1828 December 12, Woodbourne, to Brother, Philadelphia

              Woodbourne 12mo. 12-1828

Dear Brother:



Having an opp'y of writing, I will embrace it if it be only to thank thee for thy kind attention to the subjects mentioned in thine of 22 ult.-  ye mildness of ye season so far, will probably favor the operations of the Ches. & Del. Canal Co.-  I hope the Algonquin may do well at Savannah, as I observe by late a/cts, that no vessels were up there, & freights were brisk, tho' ye rates were low.  if it be not improper, nor too much trouble, please mention in writing to me, ye names of ye authors of any of the essays in "the Friend," that may come to thy knowledge.-  we have lately had a visit in these parts, from two hetorodox friends, Jno. Foulke of Quakertown, Bucks Co., & Salathiel Cleaver, of Montgomery Co.-  they had meetings at Friendsville, & in the neighborhood.  the Presbyterians expressedtheir satisfaction with the communications of J. Foulke.  I did not hear him speak in public, but understand that he did not speak on doctrinal points.  he is a man of venerable appearance, & his plain, communicative, unostentatious habits & manners, are calculated to preposess a stranger in his favour.  amongst other places, that he has visited, is ye settlement of the German Separatists in the Western country.  he speaks of their condition as very comfortable & flourishing.  the canal which is to connect the Lakes with the Ohio, passes thro' their land.



I have just rec'd a letter from Caroline.  please give my love to her & tell her, that I will thank her to use my authority in contradicting any rumours of the kind to which she alludes.-  we are obliged to submit to the mortification of being ye subjects of them, but I think it is no more improper to contradict such, than any other incorrect reports.



I have a paymt. to make before long, & expect to draw on the firm in a few days, to meet it, for about $200.-



With love to all, I remain thy affectionate brother,

Wm D Cope