1815 August 10, Cape May, N.J., to Thomas Stewardson, Philadelphia

              Cape May August 10--1815--
7 OClock Evening

Dear
Brother

Thomas P Copes son Francis, & his brother
William were bathing in the Surf about 11 this morning, &
Francis is no more, they were about middle depth & an
unexpected wave took them both off their feet, separated
them, forced Wm to let go his hold of Francis,& overwelmed
them both out of their depth--William was unable to recover
his Brother, who sunk & disappeared into a watery
grave--every attempt at recovering the body has hitherto
[------] without success.--
dear Wm is in the deepest
affliction, but has recovered a becoming calmness of
mind--his friends here have advised him to remain a day or
two, which he has reluctantly acquiesed in, & his underst
desire to return to his Parents & friends will be without
much delay--
These melancholy tidings I tho't it best to
get thru immediately to communicate to dear T P Cope, who
with his wife I hope will be supported in resignation to the
Divine will in this trying dispensation--As nothing can now
be done here in the case here I do not expect any of the
Family would think of coming down, & they would likely