Taunton Septr. 1, 1783 Dear Sir,

This is the first leasure moment for these three weeks almost that I have had, which I hope will be some apollogy for my not writing to you before this. I heartily Congratulate you that your good folks are so well over the meazels as you write me they are. Mrs. Padelford about 4 weeks Since had a verry Ill Turn for about a fortnight but is now well over it. I heard not long Since you had the gout but hope as you wrote nothing of it that it was a false report or that you are now Intirely free from it.

With regard to the Old Lady’s Will,1 it is not yet proved & will not I Suppose before Col. Cobb returns, & then I Suppose Capt. Beals or some of the family mean to dispute it as they say it is said, by some, that she was not in her right disposing mind when she made it. This is what I hear upon the Green.

With regard to your grass this year, it turned out to be five Tons & one hundred.

Expect the Pleasure of your Company next week at my House. Mrs. Padelford sends Joins in Complts. to you & Mrs. Paine. Wishing you every good I rest your Friend & Hume. Servt.

S. Padelford

RC ; addressed: “The Honbl. Robt. T. Paine Esqr. Atty. Genl. Boston”; endorsed.

1.

Hannah (Beal) (Emerson) Cobb, widow of Thomas Cobb and stepmother of Sally Cobb Paine, made her will on May 26, 1783. Among other bequests, she left to RTP her half-tomb in Boston and to Sally Cobb Paine her “best sute of Cloaths, Case & drawers and Chamber Table now at Mr. Pecks Goldsmiths in Boston.” A copy of the will is in the RTP Papers.