Amy Otis letter to Charity Rotch, Scituate, 1st mo 26th 1806

              B-279-3 
		       Scituate  1 mo  26th    1806
   My Dear Friends
		       I have thought much of writing to you
since our seperation at N Bedfd more from gratitude &
affection than any-thing very interesting or important I have
to communicate   but may assure you of the real satisfaction
it gave me meeting those who possessed so much of my regard
and with hearts so open towards one who can see little but
deformity in herself   indeed it was Sweetly consolatory to a
mind often depress d with emptiness and apt to sensure it self
for want of energy  & exertion to find a hope spring up of better
times   to think with calmness & resolve of freely bearing the
Cross ~ but whether such resolves have been too much in my own
strength, or whether that strength was but borrow d from others I
cannot say   or whether it is not as much bearing the Cross in such
a State of nothingness   if patiently submitted too   as when we
feel more enlargement   indeed if one could see at all is[illegible]
and have an evidence in their minds they were going [illegible]
right, perhaps the Cross would cease to be one   however [illegible]
 not to complain   but feeling great freedom though I might
mention how it was - & that as I believe there is a desire after
Spiritual growth above most things that occupy my attention
Still hope to perceive all things become new or conformable
to the Divine will in His own time & way.  I cannot say
how pleasant it would be to me to live near you, or at least so near
as to see you more frequently   but as that cannot be at present if
ever, could wish the favour continued of finding a place in
your hearts   however small an apartment, it may serve the bene
volent purpose of animating my feeble efforts to become more
firm & exalted   it is a pretty general time of health with us
wh is indeed a privilege wh few are aware of till deprived the
blessing, as is the case with many of our enjoyments & we
best learn by deprivation their value   I expect to forward
   This by James Rogers & if convenient should be pleased