Obadiah Williams letter to Thomas Rotch, Newport 10th of 1 mo 1812

               
  B-215-1
  Esteemed Friend Thomas Rotch            Newport 10th of 1 Mo 1812
   Altho' I have had a desire to address thee on the subject of Ohio
  ever since I have heard of thy conclusion to remove there, I have been
  detered by one or other cause which have now nearly subsided, or that
  I have determined to encounter them; after my Wife & self were at your
  house, nearly two years & a half since, we traversed the Country, in
  divers directions in pursuit of land, but found none to our liking, or
  accomodated to our property, we returned home, but not without some
  prospects even of embracing some of the opportunities that then offered
  but not being satisfied therewith, I took a tour in the 11th Mo that year
  to Easton,& I should have gone father Westward, but the season was too
  far advanced & my horse proved lame, it seemed that all my tryals
  for a removal were frustrated; accordingly I endeavoured to be as Quiet
  as possible at home for a Season, but the succeeding Year I thought to do
  something more to the purpose, I undertook to erect a Tanery which
  after much Labour & expence I have brought to considerable perfection
  & nearly taned out one stock, but the embarrassments of business among
  us & the extensiveness with which it is already carried on in & near this
  place affords but small encouragement to beginners & as I am obliged
         Some
  to hire ^ this & the Interest on the capital & the attendant perplexities
  in purchasing & selling & credit & many things not easy, or necessary
  to be described has determined me to give up the business & to remove
  from Newport.  I have never before felt resolved, but as I have tried
  & proved all the means that I think proper I feel no  longer any
  restraint upon my going, but altogether easy, to follow the dictates of
             may
  Judgment, it^seem fickle to thee that I have so soon proposed to abandon
  the business I have undertaken but from tryals I have made at seling
  I find it impassible to continue it to advantage, & shall be obliged
  to sacrifice the greatest part of the profits.  I therefore intend to sell
  or lett the yard dispose of the stock & go into the Country, & buy Land
                            it
  I have long tho of Ohio but^has been at so great a distance
  that the Women could not indure the Idea, but since Charity
  & Patience Graham, are there & Mary Morton & Elizabeth Coggshall
  have brought a good report of the Land the distance seems much
  Shortened, & my Wife has not only listened but consented to go.
  We have for some Years been talking of the Western part of York
  State, but as I apprehend Ohio holds out the advantages of a
  better Climate & soil & cheaper, & indeed a more refined
  Society I am very strongly inclined towards that Country