Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2
I have recd. the 2 Letters you sent along for me & perceive by the date you wrote one before you took yr. journey. I thank you for yr. care & for the Docts. advice.
You say you know nothing of me & desire to be inform'd. To tell you the truth I'd as soon you knew nothing as my present Circumstances; and were you not my Attorney1 I think I shou'd remain silent, for tho' I am greatly recover'd from the state I was in when you saw me, & in which I remain'd some time after; Yet I am a poor feeble, Tender, Creature Yet. I Crawl about my room, but durst not venture out, being more subject to take Cold then Ever before, and the least relapse my fever returns and the whole Artillery of war is rais'd, so that prudence forbids my making any attempts to free myself from the Extraordinary Charge I am at. Capt. Foord has been gone this week: the hardness of the winter & times together has obliged him to have his family more straitned then he wou'd have Chose Cou'd he have avoided it. This falls hard on me seeing I am Confin'd and sick: it is not Poverty that I'm Complaining of for we are very good freinds. I find we are like to be fellow travellers and I've sought her freindship. But Meagre faced Want has beset us in almost Every Quarter and I wou'd fain drive her out, She being an Enemy to health which I am in Quest of. Pray assist me if you Can. I wou'd not press so hard but necessity which never use's Ceremony obliges me to it. Dont neglect the present time of service to get whats due from the Hinghamites for tis thot they are able and why shou'd we be imposed on. You tell me you have Contrived my Summers Tour. I dont doubt but it is an agreeable Ramble. I thank you but I do Encourage a small Gleem of hope that I may be able to improve my time to greater profit then riding has proved for shou'd providence grant Strength Sufficient I feel very willing to work and not live thus dependent. Shou'd my scene be chang'd I dont feel distrest to know what part is alloted for me but lest this inactive State will be continued I am fearfull. However I dont despond.
Mr. Greenleaf tells me he Expects you down soon. If you dont come pray write to me, rouse me out, for stupidity creeps on fast and I shall soon at this rate Beat all the pretenders to Stoicism and I know you'll be asham'd to be out done by a Country Girl.
I want to know what you've done in your late ramble whether you've25 bespoke a Wife? And what you're doing in town, do you dare open your mouth in Court more than to Gape? Let me know how the world goes and what are the topicks for Conversation for alass I live at Twitenham.2 We at present are like the Clods of the valley but anon and we shall have the advantage of you for the Geess begin to fly over; the time of the singing of birds will come then Every plant will rear its head & the Trees show out in all their pride. I reckon this long Epistle merrits Somthing from you for it has Cost me much time & strength. Pray consider it and remit me as much as you can afford. I make no particular demand but depend on your Generosity hoping you'll remember I am Yr. afflicted Freind & Sister,
P S I omitted saying anything of the Docts. prescription intending to send my letter by a Market man but being disappointed it must wait for Mr. Greenleaf or the Deacon so I'll venture to speak freely. My Doct. having got me to rub along has not given me any medicine this some time and Notwithstanding it is fine Spring weather dont purpose to. I'm Satisfy'd he dont discover the importance so I overlook it; but Greive to lose so fine an oppertunity to root out this Evil disease; tho' it may be weakned by the winters defence Yet remain too vigorous for my advancment. This swiming aching head feverish nights and racking joynts are my old Complaints and the method you propos'd of Ethiopes with tarter I approve; & whether I man't have them from you and take it Silently is my Query without just Cause of offence to anybody or any ill Convenience to my health. Think of it and if tis prudent & practicable supply me. Perhaps you'll advise the Cheaper method you mention'd, how then? Dont wonder at my importunity, consider not only youth but life is Spending and all my precious time is taken up to humour the various Caprices of a decaying Carcase which according to a Course of Nature must fall in spite of my care shortly. I wou'd willingly do what is to be done in the Season that if possible I may have some time to Enjoy as myself without the intrusions. If tis not for me I acquiece not a murmuring word.
Reference to an unidentified suit which RTP was to bring. See RTP to Eunice Paine, Apr. 1 and May 4, 1757, below.
Eunice Paine is probably likening her quiet residence to the rural retreat of Alexander Pope (1688–1755), the poet, who lived in Twickenham, England.