Benjamin Rodman letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford, 12th mo 1. 1816

               
  B-152-4
                           New Bedford 12th mo 1. 1816
   My dear Uncle & Aunt
                      It is really a long time since I have
  taken my pen to perform the pleasing duty of writing to you;
  and I scarcely know how to account for my neglect -- But
  I suppose, must place it to the account of that Robber
  of out time - Procrastination -  However I flatter myself
  you will give me the credit of not having forgotten you-
  for when any thing appears in our part of the heritage
  which I think will afford you any interest or pleasure,
  I take the liberty of direct it to you - I sent some time
  ago a small book entitled "Letters to Caleb Strong" - 
  This and the Friend to Peace I hope you have regularly
  received -  The author of the "Letters" is not yet Known, pub-
                heard
  liskly - I have^ the idea suggested of its being Judge Jay.
  but this I have also heard doubted - and at present I have
  no means to decide - These works show that the subject
  of War, & prodigabity of blood, even under the appearance
  of justice in various points of view, and being the truth to
  light - and we certainly have reason to believe that their efforts
  will not be unavailing-
     I presume you find by the papers all the little occurrences
  of the neighborhood, in the newsline - so that on general subjects
  I cannot offer you much - Our friends & relatives are in their
  usual health - grand parents (except slight colds from the variety
  of weather) are very well and very active - Aunt Mary is their
  faithful care taker - My mother has been troubled a long
  time with a rheumatic complaint, but I believe since the