Taunton march 18 1778 My Dear,

I have Long Look:d for the things you were to get at Boston but their not come & my wants are Such that I cannot waite any Longer for which reason I Send Seth1 I hope you will fill the cart. Seth cannot tarry with us his father is dead & he must take care of his mother. Our family are well & have I take good care of my self for fear of the Small pox folks have the Small pox in their own houses here.2 I hope I shall have it in mine when you return which I hope will be this week. Give my to all friends in haste your affectionate

Sally Paine

PS Bob wants a Testament.

RC ; addressed: “Robert T. Pain Esqr. Boston”; endorsed.

1.

Seth Burns, the family servant, was among those in the Paine household already inoculated against smallpox (see Bond to David Cobb, June 10, 1777, RTP 3:375)

2.

RTP, still in Boston, noted in his diary on Mar. 16, 1778: “the small pox spreading in Boston innoculation taking place.”