Groton Novr: 4: 1749 Dear Sr.,

By these you may know that notwithstanding I have not wrote to you lately yet the memory of you is not quite erased from my mind as also the reason why I did not visit you in your illness was not because I could not ly by the fire or on the ground but because I had the happiness to hear that you was recover'd before an opportunity presented in that I could not borrow an horse however I wrote you a Letter Consolatory which no doubt you have receiv'd. I was at your hond. Fathers & Dined with him & the lovely pair then lately yoked (to whome I wish fecundity & all other blessings tho' I had not the confidence or rather the impudence audibly to wish it then, for the best of reasons remembering sins of omission are less than Commission) the day after you hoisted sail for Lunenburge.1 I was very sorry for my disappointment for I have many things to say to you which my time would fail to write. Kind Sr. as I know not how I can make you a visit shortly (tho' I purpose it as soon as possible) so I desire (not to say beseech) the favour of one from you: and as our Lecture is next week on thursday & the general Thanks-giving the week after so either of those days will be very opportune.2 But Let not the purpose of a visit prevent your writeing. As to remarkeables; I know of none save our good friends were well at College when I was down & I was very Lucky at Mr. William's clearing out: I suppose you heard of the absconding of one of our Class-mates Father for debt3—Quid non mortalia pectora Cogis auri sacra egestas.4

I am Just dipping in the study of Divinity among my other Studies and am ready to guess it is a profound abyss but a delectable scene of Christ-exalting wonders wc. may fill the soul with sweet surprise.

Sr., I must repeat my request for a visit before I subscribe your true friend and Servt.,

SAMLL. HAVEN

N.B. I have no need to desire you to write all remarkable as how you like &c.

RC ; addressed: "To Mr; Robert-Treat Paine School=master for Lunenburge These"; endorsed.

1.

After his sister's wedding, RTP left Boston for the return journey to Lunenburg on Oct. 20 (RTP, Diary).

72 2.

RTP went to Groton on Nov. 15, the day before the Annual Thanksgiving and returned to Lunenburg on the 17th.

3.

Not identified, although RTP's own father would soon leave town to avoid creditors (see Joseph Greenleaf to RTP, Dec. 6, 1749).

4.

Quid non mortalia pectora cogis, Auri sacra fames? Accursed thirst of gold! to what dost not thou compel the human breast? Virgil, Æniad, 3:57.