Boston Sepr. 25th. 1771

Your heard that tho' Late, I got to Town to see your Sally, I was very sorry I coud not be with her while here, Enjoy her Company, & cultivate an acquaintance with a person to whom I wish so much happiness. I had several reasons for not geting to Town sooner, a great Cold was Sufficient to plead But further; I had want of Some necesaries for using my feet which I had no means of supplying and hoped to see you when I came. I am also destitute of a home and in no way of geting one agreeable to the old Plan of Prudence. Sister is so straitned that I can't tarry there for a visit without greatly disturbing their Industry. My other friends I have wore out and cant consent any more to soon impose myself on them, beside my health is so poor at best I cant be a visitor. I want a home where my infirmity Shall be my only distress & not feel myself a burden on Every one I Come near: This days distress coud you know it woud throughly Convince you of the impropriety of my living as I do. A violent Pain in my head a load at my Breast &c. &c. Laid me quite by for hours where I was out to try to do a few little Errands. A reaching Stomack indicated the want of medicine to assist nature to discharge the 1 but I have no place where I cou'd take Such a thing if it becomes necessary. Mr. Palmers chaise is in town to carry me to them tomorrow where I have Some time tarried to keep up their spirits in his absence & Pollys Sickness but tis the most improper place to go to be sick as they Cant support themselves. I am distrest, and Every Twinge agravated by this Delemna. I hope twill turn out better than I fear but this Shews me the high imprudence of not having a stated place of abode to come to when I Cant injoy my friends. This is writing as to my Gaurdian and I hope the recital of my difficulties wont be displeasing to you I had rather Entertain you with more agreeable Subjects but this oppresses me so much I must remove it & then I hope to be able to attend to more pleasing Circumstances. My Situation Last winter was not agreeable but I wish I now had a prospect of doing as well. I must Engage some where soon & shall be obliged to Give more than I have done. I shall be glad to have your approbation—am very sorry I did not see you in Town—have been forced upon trying my Credit & trust You'll soon put it in my power to discharge it with Honour.

Thursd. I hear you dont Come down till Novr. So hope You'll find493some Safe conveyance Directed to Mr. Cranch Watchmaker. I feel rather dispos'd to go to Germantown and believe shall venture this afternoon & hope the ride may help me. My love to your Rib & sprout our friends are Joging. Coll. Willard Says he Shall never See Bob at Lancaster again. Poor fellow hes married now. There is not an article of News that I can find to fill up Paper with. Mr. Palmers not coming in Scott has disappointed his friends but we live hoping to see him soon.2 You'll then come to Germantown wont you? Mrs. Palmer woud have been very Glad to have Entertaind Mrs. Paine if she coud have got there. Dada my love attends you all. Remember to all Enquiring friends. Your Affectionate Sister,

EUNICE PAINE

RC ; addressed: "To Robt. Treat Paine Esqr. Taunton"; endorsed.

1.

Word missing.

2.

Joseph Palmer had been in England on business. On July 30, when he wrote from Bristol to Thomas Flucker in Boston, Palmer anticipated sailing within a fortnight (Adams Papers, MHS).