Beaufort April 10^th 1810

Dear Brother,

Yours of the 17^th of Feb. by Capt. Duncan came safe to hand for which you have my grateful acknowledgment, was glad to hear once more that all friends were well.

I am still pursuing the voyage thro` life in an old though tolerably sound barque. I endeavor to proceed under an easy sail and as much as possible to guard against the storms and quicksand of life and am constantly looking out for the Port where I am to resign the helm and retire from the busy scenes and perplexing cares of this transitory life. I am not much concerned to know what opinion the world will form of me after I am gone but am much engaged in serious (meditation and prayer ??) to make my election sure. After all my toil and study I find myself weak ignorant and full of imperfection, but my hope is that a wise and merciful God will not take advantage of the imperfections of his creatures, but will help their infirmities, hear their prayers, assist them in the hour of temptation, redeem them from all evil and do for them who diligently seek his favor, what they are not able to do for themselves. Here I wish to fix the anchor of hope and when that is established I shall rest in peaceful retirement. Be content to forget the world and be by the world forgotten.

It is a time of general health and my family and relations, as far as I know, are all well. The necessaries and common comforts of life are plenty and cheap.

Please to remember me in the kindest manner to all my relations and particularly to those of your own family.

Samuel Leffers