William Rotch Sr letter to Thomas Rotch, Dunkirk 12th mo 16th 1791

               
  B-163-19
                                           
                                     Dunkirk 12th mo 16th 1791 
  Dear Son Thomas
                 I duly rec'd and with satisfaction perused 
  Thy acceptable letter of the 8 mo 20th by the Ann, and although I have
  regain'd much strength since my indisposition, yet having 
  had much to write this oppt on business, I found it rather prey'd on 
  my strength, and my nerves fail'd, so that I reluctantly gave up 
  writing to thee yesterday, when the vessell was to sail, & our letters 
                                                  untill tomorrow
  hastely closed; but they gave up their departure;^ which gives me
                                                  of
  this pleasing opp'r. of rendering the some token ^paternal affection.  
       greatly rejoic'd we were to hear that Dear Charity had 
  passed through a trial which has ever to me, respecting my near 
  relatives, been attended with great anxiety & near simpathy, I believe 
  than any other common female attendant in the in their progress through 
  time; it is also an additional satisfaction as well as great favor 
  that she so soon recovere'd; hope she has experienced a contin                                                 
  =ance of health as well as the Child (who kiss for me.) The account thou 
          our  
  gives of^dear friends Mary, Sam & Tho's with the family setting          
  etc.  deeply affects me with humble gratitude to the Author of all 
  our blessings, in that his continued favour hath been extended 
  from Parents to Children in an eminent manner; prize the 
  priviledge of entertaining the Messengers of the Gospel, but more 
  the frequent opportunity of experiencing the distilling of the