Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1
I Expected this morning to have gone wth. Mr. Willard for Lancaster, but yesterday Sundry Persons arrived from the Cape that I have spoken to you abt. among wch. are Mr. Paine & Mrs. Rachel.1 So I have deferr'd my Journey till next Wednesday, having likewise some other Reasons why I could not go to day. I purpose if it be good Weather to bring Mrs. Rachel down to German Town to see the Glass Works &c, & I expect that Mr. Paine & Capt. Doan will come likewise.1 They are my Obliging Freinds & have a curiosity to see German Town, & I purpose, not to be Burthensome to my freinds there. Tell my Freinds that being an Erratic Planet, they must Expect to see many strange Phenomena, & so the curiosity wch. you express'd in your last Letter will be in some measure allay'd by seeing me Ride, not by the Door, but to the Door.
I Expect to send this by Capt. Franklin, who purposes down to day, but as the wind is foul, he mayn't get there till late. Therefore if you desire to Read this to night you must send for it otherwise 'tis not likely you'll see it till tomorrow. From yr. Loving Brother,
Probably Josiah Paine and Capt. Elisha Doane of Wellfleet. RTP notes in his diary for Oct. 21: "Went to German Town in Company wth. Capt. Doane, Mr. Paine &c. and Returned by Eleven oClock. hot day." Mrs. Rachel remains unidentified.