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Dear Brother,

After a pause of many months, I have again taken up my pen in order to resume that friendly correspondence which has been so long continued between us. And although I find that I have not that fertility of invention which I formerly experienced when writing to a friend, yet I hope that if my diction does not please the delicate ear, my heartfelt affection may create a sympathy in the bosom of a beloved brother. I am fast approaching the term of a short-lived man, having been in my seventieth year since the 29th of October last. I would therefore wish to express something in every letter which might be worth preserving should it be my last.

I wrote my own epitaph some years ago, and although it may never be engraved on stone, you may read it for your amusement as follows:

1806: Praises on tombs are vainly spent,
Good deeds are man's best monument.

Having thus far hinted at what ought to be an old man's principal concern, I now descend to the common affairs of the world. My health, through mercy, has been tolerably well preserved, and that of my family, except my wife, who has had several returns of illness and is the greater part of her time troubled with rheumatic pains.

I have hitherto encouraged you to think that I might make you another visit, and the very great satisfaction I have found in visiting my native place and conversing with my relations and friends has kept this hope alive in myself till I feel the last spark nearly extinguished. I therefore can propose nothing further on this head.

I have concluded to keep Saml. with me, by whom I may visit you by proxy in the course of the ensuing summer.

If our aged sister is yet living, remember my kind love to her and tell her that my constant prayer for her is that she may be enabled patiently to endure the crosses, difficulties, and infirmities with which she is surrounded and may be prepared to enjoy that rest which remains for the faithful servants of the true God. Remember me particularly to John Smith and his family, reminding him that our days must be nearly numbered; this may be the last testimony of the friendship which has so long subsisted between us.

I might fill up my paper with requests of this kind, but I think fit to end them by requesting you to remember me respectfully to all inquiring friends. I shall be glad to know how George behaves, whether he seems satisfied, and what course had best be taken with him. I have put David to live with one William Nichols at Newborn. He is an Englishman of education and is supposed to be one of the best architects in America. My wife and daughters desire to be remembered, and with all the feelings of cordial affection and brotherly love, I remain your aged brother.

Beaufort, April 9th, 1806.

Saml. Leffers