B-138-1
Philadelphia 8 mo 20th 1816
Thos Rotch
Est Friend
An acquaintance of mine in
Virginia, who has for a considerable time been uneasy
with holding his fellow beings in Slavery, has
at length come to the resolution to manumit
them; & has writen to me for my advice upon
the best means of doing it, and to enquire if suit-
able places of employment can be procured in
Philadel or elsewhere.
As I am decidedly opposed to their being
Set at Liberty before such places can be found,
from the temptations which a State of Idleness-
presents to them; and supposing that in Ohio
there might be a greater want of labourers than
here, or indeed, any part of Penna, I have
taken the liberty to address a line to thee, to solicit
information on this head, as well as to interest
thee in the cause of the Oppressed Blacks so
far as to seek out for them places of employ
& write me the number that might be
accommadated, provided they are sent out. they
are represented to me as sober & Industrious,
their Wages would be moderate. Early
Information would be desirable. Direct to me
Philadel Penna.
Thine Respectfully
Isaac Peirce
