Boston the 27th of Decr. 1749 Dear Mr. Paine,

Having now an opertunity of writing to you, I gladly embrace it. I heartily rejoice to hear of your health, and hope the Father of mercies will long continue it to you. I sent you a Letter some time since, enclosing one from Sister, which I hope you have recd. We shou'd have been very glad to have receiv'd a Line or two from you by the hand which bro't your Letter to Mr. Freeman, but since we have not that happyness, I must charitably suppose you had not an opertunity of doing it. I suppose I need not mention the alterations which have been in your Family lately they being already I suppose too well known to you. I hope such afflictive turns of Providence will teach us all not to sett our hearts too much on the fleeting enjoyments of this transitory life; but on those unfading enjoyments which are in reserve for the Righteous. Dear Friend! I long to see you here, that we may enjoy that pleasure in conversation, which cannot result from writing. And now, that every blessing for time and eternity may be yours, is the hearty prayer of your affectionate Friend and humble Servant,

RICHARD CRANCH

Please to excuse haste, fearing the messenger will be gone.

Mr. Freeman acquaints me that you desire to know the prices of Cotton Cards. They are as follows,

£ S	£ S
Largest 33-12 pr. Dozn.	or 3-3 pr. Pair
	S
Middle sort 30-0 Do.	or 57 pr. Pair

N.B. We have none of the Middle sort at present.

Your Friends in Town I think are all well. Mr. Palmer and Sister remember to you.

Mr. Brown has fixt up the great Clock, it goes well.

P.S. I hope you'll favour me with a Letter per every opertunity.

87

RC ; addressed: "For Mr. Robert=Treat Paine School=Master at Lunenburg"; endorsed.

Boston Decr. 28. 1749 Dear Brother,

I have been this long time very impatient to hear from you not having hear'd a word since thankgiving day till last night I Rec'd your letter1 & by your not Speaking of your health I Suppose you are well. I have long'd to See but not to have you here in the time past to pertake with us in hearing the vexatious reports of the town, for I know not what they have omited Saying, that wou'd more plainly discover malice & revenge in perfection. But the Chief of their Spleen is vented at me who they Say have been the Cause of all thesse misfortunes. It is very trying to our frail natures to bear So many Scandelus reflections with becoming patience, we are apt to be cast down too much at Such a Change of fortune that bring So many disapointments as this has done; but thesse, seem the more immediate hand of Provindence and so the more easily born. But when our felow Creatures rise and Encrease our tryals by Such false reports as now they have done tis hard to bear without behaving in an unbecoming manner.

Dear Brother I've been So interrupted by Company that I'm forc'd to draw to a Close Sooner than I intended. I'm glad to hear you have any thoughts of Coming down to see us I shall be glad to see you at my house. Tis very Charable2 keeping a horse in this town near forty shillings. a night, but if poor keeping will Serve your Brother says that he shall have that at his Stable.

Having no time to enlarge I conclude wishing you helth and prosperity and a mind rais'd above being depress'd at these Frowns of providence. Let us join tho' at this distance in wishing the Blessing of Providence to our hon'd Father. Your Loving Sisstr.,

ABIGAIL GREENLEAF

Mr. Greenleaf expect'd a letter from you, Sends his respects to you.

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robert Treat Paine Schoolmaster att Lunenburgh QDC"; endorsed.

1.

Not located.

2.

Expensive? See OED, chargeable 4.