Letter from Josiah Dow of Hampton to his brother

I take this opportunity to let you know that we are well and hope that this will find you so. I shou'd have sent you a letter by Samuel Tuck but I expected Simeon wou'd go home in a few days, Isaiah seem'd to be more comfortable that day after you went from here and that Evning I was there and had not seen him so comfortable for a fortnight and had a good nights rest and the next morning was free from pain but very weak and so remain'd till about one of the Clock. He was then taken senseless about two. I was there he talked so broken that I cou'd not understand him. I went home but had not been at home long before Reuben came for me and said that the Doctor had given him over. I went up and had not been there long before he was taken with a Convulsion fit. When that left him he fell into a soggish posture and so remain'd till Sunday Evening. About seven Clock he had another fit and between that and half past one O Clock he had fourteen fits which weaken'd very much. He lived till It was after four before we coul'd see theat he begun to alter much after that he altered very fast and at twenty seven minutes past four he breathed his last. Mr. Buck minister was theer Saturday Night and Sunday morning and pray'd with him.

As you want to know how Reuben Carrys on I dont know that there is much alteration. I talked to him that morning after Isaiah died. I did it then thinking it might do more good than it had done before. He made good promises as he had done before, but soon forgets his promises. I thought it best for him to come down and Live with mother. His wife did not seem to be willing. I went up and talk'd with her but could not persuade her to come then, so the matter rested for some time. Monday night before Last I was up and mother told me that he was going to Exeter the next Day to Administer. I see him and told him I thought it not worth while and told him to go And ask Advise but I found that he had been Advis'd by them that knew but little about the matter. I told him that I shou'd go and ask advise and went to Col Toppan he told me to go and do it myself which I did, but it affronted some very much but since that they have moved Down but where it will be for the better or worse I cannot tell. I shall be glad if you both will come Down in the spring as soon as the ground is settled. I cannot write every particular, but Remain your Brother

Josiah Dow