James Chase letter to Thomas Rotch, Middletown, 4th mo 28th 1797

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                        MiddleTown 4 mo 28th 1797
Esteemed Friend
Thomas Rocth    I rec'd thy Letter on Seventh Day Last and I have made Considerable inquiry about a horse that I think will suit thtee. But being very unwilling to make a prey of the Confidence thou hast placed in me and tho away thy money I have not made a purchase yet there is a number of horses to seel good in some properties and bad in others. In Short it is a prety hard matter to get a good natured kind family horse for they that have them are loth to part with them at this season of the year. there is a white one with dark legs & main 6 years old trots strong square good size well built kind in a cart or Chaize price $120. There is a black one belonging to Chris Champlin I believe might be had for 160 or 170 Dollars 5 years old trots and is a large strong Built handsome horse kind in a chasie or cart he has never been used to white strip or star in his face and some white about his feet.  [illegible] is a Bright Bay horse with a star and some little white about his feet, trots handsome large and stout, good natured been in [illegible] some 5 years old and has appearance of making a compleat on as any on this Island price 200 Dollars.
  My Brothers has got one every way Compleate but one thing that is he is very Brechey. I don't no his price.
  I hope my Delaying the time of purchasing will be no damage. I shall still be upon the lookout till I can see or hear from thee who I am willing to do the best I can for. My father joins me in Love to thee and all thy fathers family. James Chase.