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Beaufort, April 30th, 1816

Dear Brother,

I received your favor of October last by David Hellen, which is the last letter I have received from New York. I never heard of Brother Lefferts' arrival from Europe till about 6 weeks ago when I saw a young man from New York who told me that Brother returned in November, but he knew nothing of his success in his voyage. I believe I gave you some account of the storm which we experienced here in September and of the distress which many people were reduced to on that account, such distress as will not soon be forgotten. But as divine Providence never sends affliction without a visible display of his mercy, so the consequences of the calamity have proved less fatal than what was expected. The fall and winter have been more sickly than usual, and there have been many deaths, especially among the aged. Although I am one of the few that now compose the oldest class in the county, I have, through mercy, enjoyed an uncommon degree of health in so much that I have not laid myself down on account of ill health since the month of August 1814. My children and grandchildren have suffered in the commonality, although they are in tolerable health

at present.

I should be glad to hear how you and the rest of my friends are, as I still feel an interest in your welfare, although I have no hope left of ever seeing you again. My days must be numbered, and my pilgrimage on earth must be drawing to a close, and every epistle from a frail mortal in the eightieth year of his age may well be considered as a valedictory address. Please to give my best respects to all my relatives and friends and reserve the best wishes of your aged brother.

Saml. Leffers