Abstract:
This article contains excerpts from a letter written in 1810 describing the town of Beaufort.
Beaufort, a town in Carteret County, lies within sight of Topsail Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Hampton, located on the southern side of the inlet, forms a familiar landmark for the 580 inhabitants. The primary industries are shipbuilding and fishing; whaling and porpoise fishing are the most lucrative commercial ventures, however, the mullet fishermen consistently yield good returns. While a maritime community, there are various other agricultural products produced by citizens including beef and sheep.