(seq. 8)

(4)

Barbados January 4th 1716

Madam.

Since my first to you, I have been Favoured with three
Several Epistles from your Self, & it seems have Anticipated Your
Desires Express in each, by Giving You a succinct Journal of my late
Voyage, & the Affectionate Reception I have since Met with.
You can't Surmise with what Impatience I have waited to give You
a direct Information hereof, & yet after all am Again Obliged to write
by a Circular Conveyance, so fear a Miscarriage which too Commonly is ye
Fate of such Letters.

I was strangely Surprised at ye Confusion of Your first & really could
Scarce Construe your meaning, for tho' your Introduction was Gratulatory
of my safe Arrival (which I received kindly) yet ye following Harangue
seemed directly to Oppose ye Sincerity of it, so think it would have been
better Omitted than Intimated to me.

I don't Mention this to Insinuate any Resentment occasioned hereby,
therefore hope ye freedom I have taken may not be wrested to any Misere:
=presentation; for You can't be Ignorant how pleasing an Account of
Your welfare is to me, & more Especially when Informed of it from Your own Pen.

I have had a treble View of fixing Mr. Parsons in ye Chamber I Pos:
=sessed & doubt not You'l find him a Suitable Assistant in many Diffi:
culties, that may Intervene in my Absence; and I easily Persuade my
Self of his Laudable Fidelity in all my Affairs.

I have nothing new further to add but that I am without any Reserve,

Your Obedient Son, & {Servant},

{Hugh} Hall

To Mrs. Lydia Colman

In Boston