William Rotch, Sr. letter to Thomas Rotch, Nantucket 11th mo 4 1794

               
  B-163-27
                              Nantucket  1th mo 4 1794
  My dear Son Thomas
                              Although to have seen thee on our
  return after so long an absence was very desirable, yet under
  the consideration that thou wast engag'd in a cause, to which
  every tender tye of natural affection, or other sinister vice ought to
            we were             to
  give place,^quite reconcil'd ^ the disappointment, believing thou wast
  in the way of thy duty, and I hope in an instructive School, under
  that Teacher that teaches as never man taught, whereby that
  peace is to be obtain'd that they world cannot give.  as thou abserves
  we have been at Bedford, and are now here, in the enjoyment of the
  company of our most endeared Childn (Benj & wife & thyself excepted)
  with our near relatives and friends so far as is mete, in which we
  rejoice, but with a desire that it may ever be in humble thank=
  =fullness to the Father of mercies, who hath thus preserved us, through
  many trials and exercising seasons, which I hope have not been wholly
  lost, we have met a more cordial reception here than I expected,
  considering the deep prejudice that had taken place in many minds,
  and the industry of a few to fan the flame, This reception with the
  kind enquiries after us where thou hast been which I believe has been
  sincere in many, demands our return of gratitude; but after all
  I feel no flight of elevation, but rather a depression of Spirit, and
  this state I think much the safest to keep us on the right founda=
                     it
  =tion, therefore in^ I feel content; the many precious
  opportunities we had on bd the Barclay though on an Element
                                        any that 
  repugnant to my nature, far surpassed ^ I have since enjoyd.
                                            &
  but this I have no doubt is all in wisdom ^under this persuasion,
  I wish to adopt the Poets language "I'll praise thee for thy
                                                        mercies