H: College June the 18th. 1748 Beloved Sr.,

As it is imposible that one friend should be in Calamity and the other not be afflicted, So the unwelcome news of your Indisposition of Body sensibly affects me with Greif and Simpathy.

I am in good health of Body, thro' the wonderfull Goodness of the Almighty (who sendeth Epidemical Diseases, Droughts and famines wherever, it pleases him) by whose Auspicious Smile, I hope these will find you recovering.

As for country-News none, College News nothing Remarkable, Saving, Our honoured Tutor labours under Great Indisposition of Body, has not been at College Since last monday, is at Mr. Hills,1 doth not go out Door. I expect him not Sometime yet, unless the inauspicious winds blow, & raise a Hurricane of Furies dire. But three of the PHOENEPHAELENICK, in Town, two of which very much indisposed, Sir. T-fts & H-v-n, & I only am Escaped to tell thee.

I, having many things more of which I might write, neither Pen Failing nor Strength Fainting, yet Shall forbare least I should trespass upon your Patience and too, too much your health, by Subscribing myself your most humble Servt. and Simpathising Friend,

A: THURSTON

PS If health & Strength will permit, please to let me hear from you.

RC ; addressed: “To Mr. Robt. Treat Paine at Boston These Q.D.C."; endorsed.

1.

Probably Tutor Hancock's brother-in-law Abraham Hill (ca. 1688–1754), a Cambridge mason, who married Prudence Hancock in 1718 (Paige, History of Cambridge, 582)