Boston March 29 1773

Rev’d Sir

I have rec’d both your Letters, and was glad to hear you was so kind

ly entertain’d upon the Road & got safe home. I am glad to embrace this oppy

by Dr. Downes a particular acquaintance of mine & I wish you cou’d see him who says he shall come within 5 miles of you to buy Cattle. I

importun’d him much to proceed the other 5 miles, but he says he can’t go

so far but would take care to forward the Letter. I wrote you before of the

sad accident which befel Mr. Wheatley from a fall, who remains in such a

situation, that he has never been able to get out of his Bed without the

assistance of 5 or 6 men and it is now near 5 weeks since it happen’d.

I am very weak and low, my old indispositions returning upon

me, and to such a degree, as makes me doubtful whether I shall live to

see you once more in this world. I must beg your earnest prayers to God

for Mr. Wheatley and me, that when Death comes he may not be a terror

but as the Outward Man decays the inward may be strong in Faith.

Don’t forget the injunctions upon you to pray for my Son, for when we

are gone,  I believe You’ll be the only praying friend he will have left.

I have rec’d a Letter from Capt Calef, he had waited upon Mr.

Thornton but could not see him, therefore could not write anything

upon our affairs; we expect him every Day. My Son intends to go

home with him. You said you’d give him Letters to your friends when

he went. He would be glad as the roads are good and people will be tra

velling down this way you would send them as soon as a convenient op

portunity presents. I have wrote to Mr. Pierce but have not an oppy

to send it. I hope you’ll not forget to write to the rev’d Mr. Moorhead.

He is very kind to Mr. Wheatley & visits him almost everyday.

The following is an Extract from Capt Calef’s Letter dated Jany 5

“Mr. Bell (the printer) acquaints me that about 5 weeks ago he waited upon the

[verso]

Countess of Huntingdon with the Poems, who was greatly pleas’d

with them, and pray’d him to Read them, and often would break in

upon him and say, “is not this, or that, very fine? do read another.”

and then expres’d herself she found her heart to knit with her and  

Questiond him much, whether she was Real with out a deception?

He then Convinc’d her by bringing my name in question. She is

expected in Town in a short time when we are both to wait upon

her. I had like to forget to mention to you She is fond of having

the Book Dedicated to her; but one thing she desir’d which she said

she hardly tho’t would be denied her, that was to have Phillis picture

in the frontispiece. So that, if you can would get it done it can be Eng

rav’d here. I do imagine it can be easily done, and think would

contribute greatly to the Sale of the Book. I am impatient to

hear what the Old Countess says upon the Occasion & shall take

the Earliest Oppy of waiting upon her when she comes to Town.”

My Husband, Sister and Son join me in their sincere love

to you and your wife. Shall be glad to hear from you for first

Oppy and remain your affectionate Friend. Susanna Wheatley