Germantown Jan: 27. 1757 Dear Brother,

Sister is in a very low state. She had recover'd so far as to get about house and her Docr. pronounc't her well and last Fryday was taken with the Billious cholick Tuffts1 calls it attended with Nervous Symtoms. She's kept her bed ever since but is much easier. I saw Docr. he says her danger is over but her weakness renders her state bad. I am in great concern I dont like his administration nor his discourse about her & I fear she han't Sufficient Care having no nurse nor the family Steady help. I cant go to her nor afford her any asistance. She told Mr. Greenleaf yesterday that she wanted some more wine & some Sago. I shall send a bottle by Pray who will bring it to you. I wish I Could be perswaded to remove her place of abode as soon as she is able so that she may have her own Docr. and under some better care. If their was help to be hir'd I wo'd not be Safe for all Weymouth is infected with the itch by the Soildgers return & I fear we are involv'd in the same Calamity. This so affronts Catto that he threatnens to leave us to morrow but I hope he'll Consider better for himself & us. As to your Shirts by a small? mistake I have never had any answer from Sister about peices & if she has any I believe they are this side so cant be had till she is better. The Shirts cannot be done till Some be procur'd so shall not Send them. I shou'd be glad to see you if it Suits. Father Continues as usual. I am very poorly at present. Your Friend & Sister,

ABIGAIL GREENLEAF

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robt. Treat Paine Boston Inquire at Mr. How the Tinman2 near the Mill-bridge"; endorsed.

1.

Dr. Cotton Tufts.

2.

Joseph How (1713–1779), tinplate worker in Boston. He was the father of John Howe (1754–1835), the printer and loyalist (Daniel Wait Howe, Howe Genealogies [Boston, 1929], 19–20).