Thomas M. Coffin letter to Thomas Rotch, Philadelphia, 3 mo 12th, 1814

              A-115-1
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Esteemed Friend   Thomas Rotch    Phila 3 mo 12th 1816
   
                                         Feeling a desire to learn some trade
that will be useful to me hereafter I thught I would address a few lines to thee to know whether thou art willing to take me under thy care for 2 or 3 years to learn the art of farming or I should have no objection to attending a store occasionally say Farming in the Summer and the Store in the Winter. I should be willing to go upon trial for any length of time that would be most convenient of thee and I should try to give satisfaction by my dilligence. Thou mightest say that thou did so little farming that it would not be an object for me to learn the art of thee, but I do not wish to go to a person who only follows farming, it is soon learnt and a mixture of storekeeping and farming would be more agreeable. I suppose thou wouldst like to know my age. I shall be sixteen in the sixth month next. I think I have a pretty good knowledge of Arithmetic and some other brances, though I do not wish to boast of it, A Skinner has not returned from the eastward I should like to go out with him when he does return if thou hast no objection to taking me, therefore I should like to receive an answer to this as soon as it is convenient as he is expected soon and will make but a short stay. I have often thought if I ever arrived to the state of manhood Kendal should be my home.  
     Brother James Mott is preparing to leave this for Mamaroneck to attend to thier cotton factory which is in great forwardness we shall be loath to part with him.