William Rotch Sr. letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford 5th mo 1,1817

               
  
  B-163-53
                                     New Bedford  5th mo 1. 1817
  My dear Son
                            I believe Mary has the letter in absence)
               Thy very acceptable letter of the ^came safe to hand
  and the contents perused and reperused; I am glad thou hast got separated from Alex
  tho at a great sacrifice, but by continuing it might have been worse; it reminds
  me of what our frd Coln Wadsworth said to thee respectg Connecticut men making
  Quakers, tho it may be general, yet not universal. I have taken up on pen
  seem to have very little to communicate; our families are generally favour'd with
  health, Wm & Lydia made us a week visit unexpectedly, & left us last 6th day, will
  probably be here again on their way to the Yr Meeting. we have had no late acct.
  from B - but believe his affairs are very bad, which is many fold the greatest affliction
  I ever met with, and will probably shorten my days; indeed could I see my way clear to
  a happy period,I see nothing to invite a longer stay. I hear of several people that have
  thought of removing to Ohio; Humphry Davis, who has written to thee,& has just sent his
  son Humphry,(sail'd for New York yesterday)to explore the Country, he is a smart lad, but
  want of experience may be persuaded to pitch upon apart not the best, I hope Humphry
                          if is
  will pitch at Kendal which^ will be an agreable addition; Perry Russell talks some
  about it, he also would be an agreable increase - both valuable men; James Austin
  I hear also intend there, his Estate is gone, not by immoral conduct that I have ever
  hear, but negligent, dont let him learn upon thee,not get in debt, his wife is a very 
  neat women in her domestick affairs. Humphry Hampton a young man, and I believe
  now improperly stands as a member of Society, perhaps he may get to Ohio, if so beware
  of him; his has just ran away from his Creditors much in debt. I don't recollect any 
  more at present, whenever I hear of any I shall endeavour to inform thee. Sam Swain
  is at Nantucket & pick'd up another young woman wish about $1500 which I suppose is