William R Rotch letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford 7 month 29. 1814

               
  B-165-2
                         New Bedford 7 month 29.1814
  Dear Uncle,
         Thy acceptable letter of the 4 Inst I have
  received, and hope those improvements in that part
  of our fine Country where thou resides, which is 
  thy wish to make will be crowned with success.
  As for the wicked war in which we are unhappily
  placed, I see no prospect at present of returning
  peace; and may we not reasonably suppose that as
  the war was commenced on our part and by
  Sinfull and malicious conducts of our rulers
  it may be permitted to continue so long as evil
  so abundantly aboundeths. I however hope with thyself, 
  that our commissioners will be able to effectuate a
  speady cessation of hostilities, and our commerce yet
  flourish.  It is melancholy spectacle to behold our
  ships dismantled and our steamer driven to the Lakes; 
  unless there is soon a change in the situation of
  our country, we young men must either leave it or 
  cultivate the Land; the former I should myself prefer
  to the latter. 
        Annexed is WR Jr& Sons [illegible] balance in thy favour
  $11877 67/100 which we have as thou requested forwarded
  to S R Fisher Phila in a check on the Bank of America
  New York. we were pleased that thou wished this balance
  paid, and we wanted to be released from the risk.
  Our several families are in usual health. Grand parents
  as well as could be expected.                (over)