Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
I thank you for your late favr., but was exceeding sorry to find any misunderstanding between Friends, especially at this time of public danger; I don’t intend to meddle in this matter, any farther than to urge you both, as you regard the good of your distressed Country, to Stifle every private resentment, incompatable with the public good, & conduct yourselves in every respect as your Christian profession requires. I know that pride & illnature may put a construction upon my words, much to my disadvantage; but being conscious of right intentions, & depending upon the candour of a Friend, I have used plainess. I have no reason, Save from your Letter, to suppose that Mr. A has lessened, or endeavoured to lessen your influence; & I most Sincerely wish you may cordially unite in Council for our common safety. You may depend upon all the Support from me, that my abilities admit of, & more you can’t expect. This is all that I intend to say upon this very unhappy affair, & hope there will be no farther occasion.
Messrs. A & G will give you all the news, so ’twill be needless for me to say any thing of that. The Saltpetre Manufr. goes on, as ’tis said, very well; but I’ve seen but little of it yet; however, I do realy believe that a considerable quantity has been made, & that we have a very good method, if not the best, for making it: But I am afraid that we shall not continue our encouragemt., long enough to establish any large Manufactories, before the Trade opens, with soEstablishmt., when Trade opens, the Mercht. will undersell the Manufacturer, & then the business ends; but if large Manufrs. are once established, we shall be able to make it as che
Pray let me hear from you as often as oppo. presents, & I will endeavour to write as often as I can; but we are crouded with business. Eunice was well a few days since; she is at Braintree. I am Dr. Sr. yr. Frd. & mo. hble. Servt.,
Mr. Greenleaf pray you to bring some writing paper he wou’d be glad to buy 2 a ream none to be had here.