James Barker letter to Thomas Rotch, Nantucket 11 mo 25th 1819

              B-12-5
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                    Nantucket 11 mo 25th 1819
Esteem Kinsman
Thomas Rotch

                 It is along time since I have had a line from thee which should have been acceptable to have received. These may inform thee our family our at present in middling health altho not to be called in good health as My Benj has the dropsy [illegible] altho about, I have three daughters  [illegilbe] youngest 5 1/2. I have often thought of you since you have been in that distant country and have often had a hope that you would have made us a visit Ere this and no doubt it would have been very greatful to Uncle & Aunt in their old ages [illegible] more to have had some of your company I shall anticipate a visit from Cousin Charity & thy self this  ensuing sumer cousin Francis & Wm Rotch made us a visit of 10 or 12 days.