Mary Rodman letter to Esther Maud, Newport 10 mo 2d, 1758

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           Extracts from Mary Rodman's Letters
                        Newport 10 mo 2d 1758
   To Esther Maud
       Some time since I had the pleasing expecta-
  tion of beginning a correspondence with thee on
  a more grateful occasion than what at present
  offers, but disappointments are often to be met
  with, and when the peculiar hand of Providence
  are in them who can say why is it so. I believe
  there are many instances of this nature meant
  for our advantage and real benefit by proper appli-
  cation of them. - such as the loss of our friends
  and those we most love, but particular circum-
  stances render these losses more painful and
  piercing, and nothing loss than Divine Mercy
  can alleviate those trials. Sympathizing af-
  fection involves me my dear friend in the afflic-
  tion this letter will give your worthy family, but
  this painful task was enjoined me by thy dear
  Brother and my much valued friend who
  is now no more but gone to partake of those