1811 December 1, to Bill

              Dear Bill

Having by an unfortunate accident, again injured my lame knee, I have, by this means acquired a little of that very precious article called time; which I have concluded I could not employ more advantageously, than by writing a letter to brother Bill.  It is so long since any thing of the kind has passed between us, that I really do not recollect on whose side the obligation lies; neither is it a matter of any importance.  I should certainly write to thee more frequently, if I had it in my power; but I am now a man of business, I must come and go at the bidding of another, my time is not at my disposal.
Thee has no doubt heard of the death of poor Samuel Coates.  Poor Samuel he has taken a short cut, we know not how soon we shall follow him; we continually see our friends and acquaintances dropping off one after another.  I think it not improbable but that thee may never again see our dear cousin Lydia Johnson; she is now lying extremely ill, having a few days since broken a blood vessel; Henry was with her all last night, and Mother and [--] Thomas the night before.  Uncle John has been very ill but is mending; I believe the rest of our friends generally maintain their own.
Tell Ben. Price I think unreasonable for him to send a message to me, thro' thee requesting me to write to him.  He must certainly have much more time than I.  It is too soon yet to expect any information from the ship Lancaster in which his brother is embarked.  The ship Susquehanna has just arrived from England.  Carroline has gone to Weston.  I enclose a letter Wm Drinker requested me to forward to thee.
Thy brother
F. Cope
First Day. Dec. 1, 1811.