B. Painton letter to Thomas Rotch, Salem 1st Mo 18th 1809

B. Painton, a former Rotch acquaintance, posts a letter by a passing friend. He reports that his land is unfruitful and springs are dry. The problem by 1809 was increased land prices which meant that farmers could not afford to expand their businesses. Many had already migrated away from New England to Ohio country for good land at low prices. A fever reached Hartford and surrounding neighborhoods in 1807 and again in 1809. By the end of 1810, the Rotches left Hartford for Ohio and possibility finding land for sheep farming in a warmer climate. They returned to Hartford, auctioned off many of their belongings and departed New England permanently for Ohio in late 1811. 7.1" x 8.5" (18 by 21.7 cm