219

    To Sarah Savage Thatcher

    Boston        26 March 1820

    My dear—

    Having given it in charge to Anner [Lewis Thacher] to keep you & the family constantly informed of our health and intentions, I have omited to write myself—Indeed, we have been so constantly engaged from nine in the morning till two in the afternoon in hearing arguments in Court; and then in debating them over among our selves from four to ten oClock in the evening, I have really had not a moment of time to write, read or think of any thing else—I saw Anner yesterday She was well, & said she heard from home a day or two before, & all were well—

    Next week the whole Court will go up to Concord to try two or three capital offenders—And the week after we expect another capital trial in this Town—And immediately after that is over—I hope to be at home—

    Anner told me she thought it is likely she shall choose to return with me, as Mrs. [Louisa Freeman] Davis has found it absolutely necessary to go with Mr. [Daniel] Davis on the western Circuit for her health—I am seriously fearfull, she will fall into a decline—irrecoverable, unless she soon gains her wonted strength—

    I have suffered more with the Rhumatics than for many years before; till yesterday—These two warm summer like days have restored me—The Thermomiter stands to about sixty five—

    [. . . .]

    It seems to be the general opinion here among my brethren, that it will be expected if I remain on the bench I must actually remove to this State—This presents un the unpleasant alter[n]ative of a removal of family, or a resignation of office, which is our only mode of living—The thoughts of removing is almost equal to that of dying—To leave a place where we have lived almost forty years is too painfull—Cant we some how or other with prudence love & economy live on our little farm, & spend the remaining year or two of our old age in great comfort & happiness? Think of this & contrast it, or compare it with, a removal & attempting to begin life anew in some strange place1

    Young people always think they can live on love & thousands set out on that fund only—Why cant two o[ld people] do the like—Old people hav<torn> less desires to make a figure <torn> But whatever we <torn>

    your most <torn>

    * * *

    ALS, TFP. Addressed to Biddeford; postmarked 27 March. Omitted text instructs son Josiah about care of the pastures and orchards.