Isaac Lawton letter to Mary Rodman, Portsmouth, 4th of 11th mo 1797

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      Portsmouth 4th of 11th Mo 1797

In thankful remembrance of our unspoken friendship which have often experienced to the consoling of spirit, and in an Special manner at thy last short visit with thy dear daughter Charity to my dear wife the remembrance of whom thro divine favour is continued a blessing to me, and feeling a desire at this time if so that thou art still remaining to received from a poor brother, to communicate if it be but a broken hint of the good will I have in measure been favour'd to experience towards thee & thy dear children as a respectable part of the family at large, may we be enabled faithfully to acknowledge the favours recieved in that as far as we have veen preserved it hath been of his mercy & goodness who careth for all, and in whom we may still hope for succour, thro the short space of remaining time, I have no cause to doubt of thy diligent  attention ot the Source of divine help in order that thy close here may be in such manner as may fix an evidence in the minds of those who are near and dear to thee which may remain a Consolating companion of their thoughts, stimulating to a constant care of ordering their conversations aright, dear friend I am not willing to take much of thy precious time, but wish it improv'd in the best manner and remain thy friend,               Isaac Lawton