Boston May 28th. 1778 Dear Sr.,

I learn, by yr. letter,1 that sister Paine, Cha. & Harry are in the Hospital: I wish them well thro’ the small pox, but, you will have a good deal of anxiety first, let it work never so kindly.2 Tho’ The capriciousness of your town has deprived this state of an able Statesman, &, I believe, one of its most principled friends & servants, yet they have rendred you a singular private benefit. They have often been foolishly capricious. Witness the Barber, & waggoner, whom they formerly chose to represent them.3

I wish you would let them feel the want of your services by leaving them. Pray sell your estate there, & return to Boston. Yourself, family (especially your promising children) and all your friends, would not only rejoice but be benefited by your removal.

44

We have no news, but from Warren & Bristol,4 which you had before us—please to remember me to sister and the Children—my wife is very unwell, I have been trying to persuade her to make you a visit, but her low spirits won’t allow her to accept the offer.

I am Sr. your loving brother Jos. Greenleaf

RC ; addressed: “To The hono. Robt. T. Paine Esqr. In Taunton”; endorsed.

1.

Not located.

2.

On May 21: “this morning Mrs. Paine & our two youngest Children Charles & Henry went into the Hospital at Taunton & were inoculated for the small Pox by Dr. Cobb”; June 10: “my Family came out of the Hospital having had the Small pox finely” (RTP Diary).

3.

RTP was not re-elected to the House of Representatives by Taunton.

4.

British raid on Bristol.