Anna Hazard letter to Charity Rotch, New Bedford, 1 mo 24, 1809

              B-260-5
                            New Bedford 1 mo 24, 1809
  My Dear Sister,
              It is so long since I received thy acceptable
  lines with the bag of beans that should thou accuse one of 
  ingratitude I should offer no other excuse than my usual
  engagements leaves me but little time to appropriate to my
  pen, and I have really considered it a favour amidst all
  my care, that health and contentment hath been our portion.
      It is probable some of our friends have informed pre-
  vious to this of S R Arnolds being abed with a fine
  daughter and has continued very comfortable ever since
  the name has not concluded on the last time I was there
  it was born the 17 about ten minutes after twelve at 
  noon.  her nurse is from Providence who appears to be a 
  careful women and understands her business so that all
  appears to be going on well.  the books thou sent the Child
  were very pleasing, also the knife which Betsy sent to
  Edward, claims a grateful acknowledgment, nothing
  could have given him more pleasure as it is in constant
  use, making boats and masts for his ships which yet re
  main to be his favorite amusement.