Samuel Rodman letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford 10 mo 22, 1804

               
  B-153-15
  Dear Brother                        New Bedford 10 mo 22d 1804
                   Thy two letters of 20th ult & 4th instant I have
  by the first I find the information I had respecting this Beef was not
  correct. As Beef of Common quality is plenty here, Captn Ramsays I
  suppose to be Such & therefore had I had opportunity of getting it from
  Hartford it would have been no object, to Send there for a quality that
  is plenty here.  I am oblig'd however by thy enquires & communications
  to me - I was not very Anxious even for Beef of the very best quality
  in preference to New but Such I thought would alone compensate
  for age in the difference between common New & the best old. As the
  Shrinkage of Old Beef is difficult to be realized, In instances that
  I have been informed of from the best Authority of a Ship Master where
  he weighd the Beef before boilg & after it came out of the pot, it vary'd
  not more than 1/2 lb from losing half, that is a pr weigh of 8 lb raw when
  boid weighd only 4 or 4 1/2 lb.    I have put onboard Gidion
  Delanos Sloop, a Bundle of excellent Fish, which I wish thy Wifes accept
  ance of --  It was very pleasing to hear that R J had found an
  apartment as the inconvenience of having a stationary family in thine
  that from Situation is Subjected to So much Company, is much greater
  than will be a reasonable Contribution in Supporting them elsewhere.
       I was also pleased that our fiend James & his wife were so
  far, will on their way home & that the Old Man found himself
  quiet without having a meeting in the City.  Such must be try-
  ing occasions I am very sensible to thee & wife unless they occur
  when you have unshaken Confidence that the Meetings will 
                                                      terminate