1771 July 13, Bristol, to Mary Sandwith

              Bristol July 13. 1771 – 7th day 1 oClock
My dear
Sister

My Henry came here last evening in seeming
good spirits but indifferent Health; he eat a very light
supper, and sett off this morning (after a poor breakfast)
about 8 oClock.  He has a fine day, and I hope riding and
relaxation from business will restore him; he talked of
returning to Bristol on 5th day or perhaps not untill 7th
day next.  Thy continued Confinement and constant care give
me many an anxious minute; but I trust the time will come
when it may please kind Providence to make things easier to
thee.  I was not quite so well yesterday as usual & my dear
Henrys coming to me so unwell gave me pain.  I am quite
bravely to day after coming out of the water but full of
thought about my dear little crowing Henry.  Doct. D.*
[*Denormandie] came here last evening, and, after the usual
salutation, said to me, he was come to have some serious
talk with me; I smiled; nay said he I am in earnest; about
what Doctor? – weaning your little son; such a hearty
growing boy, who seems to live upon you, is enough to draw a
pain in a weakly person, where there had never been one
before; besides he keeps you waking at nights, and prevents
your using means that might restore you; if it was not on
his account you might now go with Mr. Drinker to the sea
shore, and so forth.  There are several women here who I
beleive have put it into the Doctors head that I ought not
to suckle the Child.  My Henry seconded him, and said he
would write this morning to thee, but as he was poorly, I
undertook to do it.–  Do not think my dear, from what I have
written, that I am worse; Indeed I am not through mercy, but
have had the pain in my breast oftener than I had sometime
ago, which I told the Doctor.  I beleive that if I had a
Girl with me that was worth a fig, it would be different,
for the one I have has no knack of making the Child fond of
her.  Doctr. D. says as Doctr. Evans knows my Constitution,
he would have him spoken to. –  I would have thee see the
Doctor and talk with him.  Patty would do a great deal
better than the Girl I have, and should she offer again, I
would not have thee entirely discourage her, but tell her
thee beleives the girl I have does not suit me, and if she
thinks she can behave so as to please me, thee would have
her call again.  It will be time enough (after thee