Eli Todd letter to Thomas Rotch, Farmington, November, 1809

              B-194-3  
 
                    How quickly were it permitted us, would the
              wings of our affection bear us to our highly valued and ever loved
             friends-  We would attempt to see you even to day,were we
             not deterred by the fear of adding to your Bur[dens],by the
             possibility of my being taken more unwell under your friendly
             roof-  On the whole we think it may be most prudent 
             on your acct, as well as our own, to postpone our visit
             till to morrow; but if to morrow likewise should not bring
             us, let not our friends be surprised, the reasons will pro=
             bably be prudential  & will as much  relate to them as to us.          
                                     I have a mild fever of the typhus 
             kind, which has recurred with some aggravation three
             successive nights, but as I had a very free perspiration
             last night,entertain great hopes to be able to
             see our dear friends tomorrow; How great an al-
             eviation to our anxiety to be with them in their afflic-
             tion   we have already experienced & hope on this occasion the precious
             comfort will not be denied us - we beseech you not to
             neglect to procure the advice of Doct Wells if
             possible to day -  Rachel unites with me in
             fervent wishes for your health & Happiness.
                                            E.T.
             Farmington Nov 1809