Groton (Parish:) March: 3d. 1749/50 Dear Sr.

Last evening I receivd yrs. of the 26: past1 which servd. almost instead of a visit & cheerd my Desponding spirits with regard to you, for I had Just returnd from Lecture (old Town) where I had not only the unpleasing sensation of Disappointment expecting much to meet you there & enjoy wt. The Scarcity of Horses & hay has long depriv'd me of, but also the unhappiness to hear that you had pushed of the Boat to Boston and wt. farther augmented my sympathetick concern was that you made such miserable stearage as it seem'd almost impractable by you to avoid both Charibbis & Sylla: expecting that yr. Oars would fail you. Pray be more carefull & choice of them. However when I receivd. yrs. it gave me the satisfaction to hear that you was very snug: & I take this opportunity to congratulate your safe return.

You tell me that Mr. Freeman is gone to Chebucto I wish him all prosperity but am afraid of the contagious fever I hear prevails there. I have sent you two Letters which I hope have arivd. before now. In the first of which I have answerd yrs. of the 9 of Feber.2 However if you shall never see that, please to excuse my leting you know by this that yours of the 9. was nothing to the purpose for you intirely missd. the sense & Design of my Letter. This matter I shall make more plain to you when I see.

Next Tuesday I shall know how long I have here viz in Groton to Tarry. I am very thankfull for your Letters but should be more so if you would be so good as to visit me for I can't you unless I could illegible word at seal either Horse or hay or change the Disposition of my good Neighbours. My good Friend let me know if you have heard any News concerning our Classmates especially Dodge who I hear has had a Call at Upton (one of the dark Ends of our Globe). I have many things more to say had I time but shall defer them προς τον προσωπον λεγαι3 & Conclude Leting you know that your Friend is semper idem4 & yr. humble servant.

SAMLL. HAVEN

N.B. I wish you a good meal of your minced Fowl & should be glad to do with you.

if you can read the above I shan't Dispair of yr. reading any thing for no mortall can write much worse.

RC ; addressed: “To Mr. Robert-Treat Paine Schoolmaster in Lunenburg and living at Mr. John Buss's These"; endorsed.

109 1.

Not located.

2.

Not located.

3.

Pros ton prosopon legai. To tell you face to face.

4.

Always the same.