Boston April 6 1756 Dear Brother,

Nothing short of the obligation you lay me under by your Concern for my welfare &c., could force me to undertake writing at this time. My mind is continually wreck't with anxious tho'ts and this day & evening making soap washing &c. hurry me but shall give you a short accot. of our affairs. If business can be Settled we shall remove next week but I expect t'will be deferr'd a short Space. As to perticulars of Schemes348purchases &c. I must say nothing at present. The Decon has been some time past at our house laid up with a Lame foot. He wish't for your Company but in vain. His business will detain him in town for some time to come but his toe being better he's left us. I have heard nothing from father. Sister left us in tolerable health and I think has Continued so so every since. Poor Miss Dora is much worse her fever increasing her State very low. My family are in good health. We have had Catto with us sometime with design to Carry him to Germantown but alass! we are disapointed for he has other business of more importance than planting and hoeing for us. He has enlisted once more to Serve his Countrey. Does his master design to follow his exemple again? I have been expecting this news but hope to hear of some better Scheme. Your brother has paid your note to Webster.1 I inclose your name. I have no other news but that Doct. Mahew2 is almost marri'd to Doct. Clarks daughter, and that your brother says you are so much in debt he'll trust no more. This from your Loving Sister,

ABIGAIL GREENLEAF

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robert Treat Paine au Lancaster"; endorsed.

1.

Not recorded in RTP's surviving account book.

2.

Jonathan Mayhew (1720–1766) married Elizabeth Clarke, daughter of Dr. John and Elizabeth (Breame) Clarke, in Sept. 1756 (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 11:444).