Duplin County, NC - Jesse Grimes Letters ----¤¤¤---- Letter # 65 At Home, Sepr. 4th, 1840 Jesse. I embrace this opportunity of writing. This is the first time since Mat Cartwrlght left hen John Dean Jr. is now here on his way to Louisiana to meet his uncle, the Hon. John Dean & will proba- bly accompany him to Texas. I refer you to Mr. Dean for information on all subjects connected with our government which he will take pleasure in conr- municating. Mr. Dean is also acquainted with all our local matters that are of a public character as such. I shall pass over these subjects. I have but little to say about neighbours or family. The changes since Mr. Cartwright left here are few & unimportant. The health of our country is worse than it has been since 1823. I have been one of the victems of disease. Was taken the 17th of June with bilious fever. The attack was severe & lasted upwards of two weeks before I was relieved. I was up about ten days & by exposure relapsed with intermitent fever which continued untill a few days past & I still have light fever every other day & am reduced to a skeleton. But my sickness was page 2 not contracted at home. The whigs of Ala. had a state convention at Tuscaloosa the first Monday of June. I was one of the delegates from this County & went on a steamboat. The river was low & doubtful but reached Tuscaloosa with no great dificulty. During our stay, the water rell & our return on the S. boat very uncertain. The boat had to encounter many obstructions and delays. 8 men including myself bought a small skift & left the boat. We remained in our skift two days exposed to the sun & water. When the S. boat overtook us again & took us on board our skifts crew were all taken sick & have fared but little better than myself. My family are all in good health. I am informed that crops are indifferent. The drought in May & June injured corn and a caterpillar is sweeping cotton fields where ever thay take. My cotton is ruined by them. Albert is living with me. Mary was married the 9th of April to John F. Everitt, youngest son of old Enoch. His father willed him the place he lived at when you left here & they are living there. I am well satisfied with the match. page 3 I know not when, if ever, I shall have a chance of visiting Texas. If Van Buren should be re-elected, I believe I shall leave the United States as well as thousands of others I do assure you that I seriously intend at some convenient time to satisfy my eyes by looking at Texas. Wm. Grimes. The letter was addressed:- Hon. Jesse Grimes, Montgomery County, Texas. __________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Christine Grimes Thacker ___________________________________________________________________