Boston Decr. 28. 1749 Dear Brother,

I have been this long time very impatient to hear from you not having hear'd a word since thankgiving day till last night I Rec'd your letter1 & by your not Speaking of your health I Suppose you are well. I have long'd to See but not to have you here in the time past to pertake with us in hearing the vexatious reports of the town, for I know not what they have omited Saying, that wou'd more plainly discover malice & revenge in perfection. But the Chief of their Spleen is vented at me who they Say have been the Cause of all thesse misfortunes. It is very trying to our frail natures to bear So many Scandelus reflections with becoming patience, we are apt to be cast down too much at Such a Change of fortune that bring So many disapointments as this has done; but thesse, seem the more immediate hand of Provindence and so the more easily born. But when our felow Creatures rise and Encrease our tryals by Such false reports as now they have done tis hard to bear without behaving in an unbecoming manner.

Dear Brother I've been So interrupted by Company that I'm forc'd to draw to a Close Sooner than I intended. I'm glad to hear you have any thoughts of Coming down to see us I shall be glad to see you at my house. Tis very Charable2 keeping a horse in this town near forty shillings. a night, but if poor keeping will Serve your Brother says that he shall have that at his Stable.

Having no time to enlarge I conclude wishing you helth and prosperity and a mind rais'd above being depress'd at these Frowns of providence. Let us join tho' at this distance in wishing the Blessing of Providence to our hon'd Father. Your Loving Sisstr.,

ABIGAIL GREENLEAF

Mr. Greenleaf expect'd a letter from you, Sends his respects to you.

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robert Treat Paine Schoolmaster att Lunenburgh QDC"; endorsed.

1.

Not located.

2.

Expensive? See OED, chargeable 4.