Bath-Town March 20th. 1752 Sr.,

The Season of the Year for getting of Naval Stores, expiring Apace; And as I am determin'd to be posses'd of a Load of Naval Stores before I write for a Vessell, that so I may have Time to get it to some convenient Landing; tis therefore Sr. that I trouble you with Regard to what You are to supply me with, & as Sr. it may be more easy for you to procure Pitch than Tar, so I would have you to consult yr. Ease therein, but Sr. I had much rather be put to Any difficulty & Trouble, than that you should any ways expose yr. Self in procuring of it. Therefore if you'll be so good as to write me yr. Mind on the Matter, I shall then know what remains to be procured for the rest of my Cargoe, & will prepare my self to do any of yr. Messages to persons from whom you may expect Naval Stores, which I imagine will be rather a Service than diservice to me, as I think I want nothing but some rough Excercise to recover my full Strength.

With this Letter perhaps you may hear of the Sudden & Maloncholly Death of Mr. Benja. Forbes;1 a Loud Call of Providence to us all to be ready, happy that Servt. wm. when his Lord comes he shall find Ready.

I could gladly comply with yr. kind Invitation, & Solace my self in the kind Endearmts. of Freindship, but the uncertain Avocations of Carolina Business, hinder me from calling Any time my own.

I gladly heard of your better Health by the Doctr., & hope that he who has begun a Recovery will compleat it for his Own Glory.

No More at present but Remain yr. very Freind & humble Servt.,

ROBT. TREAT PAINE

P.S. I herewith send the Recept for Abra: Sheppards Note &c.

LbC ; addressed: "To Henry Snoad Esqr. living at Maidstone Point."

1.

Not identified.