Boston June 17. 1757 My dear Sally,

We have long expected yr. return with great Impatience and having An Unexpected Opportunity I once more send my warmest desires that you would no longer keep me in Suspence. Yet I entertain some small hopes of being bless'd with yr. Company 'ere this can reach you. I should not readily forgive yr. Unkind Delay both of writing & returning were it not that I can easily realise call to mind the great Satisfaction we take in the respects & Curtiseys we recieve abroad. Novelty & Curiosity engages every one I doubt not you will return laden with a variety of Entertainments, my Mind almost Anticipates the Joy, & I fancy you reciting over some of yr. most agreable Interviews & Romantic Scenes of Gallantry, but dear Sally remember your good old Freinds. I am Now in Town on the melancolly Occasion of Uncle Jackson's Funrell; alas my dear, Death is the king of terrors, & we have a strong report here that you are abt. marrying, but I cant think you will serve a body so, I got a thousand things to say to you but must leave them till we meet being too many & too peculiar to write. And for the present accept my sincere Love, in which I doubt not Sister Esther would join if she knew of this Opportunity. I herewith send you my heart dear Sally bring it back with you for I cant spare it long least I should have Occasion for it here. So I remain after Love & kind compliments to all Freinds yr. Loving Sister,

RTP

Dft ; addressed: "Letter from one sister to another 1757;" endorsed in RTP's hand : "Mock Letter to a Lady." An undeciphered page in shorthand is attached written on the verso of the following note from Abia Holbrook: "May 1, 1750. Sir, The Bearers were detained by yor. humble Servt. Abia Holbrook."