Germantown Sep: 13. 1756 Dear Brother,

Being in want obliges me to apply to you. Father is I think upon the whole better & Docr. Tuffts gives great incouragment that he Can be of Service to him. He proposes to enter upon a Course of Mercurial pills of a gentle Sort. This I thought best to acquaint you with.360I am a little fearfull of this at his age but Submit to Superior judgment. He also advises to Several things Steep't in wine. This I pray you to send. Let it be good. Excepting Madaria tis not material what sort. I Suppose his Case will supply him. A flesh brush is also advis'd to. This you must procure. I believe it to be very nescessary. Mr. Hardcastle1 has them. The price was twelve shils. This I design by Mrs. Hogen but Capt. Spears boat goes to Boston this night. He may be found at the South end by enquireing at Mr. Coffins2 on a Dutch mans that removes from here into Mr. Johonots3 house at the end of his garden. I should be glad to have sent by him father's Chest of Cloths. Tis necessary I shou'd Change these he has on and the weather at present Calls for it. He is in great want of Drelingcourt upon Death4 but I am not very anxious to see it foreseeing my task. I believe you had best send the Chest of Linnin. I am provided for a bed Stead so want none Sent. Sister is poorly took a vomit this day. Father wants to see you very much is uneasy to know what news of affairs. Pray write all that is material for our Comfort. Wishing you good repose I rest your Friend & Sister,

ABIGAIL GREENLEAF

PS Pray write Mr. Isaac Winslow word that unless he sends me some Rum very soon to discharge his debts I shall be sued, if threatnings are prosecuted. Have you seen Steel & got the money? Recd. the Flour, &c. per Pray & your care has much obliged Yr. brother In Law.

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robt. Treat Paine att Boston"; endorsed: "Joseph Greenleaf 1757 [1756]." The postscript is in Joseph Greenleaf's hand.

1.

Roger Hardcastle, a Boston shopkeeper (Thwing Index).

2.

One of the numerous Coffin family of Boston, perhaps William (d. 1774), a retailer (Thwing Index).

3.

A member of the Johonnot family, Boston distillers (NEHGR 6[1852]: 357–366, 7[1853]: 141–144).

4.

Charles Drelincourt, The Christian's Defence Against the Fears of Death, 4th ed., rev. (London, 1701).