Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1
I was much Concern'd when I heard of your illness and not being able to Come to you my Self I desir'd Docr. Sprague1 to Call and See how you did who informs me that you are much better and got abroad again which news was very acceptable to me for I was almost beside my Self with Concern for you. Father Cou'd not Spare me the horse or else I shou'd have Come yesterday. Pray take great Care of your Self this wet weather or else you will increase your Cold. Your great Coat Come home this morning and I have bargin'd with Mr. Jennison to bring it to you this day.
Father is not at all well for his business is too much for him for Freeman went home Last Monday was Seven night and we have had Letters from him wherein he informs father that he shall not return this winter unless he will give him more than 100£ a year which father will not do and has wrote him word So. Father dont intend to wait for his answer but has hir'd a man to Come on Monday to assist him in his business which is 28great for his new brigg is Come up and fitting out and the flag of truce is also going out.
Dear brother I Long to See you but know not when I Can Come for father Cant Spare me nor the horse. If you remain poorly pray Come home that I may take Care of you. We are all in usial health and remember Love and duty to your honour. Your tea Kettle is not done. I Remain your Loving Sisster,
John Sprague (1718–1797), the Paine family physician, graduated from Harvard in 1737 and studied medicine in Boston. He maintained a practice in Boston and a country residence at Dedham and was an active Son of Liberty (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 10:240–243).