Francis Rotch letter to Thomas Rotch, English Prairie, Feb 10th 1819

              B-158-01
Page 1 
              English Prairie Feb 10th 1819
My dear Uncle
   Will not, I hope, consider me neglectful in not earlier acknowledging his hurried note from Columbus. But I had previously written you at considerable length and have, till now, waited in expectation of a reply- Hearing nothing from you the apprehension of appearing neglectful has induced me again to write. 
My disappointment in not visiting Kendal on my way here was a cause of much regret, but I lent to the necessity of the case and think of it with a little shagrin as may be; in the expectation of so long making my appearance accompanied by my brother William, at your Cabin door. 
   I have purchased perhaps the most valuable section of land, as a farm, on these prairies with about two hundred and eighty acres of woodland. I have now seen it in its best and worst state, and am quite satisfied with it! The situation is beautiful and in the most populous neighbourhood within many miles – The Colony is most thriving and has, through the last sickly season enjoyed wonderful health. We are well housed and well provisioned not withstanding the rapid increase of our numbers: indeed there is never I believe little or no unentered land of eligible character near us. But there is in progress a new survey of about Sixty Townships bordering upon our little settlement for the completion of which numbers are waiting. We are still in Cabins; but my friend M Birkbeck, will soon reserve into a comfortable residence now in great forwardness; and others are prepared from houses which will be raised in about Six weeks, two hundred acres of corn will be in cultivation next year.
  Thus much for the general outline of our Colonial welfare, but there are circumstances which renders my view of the settlements as an individual, less agreeable. Letters from the East speak of us as “proscribed people” and offer to my consideration such a objections to my residing here as are deeply impressive – they speak of our religious and moral