Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1
I wrote Mr. Freeman by two conveyances the 3d. Instant2 which I hope came to him & then I hope my Business would a been very Soon finished & I might a been seasonably at home but the next day (the 4th. Instant) I was taken very ill with a violent Headack pain in my Limbs and the exact Symptoms of the Country Feaver & Ague. I betook myselfe to the plentifull use of the Taw Water & the next Day it went off and I languished along for about 10 Days & since that Time have ordinarily been in cumfortable Circumstances but too weak to do any Business. My trading with the old England Gentleman, I wrote Mr. Freeman of will I think certainly be acomplished & the Snow will Sail from this Place in about 4 Weeks from this Time & here are many Oppertunitys of my geting to Maryland or part of the Way by Water & then I can get home by Land if my Health Shall continue in any considerable Degree. It is a very dul time here by Reason that thr. are so many Ships from Liverpool & Hull & other Parts of England which makes104 English goods much plentier & Cheaper here than they are in Boston. And the produce of the Country cant be had without waiting many Months, no not for Gold. My Iron Ware & Axes & some other thing will do exceeding well. I am grieved for Messrs. Palmer & Cranch that They put so many Cards on board me They wônt sell for ready Pay at any Price but I will do the best I can; give my Service to them with this News. My Affections are very strong towards you, My Dear Children, & I long to see you more than I can express, And if I can possibly Sel my Snow for Bills to bring with me I Shall See you as quick as a Journey of Such a Length will admit. And I have a Prospect of it but the Gent[lema]n is not yet come quite to my Terms & the manner of Payment, that is, present. But however that may be the greatest temporal Cumfort I injoy is the Hope and expectation I have of your Religious prayerfull Conversation That we may be sure to meet & live together in a future happy World, My dear Children, dont Disappoint me of this Joy I beseach you & I charge you. And to this End let our Prayers meet at the Throne of Grace every Morning & Evining. Your Affectionate Father,
P.S. Give My Duty to Uncle & Aunt Willard Aunt Eunice &c. & Love & Service to all my Friends. If Robert is not in Town at Rect. of This inclose it to him for I am illy able to write much.
Brunswick, North Carolina.
Not located.