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Straits near Beaufort, April 10th, 1820

Ever Dear Brother,

As I was not permitted to die when I most ardently desired it and when the thread of life seemed to be spun out to the extreme end, and as I did not meet the fate I anticipated afterward, I think it a duty I owe to you to let you know that I still survive and am adding more days to my wearisome pilgrimage on earth, and, through divine mercy, enjoy a tolerable degree of health and comfort. After I recovered from my sickness and found I had still to live, I thought it might be most for my comfort to have a home of my own in a retired situation to spend the remainder of my days without being beholden to others. I therefore purchased a house and small farm at the Straits about 6 miles from Beaufort, where I have lived better than 2 years. Samuel and his family, consisting of himself, his wife, three children, and 2 slaves, live with me at present. My only surviving child, Sally Brooks, lives about a half mile from me. She has 7 children and a kind husband, and they seem to live as comfortably as their neighbors. My daughter Mary Ann died about 5 years ago; she left 8 children, but her eldest son William Dill died lately of a consumption. My grandson John Hellen is also dead. The rest of my descendants here I believe are in health, and it has been remarkably healthy here during the past year. The crops of grain along our seacoast have been abundant the last two seasons, and as there has been less call for it abroad than usual, it is plentiful, and provisions in general are much cheaper

than they have been for many years past.

In your letter of July 1818, you gave me a very pleasing account of George's affairs. Please remember me to him and tell him that I wish him success and advise him to pursue his calling where he is, and by no means to think of coming to Carolina in hopes of bettering himself. There are many instances of young tradesmen who have come from the northern States with this view, and after working at their trades a while, have been led by the example of those who are supported by the labor of their slaves into such habits of dissipation as must prove injurious to all and finally ruin many. If you should ever favor me with another letter, I should be glad to know how brother Lefferts succeeds in his new undertaking and whatever else may have happened to any of my friends since your last. My will is good to write more letters, but writing, which was formerly a pleasing amusement, has now become a burdensome task. I therefore request you to answer my purpose by remembering me in the most friendly manner to all who may interest themselves in my welfare and more particularly to Sister Abigail, my nieces Betsey and Mary Titus and their husbands. My daughter Sally and Samuel desire to be remembered. I am, dear brother, with unabated affection and a heartfelt friendship, your aged brother.

Mr. John Lefferts

by Post

Saml. Leffers