Elisha Thornton letter to Thomas Rotch, 9 of 1 mo 1799

Minister Elisha Thornton, a guest of the Rotches in New Bedford encouraged Thomas to take heart, to retain his belief in his Creator, and to remain steadfast in his faith. The exact nature of the dilemma Thomas Rotch faced in 1799 is unclear, if for example he found himself spiritually adrift in a society that embraced materialism and worldliness. Shortly after Thornton's visit, Charity and Thomas Rotch cut ties with family in New Bedford and settled 130 miles to the west in Hartford Connecticut, a state with few Quaker meetings in 1800. 7.7" x 12.5" (19.6 by 32 cm