Kegatank 22d August 1806
My dear Son
Your two letters by the last mail were duly recd, and altho it is contemplated to write to you and Sarah by Henry who take a passage in my Neighbour Conquests Vessel to Sail in a very few days, yet I am not willing to let this opportunity pass without reciprocating your attention. The subject of these letter is entirely Gloomy and requires a degree of rational fortitude, Phylosophy and Religion to acquiese is such trying dispensations of Providence, we should first learn that we are Victims of Mortality that by Natures decree we must submit to tread the path of our Well beloved friend whose resignation is consoling and examplary. He has lived as an honest Man, and as a Gentleman, And I doubt not but has died the death of the Ritious and I confidently believe is in the fruition of his well earned reputution, established by his Merit, few men if any of all my acquaintance would be so regretted as him, To his Wife and his dear little children his loss is Irraparable and his
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