Siman 166

(16.) A word-for-word copy of a letter in Rabbainu o.b.m.'s own handwriting that he wrote to all the generality of our people, at the time he dwelt in Zaslav in the year 5567 [1806/7]: Let it be known to all of our people that I have grown weary of dwelling in Breslov because of the immense troubles and hardships that have come upon me. And now I will be wandering from tent to tent — not to settle, but only to sojourn. Therefore, my request and plea of you: that my labor should not have been in vain — the labor I exerted with each and every one of you to save you from the teeth of the evil one. G-d is righteous and I have acted wickedly — and my actions caused me the sufferings and the death of dear children, and the controversy and the prosecutions. Even so, I knew fully well that also the dealings I had with you — to save you from the teeth of the evil inclination — for all of these it sharpened its eyes and gnashed its teeth at me. Therefore, my beloveds, my brothers and friends — strengthen yourselves and be courageous in the awe of G-d, each one according to his strength and his level, and do not let my labor have been in vain. And observe the Torah of Moses servant of G-d as I taught you. And know that even though I am now far from you, this is nothing but a physical distance — and this distance G-d forbid is not in our souls — for we are close. My beloveds, my brothers and friends, please and please: let these words of mine which I have poured out be close to you day and night. And let it be known that now I am dwelling in the holy congregation of Zaslav, and here I shall remain if G-d wills for approximately three months.