I hope witht you, be favoured to advance in best [illegible]
and become weaned from a circle of acquaintance which [illegible]
is unprofitable for him: in which are some military chara {illegible]
who tho' respectable in their line, yet an association with which
ecite tot prospects similar to their own. And having[illegible]
by Genl Harrison & another Genr to join the Army & [illegible]
tranize him; & feeling the irksomeness of having nothing [illegible]
he tarry's here, he may be induced to join their band; [illegible]
get over some tender regard to my feelings that have hither re-
strained him, tho' something in himself too I trust has detained.
His leaving here therefore, & being under the wing of those capa-
ble of helping to guide & instruct him, as Aquilla & Priscilla
did Apollas (tho' I do not say he is an Apollas) might be a lasting
benefit to him. That I lay it before you for consideration, ask-
ing an answer as early as may be, as his continuance
