Sarah Rodman letter to Thomas Rotch, Newport 4 mo 21st 1788

               
  B-154-2
                             Newport 4 mo 21st 1788
  Dear Cousin
              I am unwilling to let thy agreeable letter lay by me unacknowledged
  thought the hope of seeing thee soon made me almost think it unnecessary to write
  by this conveyance - I had rather make a verbal reply than a written one - but
  considering this might find thee in a new place of abode, where, doubtless thou
  wilt find many new scenes different from the former & at least in thy early
                                         this
  removal some vacant moments - I thought^my time to convey my mite of amuse-
  =ment - though I am very sensible since I began, that barely to take the time of
  a friend to read something of no consequence, can hardly be esteem'd a kindness
   however my intention is good - when I only convey the unadorn'd dictates of
  simple friendship, it is not because I am unwilling to invite thy attention to
  a more entertaining or profitable subject - but for want of talents to diversity
  or raise it - or rather raise my Ideas.            I should think the
                    presents
  Prospects Bedford ^to the view at this pleasing season of the year were very
  agreeable - there is something in the return of warm weather, very shearing to
  some not only because nature resumes her verdure and vegetables and Animals
  partake new life - but numbers of our fellow beings, who sojourn indeed as in
  a vale of tears - experience a respite from some kinds of suffering - and at
  least have the privelege of carrying their wants from house to house - unruffled by
  the bleak winds which peirced their poorly furnished habitations a few weeks
  past - The Green fields round ours look very pleasant - I hope thy ride
  here in the midst of a pleasing variety will be agreeable - I think riding is
  generaly so through the Country - As I have never been acquainted with the
  house Wm has bought - I cant form any proper Idea respecting it - but
  I hope it will answer your expectations - If Oliver arrives before your de-
  parture - Please to remember us all with great affection - to thy dear Parents
  sister Lydia & Benny & Wife who have the good wishes of their absent cousin. SR