Benjamin Stratton letter to Thomas Rotch, New York, 1st mo 12th 1813

               
  B-185-1
                      New York 1st Mo 12th 1813
  
  Respected Frd
  Thos Rotch
             having for some time had thoughts of
  removing into the State of Ohio for the purpose
  of procuring a livelyhood for My Family which
  consists of three sons & one Daughter My Sons are
  12- 9 & 7 & my Daughter 4 years of age & Myself
  in low Circumstances & Business Extremely
  Dull in New York, And as the undertaking is great
  & I not Acquainted with that Country thought
  I would Request thy Opinion Respecting the Expediency
  of such a Removal with such a family and
  under such Circumstances as by this time thou
  hast become no doubt a much better Judge than
  I possibly could be by being there a few days only
  please Inform me the price of land pr Acre,its quality
  & terms of pay with the acreage Amt of crops and
  prices of grain & other provisions.  The price of Labour
  & what kind of machanicks are Mostly wanted
  And wheather it will probibly be in thy Power to 
  through any Business into My Hands in the Line
  of thy Business I mean in thy Factory or other Concerns
  what Kind of Farming or Family Utenteals will be
  Most wanted. Can a family like mine find Accom
  =modations in some House untill a shelter could be
  Built. What is the price of one of thy Town Lots
                         laid
  as I understand thou hast^ one out into Lots.
  What is the average price of Horses oxen cows sheep.
  Hoggs etc & what time in the spring will be in Sea
  =sons for planting Indian Corn etc. I had well nigh
  come to a conclusion to Remove there this present
          but
  winter ^ findings the Expenses so greate to Remove
  in the winter have for the presnet given it up.