Edenton, North Carolina July 22 1753 Dear Eunice,

Thanks be rendred I'm ready to sail; but o miserable I've a Boil on my Starboard Hip that torments me grievously; otherwise Enjoy Health; I have had some rare Diversion since I been in the Country to be related when we meet. I comfort my self in thinking you are well. I'd have you prepare to accompany me this Winter into Carolina, for I have almost determind to return & live, (O cruel Fate!). Am I taken at last? I197shall be afraid to Come to Boston for I expect you will hear something or another before you're 60 years old. I have a great many things to say to you, but what they are I cant tell, so therefore you must not expect I should add any more than a desire to be Remembred to all Freinds & a hearty wish-well to all the World from Yr. Loving Brother,

ROBERT TREAT PAINE

P:S I dreamt a dream the other Night that affected me much. I cant say whether I wish it may come to pass or no.

RC ; addressed: "To Mrs. Eunice Paine living att Boston These"; endorsed.

Edenton July 22d. 1753 Honored Sr.,

After a great deal of fatigue & Labour I have got my Vessell Loaded, but contrary to expectation she carries but 22 M of Pipe Staves in all, which is owing to the Staves being so very large, but tis said they'll sell the better. The Staves are so well seasoned that my Vessell is far from being deep laden, her Deck being a foot above Water, & she's very stiff; I have got in all my Money due in the Country except a small matter & hope to turn it to good accompt; There's no more Comparison to be made between the Land in this part of the Country, & any I have before seen, than there is between the Pitch of the Cape & Turky Hills. As for the People I cant say a great deal in favr. of Either. The Land here is excellent, 80,000 bushlls Corn cleard out of this Port last Year; in short the Country is fitted to the lazy disposition of the people that inhabit here. I hope these lines will find you in health as they leave me. I shall count my Voyage half up when over the Barr, & if I have good passages I shall be at home early in the Fall where I hope either to see or hear of yr. Welfare, which lays very near the Heart of yr. Obliged & Obedient Son,

ROBERT-TREAT PAINE

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Thomas Paine Mercht. att boston These"; endorsed.