(seq. 39)

[fol. 2v]

I have delivered. The oldest was a daughter, on whom the
family placed great dependence. She was of a beauti-
ful countenance & polished mind.

"Insatiate archer! Could not one Suffice?
"Thy dart flew thrice & thrice" their "peace was Slain."

Respecting "the days of my ministration" I can only tell
you, that I am engaged till the last Monday in June.
Whether they will then say any thing to me about
settling, time alone must unfold. I cannot think
they will give me a call, as they have rejected so
many good men. I did not think it possible for
me to form such habits of indolence, as now
hang about me. I am not easy, unless I am doing
nothing, & then I am very uneasy. I brought
eleven discourses with me, have preached them
all, & am now obliged to write two a week.
This is too great a hardship, as I have to visit
the sick & well nearly every afternoon. It leaves
me but a precious little time to read. You wish
me "a larger field." I have now a much larger
one, than I can till. I am fearful, if I should
encounter a large one, it would all run to
weeds.

You mention Bedford ordination. I could not
have been happier, than to have met you there, es-
pecially, as I might there have been gratified with
the performance of our beloved Dr. T. You can
hardly raise him higher in my opinion than he
now stands. I always exhaust "hyperbole" in Speak-
ing of him. His lecture, you mention, I have
read. In it, I recognize the Doctor; but fancy, I
see him in haste, with but little time to digest, prune &c.

[fol. 2r]

Ah! You mention Nabby. I was afraid, you had forgotten
her. You could not, in so short an interview, form any tol-
erable idea of her. I have visited her once, since I saw
you. Her anxiety for me endears her more than ever
to my heart. Her resemblance to Eunice (excuse my
partiality, I mean in disposition,), makes me very desir-
ous, that they as well as we should be neighbors. We
should all be too happy. I repeat my suspicions, that
I shall not be settled these six years. Who knows, but
ini that period there may be a good opening in your
quarters!

Respecting E. I can give you but little information.
I have not been there these several weeks. In my pre-
ent confined state I have to relinquish every pleasure
but that of doing good. I am sorry, I cannot do this with
a better relish. I can only inform you, that she & the
whole family are very much distressed for Mrs Hen-
shaw. I suspect they do not, yet, know her dange[ ]r
Holbrook tells me, he should not wonder to hea[ ]
death immediately. It must be a severe loss [ ]
family. Few mothers, I may venture to say, are [ ]
caressed. Will not this unfortunate sickness delay your
nuptials? You say not a word to me on the aubject.
Pray, do not withhold confidence in me.

I stole time enough to attend Camb. exhib. (at wh
time I called at the Esqr's.) They performed admirably
well. We shall have a fine commencement. I depend
much on meeting you there, & renewing our annual
visit. As to your horse, do give me the refusal of him,
as long as you conveniently can. I have but little use for
one, at present. But if I should go farther, it would
be absolutely necessary for me to purchase one. Can I
then have yours? You will do every thing consistent
to oblige me. My short interview at H. afforded me pleas-
ure, wh I wish to renew & increase. I have little doubt, that
an opportunity will soon present for this purpose, when
you may expect to find a sincere & unalterable friend in your

Philos

P.S. As to politics I can only inform you, that in Roxbury, Dorchester, & Milton, a
considerable majority would have been glad to have had the House withhold treaty supplies.
Dorchester have chosen as representatives, Howe, & Col. S[ ]an, two genuine Sons of Robespierre.