Lydia Rotch Dean letter to Thomas Rotch, New Bedford, 9th mo 5th 1803

Lydia Rotch Dean acknowledges receipt of a letter from Thomas and Charity Rotch with details of their settlement in Connecticut. Lydia confirms that the decision to relocate to Connecticut was motivated in part by a zeal to spread the Gospel to remote parts. Lydia writes, referring to Hartford, "your present allotment in that land where Gospel Power seems gradually arising to dispel the clouds & remove the shackles." She mentions that Thomas and Charity "made a surrender of every other prospect to labor in that part of the Vineyard." 8" x 9.8" (20.2 by 25 cm