262 | To Dr. William Barnet

    Boston Janry. 17. 1764

    Sr.

    Mr Greenleaf the Sheriff of this County1 having communicated to me a Letter signed by a Number of Gentlemen in this Town inviting you to come hither to inoculate persons for the small Pox, I can do no less than to recommend this proposal to you.2 And tho’ the Selectmen of the Town have still so much hope of their putting a stop to the distemper as to desire me this day to issue a proclamation forbidding inoculation, untill the Means used to prevent the distemper spreading shall fail; yet I think there is little probability that the distemper can be stopt, as it is already in nine families in a close part of the Town.3 At all Events your coming here will be of advantage, as it will probably contribute to the establishing an inoculating hospital near this Town, for which the most ample & convenient place imaginary offers itself. I am &c

    Dr. Barnet4

    AL, LbC BP, 3: 18-19.