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Beaufort, May 20th, 1805.

Dear Brother,

This may inform you that I and my family are in tolerable health and that nothing remarkable has happened among us since I saw you, and that my not writing sooner has been owing to want of opportunity. I have received no letters from you, although I was informed by one John Litchfield that he saw you last winter and that you put a letter in his hands for me, which he put in the chest of one Piner for safekeeping, after which they separated, and the letter has never come to hand. I hope you will not fail to write, as I am very desirous of hearing from you, as I do not expect to visit you this summer. Business is very dull here, and I have goods enough on hand to last me, excepting a few particulars which I propose to send for by the first good opportunity that offers.

I write now by Capt. Elijah Bell, who goes to Plymouth on Roanoke River to load where the vessel is owned and must return, but if he receives any letters for me, he can send them from Ocracoke. Pray let me know how all my friends at Hempstead are, whether George continues contented with his station and behaves well, and how poor sister Mary makes out in her new method of living. I have not yet disposed of Saml. but am looking out for a place for him; he continues as usual, capable of learning everything and scarcely willing to do anything but play.

Capt. Bell has only called in here on his way from the West Indies and is to sail the first wind, so that I do not know that I shall have time to write any more letters to my friends at Hempstead. Therefore, I request you to give my best respects to them all, particularly to Sister Abby, Betsey, and Gideon. My wife also desires to be remembered to you and to them. I am so ever your affectionate brother.

Saml. Leffers

P.S. On the back of the letter: "You will please return an answer to this as soon as possible to Mr. JVR!"