Michael Bull letter to Thomas Rotch, Hartford Augt 10th 1812

              A-82-6
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                                     Hartford 8 mo 9, 1812
   Thos Rotch   Dear Friend, I embrace this opportunity which is kindly offered by our Friend M Bull to write a few ilnes to the,, though never having recd one from thee since thou hast been in the western country. 
   The condition of Friends here continues much as it was when thou left there, except that the disorder under which Charles Gilbert has laboured for several years is apparently bearing him down, the return of it has for two weeks been more violent than ever before, which has very much reduced him, though he now feels in some measure relieved. Of other events A Skinner has probably given information. It may be said by us as a body, that We are cast down, but not foresaken, and I am persuaded that the more we feel sensible of this, the more we shall experrience a being lifted up by our Almighty Friend.
       Alexander may have mentioned that there was a prospect of having the Essay on War printed in NYork. It has passed the inspection of the Meeting for Sufferings, or rather of its Committee, and suppose is now in the Press under the care of the same, at the office of Saml Wood. I understand that through the kind attention of Friends in NYork, 1500 are subscribed for, of how many are printing, I am not yet informed. About half of it is new matter. I have been in NYork  & Phila this season where I recd every expression of kindness from Friends. Our Son has gone to Burlington, to live with David Allinson Printer.
  I have been hoping thous wouldest before now have closed the negociation with Joseph Lynde, in exchanging the Mill etc for Lands, as was proposed.  I conceive it to be of importance to us both that thou attend to it immediately, if not yet attended to. I hope thou wilt accept of almost any offer made by him, in which case I shall probably be able before long to pay thee the balance. Please to inform me soon what the prospect is respecting it.   To thy self and Wife I would tender the most affectionate salutations, John I Wells

  Thos Rotch                        Hartford Augt 10th 1812
    Respected friend
                         Yrs of 2nd June came duly to hand & coverd yr deed of the Rocky Hill Lot to Jas Babcock, which I have delivered him & recd the notes according to agreement, the first of which $433.33 is paid, & included a check enclosed to Saml R Fisher 4th Inst on yr Acct for five hundred & Sixty dollars. After I wrote respecting the Middletown Bank a Petition was referred to the Genrl Assembly for a New Bank, & granted, unless the stock holders of the old Bank would open their