526 DOCTOR THOMAS PARKE [1772. 



be called very old, otherwise I might probably have gained a more 

 satisfactory account. 



I am happy in being able to inform thee, that I have received 

 many very kind marks of respect from the several' gentlemen to 

 whom I was recommended, particularly from Drs. Fothergill and 

 Franklin; which renders an absence from my relations and 

 friends much more agreeable than it otherwise possibly could be. 

 Yet, although I am favoured with the friendship of so many kind 

 and agreeable friends, and situated in a country cultivated to the 

 highest degree, which is really beautiful both from nature and art, 

 America, in my opinion, has something more agreeable. If it is 

 not adorned with the grandeur of England, it is blessed with peace, 

 which many here are strangers to. 



Before this comes to hand, thee will probably hear of our friend 

 Samuel Fothergill being deceased. He departed the 15th of 

 last month, after a long and tedious illness, of a complicated 

 disease. Thou art too well actpiainted with his character, not to 

 be sensible of the great loss his removal will be to the Society. 



The curiosity which Captain Falconer brought from thee 

 for Doctor Fothergill, is seized by the custom-house officers. 

 Whether they will give it up again, is yet a matter of doubt ; but 

 I am rather inclined to think they will, as the snake, if entire and 

 alive, would do no harm to the nation : and certainly the skin 

 cannot. 



The trading part of the city of London is, and has been for two 

 or three weeks, in great confusion, owing to the failure of several 



some inquiry about thy father's age, and thy relations, as follows : Humphry 

 Marshall, the eldest brother of Abram, was born and registered at Youlgreave, 

 in the year 1GG7. Abram was the next son, and two years younger, according to 

 thy cousin John's account, but is not to be found in the register. As they were 

 often without a parson, the register was neglected. His sister Sarah married one 

 Wilson, and hath one daughter living, called Sarah. I don't hear of any more 

 of the relations, except John, the writer of the annexed letter, who lives very 

 reputably, and I believe is a sober, religious man (of the Church of England). 

 His children have all done well. * * * * * * 



One of Humphry's brothers died a Friend, at Aldwark, and was buried at 

 Monyash, in this county. Others were most convinced, but not so as to be joined 

 to Friends. This is what intelligence I have procured, and hope will be satis- 

 factory. 



Gratton and Youlgreave are about thirteen miles from this place. * * * 



I remain thy friend, 



Joseph Storrs. 



