Beaufort, April 16^th 1804

Dear Brother,

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 which was growing was destroyed by the storm, consequently a scarcity of breadcorn and fodder must ensue: and as these disasters have been followed by a cold & 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 breadcorn and other provisions and the difficulty of procuring money to purchase with. And altho` 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 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 chances of selling goods is greatly diminished.

But not withstanding these discouragements as I want to put Samuel to business I propose to go to New York in the month of June next, life, health, & 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.

Samuel Leffers