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Beaufort, April 16th, 1804

Dear Brother,

I received your letter of the first of January last and have had no chance of conveyance since till now. It is a general time of health, but there is great complaint of hard times. The season in these parts was unfavorable last summer, and the crops were likely to be short if no disaster had happened, and I believe at a moderate computation one half of what was growing was destroyed by the storm. Consequently, a scarcity of bread corn and fodder must ensue, and these disasters have been followed by a cold and tedious winter. Great numbers of cattle have died for want of food, and there are great complaints among the poor people of the scarcity and dearness of bread corn and other provisions and the difficulty of procuring money to purchase with.

And although I have reason to be thankful that I am not pinched with cold and hunger, yet I compassionate those who are without having it in my power to relieve them. Business is very dull, for as the expense of the necessaries of life is much greater than usual and many people complain that they cannot get work as usual and money is scarce, the chance of selling goods is greatly diminished. But notwithstanding these discouragements, as I want to put Saml. to business, I propose to go to New York in the month of June next, life, health, and opportunity permitting.

As it is uncertain whether I can get a passage from this place at the time when I should wish to go, I have sent George by the present opportunity, who is the bearer of a number of letters to our friends. I hope if he arrives, he will meet with a favorable reception and that he will answer the end proposed. My wife and daughters desire to be remembered. Please remember me to all inquiring friends. I am your ever-loving brother,

Saml. Leffers.