Duplin County, NC - Jesse Grimes Letters ----¤¤¤---- February 4th, 1848 Jesse Your letter of the 22nd Dec'r last arrived here the 15th Jan'y. I was making arrangments to go to Mobile at the time with my cotton (10 bales) and delayed writing until my return that I might say how much cash I could raise on my own means. And can say in candor that the blacksmith, doctor & taxes are as far as I am able to pay at present. There is money due me from different persons which I still hope to get this winter but my faith is growing weaker every day. No person has paid me yet nor do they'talk about it. Since I wrote you last I have had to pay as the security of J. D. Lister $2?0. This was money that I was not prepared for nor had I the least thought of having anything to pay for him. The first I knew that I should have to pay it, the execution was presented & I was compelled to satisfy it, forwith. This took more than I had on hand. The balance, however, I was able to get pretty easy. Now if this money is not refunded or until it is or I can collect it will be very inconvenient for me to raise the sum due in Texas. Until I rec'd your letter I was determined to raise the full sum due which must have been at a sacrefice of what ever I should have sold. This I intended to do without leting you know anything about the dificulties attending the opperation. I shall now not expect a call on that score before another season or until I say come on. If I do get hold of the money I will hold on unless claims against others forces it away as above stated. The letter you mention having wrote me last summer, I did not get and the last was oppened before I got it. Why this was open & the former was not received I cannot conjecture. Before I got your letter I had seen that Gen'l Woods was elected gov'r of your state and that you were not a candidate for that office. We get all the news here of a general nature from Texas & Mexico by way of New Orleans etc. The Legislature of Alabama is yet in session since the 1st Monday of Dec'r and are legislating for the whole Union & Mexico too. They have made a new county out of parts of Washington & Sumter. Taking two townships off Sumter & coming to the township line 1 1/2- miles N. of me. leaving me in old Washington. The new county is named Chocktaw. James Grimes is in the new county. William was there about four weeks ago, all well then he is much pleased with James's wife I believe I mentioned before that he was married again.~ I have not rec'd a letter from N. C. since last June was a year nor have I troubled myself to write but one since. Frank, Albert & Nancy I presume are so intensely engaged with domestic matters that they have no time to write. I have not rec'd a letter from them in a long time. Of course Nancy has become reconciled, otherwise I should be hearing her grievances. In earnest, I hope she has become satisfied & perfectly contented for it distresses me to know that she wants to come back for the purpost of staying. If health and means will permit, it is my intention (as it was last year) to visit Texas next winter. Time only will prove the result of this intended visit. Four years last past have been unfortunate for planters about here. During these years our cotton crops have failed & but little corn to spare until this year & now there is no demand. Cotton is worth $6&3/4 per cwt. I have commenced ploughing & preparing for another crop and will plant land that in ordinary years will produce well. I have heretofore informed you that Frisbie had taken Bladen Springs with an expectation of doing a good business at that place. The establishment was too much for his abilities physically, intellectual and pecuniary. He says, and I have not heard it contradicted that he is broke. One thing certain, he has sold nearly all his negroes, is yet much embarrassed with debt and in bad & rapidly declining health. He still holds the Cartwright place & speakes of coming back to it with his family. Will probably sell, or it will be sold, the Bladon springs establishment. You mention Jerimiah Smith in your letter & ask will he fail in going to Texas. I answer yes he w(tape black mark----.) __is not improving his property & is loosing his health, flesh,___ & means slowly. Williams Smith intends moving next fall w---- Goughs family connexions. That will make Jerry want to move if he does not already. His son William talks of going to Texas but talking is all. You cannot Imagine the change which is constantly going on here in money matters. Several years ago I thought it had reached the worst point but I was mistaken. There used to be money hoarders about here. They are not here now. As regards money all are alike. If you should see Frank or Albert, tell them we are all well. That Jim & Maria are well & will soon add another to their family. That will make three of the Increase. On your return from Austin which will be by then this arrives, I would like to get another letter from you with all the local news. Wm Grimes The address shows:- Old Washington C. H., Ala. Feby 4/48 Hon. Jesse Grimes, Grimes 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 ___________________________________________________________________