Elizabeth (Rotch) Rodman to Charity Rotch, Wakefield, 10th mo 31st 1808

              B-292-6 
                                    Wakefield 10th mo 31st 1808
My dear Sister,
After many days from the date of thy affectionate
letter it came acceptably to hand, a little delay in replying to it has
     place
taken ^ from a desire to know my Husband s mind, which would
enable me to be more accurate as to the probable time of our being at
Hartford, have been daily expecting him since the middle of last 
week, but have not the satisfaction of announcing his arrival; I hope
no interference on religious or other concerns will be experienced by our
being with you, I don t think it will be sooner that the twentieth
of next month  which time seems fast hastening, & as thou observes
often reminds me of the change of scene, but I wish to consider it a
favor to be thus indulg d for a season, & if our seperation should be
under a degree of that influence which makes hard things easy, it
will indeed be a mercy, & I hope gratefully remember d & acknowledg d.
Thine to J Shoemaker have not had opportunity to forward,
shall take it along today, it being their monthly Meeting, we set off in
in [sic] a few minutes, & have accepted an invitation to dine at Dr Mores.
I met them at their Father s soon after I came, also J Lea & Wife, they 
are a lovely family. They have shewn the greatest attention, Peter s Wife
has visited us many times, they seem more like near connexions than
strangers till this short acquaintance.  11th mo 1st my pen was laid aside yesterday
morning, to proceed toward Abington, where we had the company of several
very agreeable fr[ien]ds & while at Dr  Moore s rec[eive]d an invitation to take tea with
Jane Shoemaker, as the company were dispos d to move together did not
hesitate to accept, & there Charles Shoemaker & Wife join d us, the former
desir d when I return d, to be affectionately remember d to thee & Brother as
did Jane if she did not write, & tell thee thy letter was very acceptable.
I have very little doubt, but thou wilt have it from her own hand.