William Rotch Sr. letter to Thomas Rotch, Dunkirk 10th mo 12th 1790

               
  B-163-12                       Dunkirk, 10th mo 12th 1790
  
  Dear Son Thomas 
                          Having wrote Sammy every thing that I 
  could recollect necessary in point of business, need not repeat 
  it here: and thy Sister Rodman, on the subject of our present 
  situation & c which she can communicate, renders it needless
  to go over that ground again by this oppor't, unless I had more time 
  to exercise my pen, the vessell being now ready for departure,
  my writing excepted, which will soon be compleated.  I agreeably
  find, that a far distant seperation as to the body, has no tendency 
  to abate that paternal love& affection, that I bear to thee, thy 
  dear wife, with the rest of my Children: but on the contrary as 
  prohibition is said, and I believe justly, to sharpen the appetite, 
  an increasing desire for your company has attended me since I 
  left you.  I yet hope we may be favour'd to enjoy one another's
  company in our native land, but as these things are all hid in 
  the secrets of best wisdom, submission under every dispensation of
  Divine Providence is our duty, and whether we are ever permit'd
  to see you more or not, I desire that we on our part, and you 
  on yours may endeavour to live near the fountain of divine 
  love and Life, that we my be favour' with the breaking
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