Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1
It wou'd be a great pleasure to me if I cou'd find in myself a Capacity to write a Rational letter but alass! I am so incumbred with the affairs of this world that I can think of nothing else. Father is much worse and grown so resolute and Self will'd that I know not what to do. I Supose you have seen nurse who has been from me ever since tuesday. She promis'd to see and inform you whether she cou'd Come back to me if not whether the person from Mrs. Voakes or any other mention'd wou'd Suply her place. Kind Providence (on whom alone is my dependance) has Sent Catto to our relief. He is well & behaves well so that at present I am Comfortable. Poor Sisster is again in great tribulation. I have not seen her since she left Boston for she was taken Sick imediately with a strange Eruption as she calls it but Suposes it to be the Swine Pox tho' it appears different from the neighbours who have all had it. She has lost her voice wholly, breathing is a burden she just writes me. I have Sent to insist upon her Sending for a Docr. I dare not visit her lest I shou'd be taken in to bear her Company which at this time I dare not do. When I began to write I expected to Send by a boat but tis gone along without our barrel or directions to Come to you, but shou'd be glad if you wou'd take the first opertunity to Send down the things for fathers Chamber is very Cold. He has lost his left hand by Somthing that appears like the Rumatism. I am writing in his Chamber to keep him easy and his distracted talk has almost turn'd my brain. So Farewell & Remember your Friend & Sister,
PS Dec. 12. Instead of Pray's boat our Soilder is to be the bearrer to morrow morning. I have seen Capt. Ford yesterday who informs that Sisters illness is not the Swine pox as was thought but Proceeding from her old Stock of infirmitys. I think I have no more to add.