William Barker letter to Thomas Rotch, New York, 10 mo 22d 1814

              A-52-1
page 1
                                           New York 10 mo 22d 1814
    Thos Rotch
         Respected friend
                                         In consequence of the present precarious State of Commerce, & the many difficulties attending commerical pursuits, I have nearly concluded to winde up my business here, & remove to the Country, with a determination to try Agriculture, with my friend John Minturne who has concluded to become my associate, & altho we ahve not yet determined where to settle, the advantages which the State of Ohio presents has claimed considerable of our attention.  We therefore take the liberty of requesting thy advise if some information on the subject knowing thy disposition & ability to give it. 
   We propose to devote most of our attention to raising of Merino Sheep