Samuel Rodman letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford 9 Mo 8 1806

               
  B-153-14
  Dear Brother                New Bedford 9 mo 8  1806
                            I reached home the 3d day of the week
  after I came from thy house where I was a few days confind in course=
  quence of a fall from my horse the morning after I parted with thee.
     I took lodging at Canterbury 7th day night & the following morning
  set off Soon after Sunrise in order to be at Foster meeting.  I had not
  proceeded more than about two miles, when my horse dislodged me
  from the saddle bu his starting at a horses rising Suddenly from
  behind a Wall, and instantly turning quite round, I fell with my
  whole weight on my right hip.  I imagine the height of the horse
  as I seemed to be dislodged siting nearly erect.  The horse left me
  & I was unable to pursue fast after I got up, having feard at first
  from the Shock my back sustained & the attendant pain that it was
  broke, but finding assistance I got upon my horse & proceeded to
  Eatons where I apply'd Perkins Metallics & rode in considerable
  pain to Fish's being unable to move out of a walk - Nicho
  Brown & wife I met at Eaton's on their return from Ball Town 
  Springs. His civility induced him to press my acceptance of his
  place in his Phaston by wch means I reached Providence
  not very uncomfortably. Sent for a Physician & tarryd the
  next day under his directions the day following took a carriage
  & reached home. I gradually recovered untill I became as I
  now am quite relived feeling no unpleasant effects there from  .
      I found my Wife & family as well as I left them, but for
  10 days past She has been very unwell of a complaint in her
  head, perhaps Catarhh, with which she has been similarly
  afflicted the two proceding Autumns - for a day or two. She
  seems better & I hope it is passing off -   Wm Mary & Eliza