Elizabeth (Rotch) Rodman letter to Charity Rotch, New Bedford, 2 mo 15th 1804

              B-292-2 
                             New Bedford, 2 mo. 15th 1804
Thy affectionate salutation my beloved Sister came very
acceptably & altho  much satisfaction is often derived thro  the
medium of the pen, I have for a long time felt so little leisure
or ability for this kind of converse, as almost totally to neglect it,
but I have a hope that in future more qualification just to
give my dear connexions proof of remembrance will be
mine & thereby favor d more frequently with their communication.
Thy tender solicitude my dear bespeaks a heart capable of entering
into the feelings of others. This is not a late discovery, tho thy favor
just handed me amply evinces it  but I hope thou wilt not in-
dulge too much concern on my acct  I may tell thee that in
some respects the prospect brightens  the clouds that appear d to hang
heavy, have in great measure dispers d & more satisfaction experienc d;
consequently imparted, by setting down quietly under the disappointment
which took place while thou & dear Brother were with us  & the dream
related in your chamber respecting one whose conduct bespeaks a tender
filial attachment, gives me great hope that the right thing will one day
supercede all others  my health is better for many days past, &
appetite much improv d that with the necessary care thou so feelingly
recommends, there is a prospect of my still gaining & perhaps en-
joying a larger portion than at times I have tho t probable no
doubt the ready pen of one of my sisters will give all the information
relative to their company (religiously enjoy d) & my time being limited
will proceed to tell thee my Mary has been out several times with
out injury, Wm seems better of late, little Thomas continues to
thrive finely Sister Rotch & myself drank tea last week with our
Neighbor L Russell to whom I express d thy regret on leaving town
without seeing her, it was pleasant to her that thou so much desir d it, &
seem d willing to excuse it, tho  a disappointment, her wound is almost
heal d, but I doubt her getting out much while the weather continues cold.
[D]on t my dear sister suffer the hints that in confidence I commun-
icated to give thee too much concern  I fear i have burthened thee & Brother impro-
perly  I will gladly unite in looking forward with the consoling hope of better
times. Thy love is very acceptable as far as opportunity to communicate it. S & B rec d
their kiss with pleasure, & wish d to return it but were at a loss for a medium