John Wells letter to Thomas Rotch, Hartford, 10 mo 5, 1817

              A-361-8
page 1

                                                Hartford 10 Mo 5 1817
 Esteemed Friend
    I am really very desirous of having our accounts closed. Should prefer thy being here, but see nothing in way of having Michall Bull or some other or others examine the Books, and transmit to thee a summary for thy inspection. It might in this manner be settled in a few weeks. I think I should not object to a journey to New Bedford if thy wish, it would only require an hour or tow, to make a transcript of thy a/c. How then can I account for the delay? Or can thee make any justifiable excuse? 
     George Sheldon was intered this afternoon - his sickness in his head, & of 2 or 3 weeks, left one child. In usual health in families of thy acquaintance in this vicinity. Betsy Gilbert has been marred to R Beckham & gone to Oblong.  My love to you all, John I Wells