Charity Rodman letter to Elizabeth Rodman, Newport, 11th mo 30, 1787

              B-226-1  
  
       If my pen has been silent, my dear sister, my heart has not
 been wanting in tender congratulations, upon the pleasing occasion of the safety
 & in affectionate participation in the arrival of our dear little Anna,
 tho' the account was not unmix'd with kind concern,for thy health, which
 I ardently hope err this is fully restored, & that the sweet source of thy
 past painful moments contributes largely now to thy amusement & joy.
 could thy sisters join thee, in the more arduous part of taking care of the
 dear little pledge, it wou'd be a great gratification to them, but that
                                  or ought
 pleasure is deny'd them, & they must^ silently acquiece with their
 destiny; my good brother need not be under any apprehension in regard
 to the name. I am far from expecting mine to be given, to any of
                                                 for it
 the little progeny, & should be much less desirous^ than even I now am.
 If I possess'd the belief that the propertys of the person cou'd convey'd 
 with or was entail'd upon it.  May the sweet little creature ever
 retain their innocence, & prove indeed a blessing to you both. When
                  little             & helpless infancy
 I recollect their ^endearing actions, ^ it awakens the solicitude & increases
  
 the tenderness of an affectionate aunt whose desires is not in the least aba-
 -ated, that their steps may be directed aright, while inhabitants of this
 transitory scene but very few are favour'd to walk uprightly thro' 
 a continued 
 ^succession of years without making very many deviations, & so
 great is our frailty that we have hardly reason to expect
 unless peculiarly favour'd with the care of heaven.
       I have wrote my dear a miserable scrawl. Cousin James &
 H Meriturn present, their sociability has often interrupted me, thee can
 make I doubt not every allowance for it & will I hope accept it in the
 love that it is, as that is the only recommendation my letters can boast-
 Jay Harris call'd upon us today, he yesterday attended his brothers wedding, there
 was a considerable number of guests, M Robinson had an invitation & comply'd
 therewith; the parties I believe perform'd their parts very well. Pelg & Katy
 made a pretty appearance, the meeting was very large, & held in the great part.
 the day was very pleasant, mama & cousin Thurston were overseers, they had too a
 pretty large number~ its bedtime, Hannah hurrys me & I must bid thee adieu