Samuel R. Fisher letter to Thomas Rotch, Philadelphia, 4 mo 10, 1819

              B-59-28
page 1

          (Copy of a letter to Sam Rodman)
    Dear Brother                        Phila 4 mo 10, 1819
                            It has been on my mind for weeks past to address thee with a few lines, since I remain alone of the children of my Fathers on this stage of action, by the removal of my dear Brother Miers-on the evening of 12th last month; you may probably had knowledge of his gradual decline in all his bodily powers, for two years or more, with the silent reflection of his family & friends, that in addition to the uncertainty of the time in which we individually may be called away, any of us that yet remain, there was in his appearance outward evidence of he decay of Nature, while his mind and intellects comparatively a brightness continued by which his compnay and converse remained pleasing, with much serenity. 
   About a month before his close, having been some time desirous to sell his farm, he sold it, because he saw that to leave it for his wife's residence, was not her choice, neither would it be to any of the children desireable or convenient; upon execution of the Deed, he said if he had a suitable House for his wife in the City, he should be easy, as he might not live long (such a house he had been looking for without success) On first day morning, the 7th, of last month, he went from his house in town not far distant, to the meeting at Arch Street, after the close whereof on his way home, he was taken with Chills, which continued alternately till in the night of the 9th, he lost the use of his left side and arm. and while his speech was not much impared and his senses bright to the last, nature being gradually worn out, he had much to say to his children in a pertanent manner, and said on the Evening of 12th, it had been the happiest day of his life. at about 9 o Clock he made motion with his hand, intelligible, to hand his repeating watch, and he struck it himself, and quietly was gone at 10 o Clock. I have been induced to give this information, having been in the House and much in his room the last five hours, believing that amidst his enlarged