Cambridge Nov. 23d 1774 Sir,

I am directed to inform you that the Congress this day Resolved that the Gentlemen of the late Continental who are also members of this Provincial Congress be joined to the committee on the State of the Province And that you are desired to attend here as soon as possible.1 I am Sir with great Esteem your Most Humble Servant

Benjamin Lincoln 19

RC ; addressed: “To Robert-Treat Pain Esqr. Taunton”; endorsed.

1.

The Provincial Congress on this day resolved that “the gentlemen who were members of the late Continental, and are of this Provincial Congress, be joined to the committee on the state of the province.” The Congress also separately resolved that John Adams and RTP attend the Congress as soon as possible ( Journals of Each Provincial Congress , 49).

Boston Novr. 24th: 1774 To Esqr. Pain

Sir: upon the receipt of a Letter from Mr. Ebenezr. Robeson from the Secretary of the Provincial Congress1 Togeather with one for his Honr. Esqr. Spooner2 you are Desired fourth with to send some person with it at Esqr: Spooners Expence, pray fail not. From your Humble Sert. to Comd.

Benjn: Akin3

RC.

1.

Benjamin Lincoln had been appointed secretary of the Provincial Congress on Oct. 11 ( Journals of Each Provincial Congress , 16).

2.

Walter Spooner of Dartmouth (1720–1803), a member of “his majesty’s constitutional council,” had been summoned by the Provincial Congress once before along with all the members of the Mandamus Council. This was a reissuance of that summons ( Journals of Each Provincial Congress , 48–49).

3.

Benjamin Aikin (1715–1802) was a representative to the General Court from Dartmouth ( Journals of Each Provincial Congress , 12).

Boston Decr. 1st. 1774 Dear Sr.,

I heartily congratulate you on your return to your Family; your being unwell accounts for the long silence from Taunton. I sincerely wish you a speedy restoration to health.1 You are wanted at Cambridge where you have been constantly expected ever since the session. I cannot inform you what they are about, for they are enjoyned Secarcey.

As to foreign news (that which relates to us) the reports are so various & change as they pass from mouth to mouth so that ’tis impossible to find the right. I have been so busy that I have not been abroad, nor read the 20paper yet, but have sent it by the bearer, that you may take the news from the fountain. I will inform Mr. Cushing of your ill health immediately.

We are in as good health as usual, my love to both Sisters, yr. children & my nabby whom I long to see. The bearer cannot wait for more therefore I must conclude. Yr. loving brother

Jos. Greenleaf

P.S. If I can do you any favor in yr. confinement pray let me know it.

RC ; addressed: “To Robt. Treat Paine Esqr. att Taunton favr. Mr. ”; endorsed.

1.

RTP fell ill on Nov. 25 and developed a high fever and vomiting. Not until Dec. 8 was he able to note in his diary: “rode out in Chaise after 14 days confinement.” He did not venture into Boston until Jan. 10, 1775 (RTP diary).