Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
being disappointed of Sending my Letter to Worcester1 I Set down to write again hoping it will come Safe to you before you Return. I have not had a line nor heard a word from you Since you left home for why I Cant account I hope you have not been Sick. I want exceedingly to hear from you if you Should not return this next week I hope you will write by the post that Brings this Letter that we may know of your welfare & when you Shall return.
Our Garden Looks Better this year then ever it did we have had a cold northeast Storm which I hope dont reach you. Our family are well Little folks wants papa to come home. Lucretia is to be wean’d this weak poor Child. Wishing your Safe return I rest your ever mindfull.
Mr. Blanchard2 of Taunton is dead died Last week.
new Ink of Cake Ink
Old Ink of Powder
New Ink of Cake Ink.
According to his diary, RTP left home Apr. 17 to attend the Supreme Judicial Court, first in Worcester until the 29th; then at Northampton, where there was a murder trial against Daniel Norton, who was found guilty of manslaughter; then on to Hatfield on May 9 to attend a convention to consider dividing the county, finally returning home on May 14. Franklin County was not established until 1811 and Hampden County was separated in 1812.
Joshua Blanchard, formerly an eminent stationer in Boston, died in Taunton, Apr. 28, 1786, in his sixty-ninth year (Independent Chronicle, May 4, 1786).
I Enquired of Capt. Read as you requested & he Says he delivered the Summons to Benja. Durfee in person—& Durfee said that he owed you nothing—that the Boards he Attached are not worth Leviing upon being so few in Quantity. We & all friends are in health, hope you 364 & Lady & family are in like good health & happy. Make my Compts. acceptable to Mrs. Paine & believe me your Sincere
If you’l be kind enough to take an Excon. of mine Entd. by Linkon out of the Supreme Courts office from Boston Court viz Abiel Smith vs. Elkh. Hoskins and forward it to me you’l oblige me much yours &c