William Rotch Jr letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford, 3 mo 10, 1802

              B-164-8
page 1

Dear Brother              New Bedford 3 mo 10, 1802
                   I thought last week I had a letter from thee, but on opening it, I found it from dear S Downing, who was unexpectedly to us, with you again and hope his arduous engagement among you may not only prove stregthening to the family of faith, but be a means of exciting others to seek for an acquaintance with the inward principle of Truth, most assuredly believed and eperienced by its devoted followers. I suppose he has ere this left you, if not please assure him of my affection & desires for his presentation which I feel altho' I have not expressed it to him by pen. I hope I shall write him ere long. 
      Capt Delano has partly loaded the plaster but when he will go is uncertain, hast thou any further market for Bohea Tea, we have on hand about 45 half Chests & believe 30 & 40 Quarters only 3 or 4 whole. More will be coming in, in the spring. I retail it by the single small chest at 40c but there is more than I can sell here, if thou can get clear of any at 38 I think thou had best have some.
     I have no lae acct from Antwerp Abm wrote me he believed all the fine teas were sold & part of the bohea. Some Linens & Quilts with a box of threads are arrived at New York. I expect some of them on soon & if they are such as will do for family use shall send thee some, & if they will sell with you thou can order