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Straits near Beaufort, August 27th, 1821

Ever Dear Brother,

Your favor of the 8th instant I received the 24th with the usual satisfaction that ever attends them. Your liberal proposal entitles you to my most grateful acknowledgment, and your generous donation, when received, if life permits, shall be applied in such manner as best answers your intentions as far as they are.

As you are desirous to know my circumstances and how I spend my time, it may be proper to give you some account of both. My little farm and bank stock is nearly all the property I possess, and all the income I have is the profit arising from my bank stock, which, notwithstanding the dividends have been small for 2 years past, has proved sufficient to furnish me with all the necessary comforts of life and a little to spare for other purposes.

Finding my stomach often divided by heavy diet and variety, I came to a resolution about 18 months ago to quit the use of flesh meat and of spirituous liquors of every kind, since which my food has been fish, shellfish, butter, bread, rice, potatoes, and other vegetables, and my drink coffee which I use for breakfast & supper and occasionally at other times. This new mode of living soon became familiar, and I never have had the least inclination to alter it. My stomach and bowels are undisturbed, and I feel no infirmity of body except such as the effect of old age. I enjoy tranquility of mind and, being at peace with the whole world, I wish well to all the human race. I have made my will, by which after bequeathing a few particular legacies, I have ordered all the remainder of my estate to be equally divided among all my grandchildren who are living at the time of my decease, for although their merits may not be in all respects equal, yet I thought it

best to act indiscriminately and leave their virtues and vices to be rewarded or punished by a more competent Judge.

I am fond of retirement and spend the greater part of my time by myself, and as my bill of fare is very different from that of others, I usually provide and dress my own provisions. The employment of cooking, with some other trifling matters which I am able to do, helps to lighten the burden of time, which frequently lies heavy on hand. Thus, I have given you a brief account of the manner in which I am journeying through the last stages of life and waiting for that summons which is to bring me to the place appointed for all the living, where I hope through mercy to exchange my wearisome pilgrimage on earth for a quiet and lasting repose.

I have agreed with Samuel to go to New York when opportunity offers, which I do not expect will happen till sometime in October. When he arrives, you can arrange your matters with him, and he can do my business without giving you further trouble. My eyes are weary, but I must comply with the tender feelings of my heart and request you to remember me in the most affectionate manner to my sister and other relations whose welfare is dear to me. Wishing that they with yourself may enjoy the smiles of a long and gracious Providence, I remain your aged brother.

Saml. Leffers

Beaufort N.C.

1821

25

Mr. John Lefferts

Hempstead Long Island

N.Y.