Boston Jany. 10th. 1756 Dear Eunice,

I begin to write, expecting to send it by Capt. Ford,1 but wt. I am about to write I know not. However this may serve to assure you I think my self at Boston, otherwise I should not date from thence. Where I shall write from next I don't know. Moreover I am well, saving very hungry. I hope by the Time I have finish'd this Side to think of sundry things I want to write abt. Dr. Sprague says you must play Toss Ball for the health of yr. fingers; & thence I argue that Miss Thea2 must338play Foot Ball in order to recover Strength in certain Limbs wch. Maidens have no Name for.

I have pondered much on living near you, & the more I think, the more I desire it, but I belive I must first spend a little Time at Lancaster, a month or two, & then if nothing interferes, I shall glady comply with Mr. Cranch's kind Invitation. I expect to set out on Tuesday Morning, & shall write as soon as may be. Pray write to me; & give a full Swing to a humrous Fancy as Occasion offers, for I think no profit arises in dwelling long on gloomy Subjects. Remember to Mr. Dyres in a proper manner, & Capt. Ford's Family; & let Freind Cranch know my Resolve. The Stile &c. will convince? you I am yrs &c. &c. &c.

R: T: PAINE

RC ; addressed: "To Miss Eunice Paine Resident Weymouth Per favr. Capt. Ford"; endorsed.

1.

Eunice Paine was boarding at the home of James Ford (1724–1782), sea captain, at Weymouth (George W. Chamberlain, History of Weymouth, Massachusetts. 4 vols. [Weymouth, 1923], 3:230).

2.

Probably Theodora Dyer, usually called Dora.