Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
Yours recd. last Evening by Doct. Cobb dated at Philadelphia Octr. 7th. has made me sorry but I was more so when I found that he had brot home a Letter which I sent by him for conveyance a fortnight ago. Naughty man. I now send it back to town & Nabby will hers, that you may know before you get home that we have try’d to send to you.
I purpose to Convince you that I Can’t write and hope you wont be very particular in Enquirys how I have Spent my time—indeed I can give but a very poor account. I have made no minutes but what I have made out of the hours. I Counted most of them Since you’ve been gone but you are almost home we Conceive. The Doct. tells us the report is that the Congress broke up last week. May the Heavens Smile on you in your return & tho’ tis so dry we Can hardly Grind here, Yet I beg no rain may fall to retard your progress. We are all a tip toe as the say is, when we talk of your approach they tell us the troop intend to muster & ride forth to Escort you. Our Liberty Pole I Suppose will be dresst with additional Ornaments. They have a fine flag now which is hoisted at sunrise with a discharge of Our biggest Gun & taken down at sun set with a like parade. The people intend to meet you and have the Honour to bring the Squires Carriage into town. I hope they will ring the Court Bell to Alarm the County. Dont be so frighted with these thretnings as not to Come home.
This chattering I can send as far as Boston and tis said it will not be sent further however I shall send it to Mr. Greenleafs discretion. There has nothing Particular happen’d since your absence but that Tommy is weand Sally has had an ill turn broke out the Swine Pox perhaps but we had no Doct in town. The Common rounds of work and rest Some Eating, some riding & some writing has passed the time away. Nabby is grown plump has ill times sometimes but better on the whole. The Uncertainty from day to day of our friends welfare in Town has kept up a constant anxiety and Earnest longings to see them but as we have not run away yet I hope to Enjoy much pleasure in your return. The winterish look the Country bears scares me but your smiles will restore the Season to yr. longing Sister,