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Beaufort, April 10th, 1810

Dear Brother,

Yours of the 17th of February by Capt. Duncan came safe to hand, for which you have my grateful acknowledgments. I was glad to hear once more that all friends were well.

I am still pursuing the voyage through life, in an old, though tolerably sound barque. I endeavor to proceed under an easy sail and as much as possible to guard against the storms and quicksands of life and am constantly looking out for the port where I am to resign the helm and retire from the busy scenes and perplexing cares of this transitory life. I am not much concerned to know what opinion the world will form of me after I am gone, but am much engaged in serious meditation and prayer to make my calling and election sure.

After all my toil and study, I find myself weak, ignorant, and full of imperfection, but my hope is that a wise and merciful God will not take advantage of the imperfections of his creatures but will help their infirmities, hear their prayers, assist them in the hour of temptation, redeem them from all evil, and do for them who diligently seek his favor what they are not able to do for themselves. Here I wish to fix the anchor of hope, and when that is established, I shall rest in peaceful retirement, be content to forget the world, and be by the world forgotten.

It is a time of general health, and my family and relations, as far as I know, are all well. The necessaries and common comforts of life are plenty and cheap. As to other news, I do not recollect any at present worth relating. Please remember me in the kindest manner to all my relations and particularly to those of your own family.

I am, with the utmost friendship and esteem,
Your own loving brother,
Saml. Leffers

P.S. After finishing my letter and subscribing my name thereto, I recollected that I had to acknowledge the receipt of a firkin of butter by Saml., which he told me was a present from you and for which I gratefully thank you. It was good and came very seasonably to hand as butter is a scarce article here in the winter season. I am

Saml. Leffers

Copied from the original owned by Mrs. Aleeze Lefferts Smith, Gloucester, N.C.