Biog-30-E-2a

This is typescript copy of letter from Robert Walker to his son Joseph when in New York, 7th 8 month 1803

Darley 8th month 7th 1803.

Dear Son,

Thine date 3rd month 23rd came safe to hand and was an acceptable messenger which conveyed the pleasing information of thy welfare, for which we were truly thankful is come at a low time, when the affairs of this life wore a gloomy appearance in regard to the indisposition of our family, which terminated in the recovery of thy mother and death of thy sister Hannah. Thy letter was addressed to her but she not being able to answer it desired me when I wrote to give her dear love to thee being sensible she should never see thee again in mutability and greatly desired thy welfare and preservation in this troublesome world which she soon was going to leave and she believed she should be at rest in that Kingdom that is prepared for those who patiently go through the refining path of tribulation which seemed to be allotted to thy dear sister near the close of her day. She mostly had a word of advice or admonition to any of her friends or relations when they came to see her. That she was desirous after retirement being sensible of the real use of a retired state of mind to those who are near leaving this world. She greatly lamented the lose young people sustaineth by too carelessly spending the Sabbath Day and greatly warned her sisters against anything of fashion which she saw stand in exact opposition to any thing of a religious nature and desires she had that she might not express one hasty word and that she with patience might wait her appointed time until her change should come which would be a glorious change to her affliction saying she had found a merciful father. She had a deal of thought about her uncles particularly her uncle Joseph whom she saw merely buried in the things of this life and desired her dear love to uncle Thomas and aunt and cousins. She sent for her aunt Sarah, she had something to impart to her. We had the company of our kind friends Richard and Jonas Thompson the first day before her death which was a comfortable visit I believe to us all. On second day she grew weaker fast and on third day a deal of pain and said she longed to be gone but was desirous with patients to wait the Lords time. On fourth day morning she was very poorly and seemed as though she was going and continued sensible until forth day afternoon about three o'clock gradually breathed weaker and weaker and passed way without groan or struggle. Her corpse was interned in the grave yard at our new meeting house seventh day following being the 18th day of 6th month 1803. We had the company of our friend Elizabeth Coupland and a solid meeting.

Thy younger brother is named Spence Walker at the request of thy sister. She saying her younger brothers would know their mother's maiden name when she was gone farewell. They mother, brother and sisters join me in dear love to thee, they uncle, aunt and cousins.

From thy affectionate father,Robert Walker.

Our dear love to Franceous & Jeremiah Thompson.

Mind not to fail writing every month.

The above letter was obtained from Friends Historical Library, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in 1990.

The letter is addressed to:-

Thomas Walker for Joseph Walker,

Merchant,

New York,

America.

7, 8 month 1803.