A Letter dated 9-22-1834 to Andrew from his brother James who was at that time living with
his own family at Clinton, Hines Co., Mississippi, shows his older brother's interest
in the venture Andrew was about to make.
Clinton, Hines Co., Miss.
Sep. 22-1834
Andrew Cavitt
Bolivar Tennessee
Dear Brother: I received your letter on the 21 of September which gave no great
satisfaction. The health of my family is not good and has not been good this year.
On the 23 of April I had the misfortune of losing Andrew. He was two years old when he
died. My family has been more or less sick ever since. I am just now getting up and out
from a spell of fever myself at this time. Also I have a negro who has been quite sick,
but is beginning to improve some. If we have good luck in a few days we will perhaps be
all up once more.
You spoke in your letter of your "reserves". I would like to know where you
intend to settle in the nation, whether in the Chactaw or Chickasaw Country-and whether
Alexander Cavitt has moved or not.
In June I was up as high as Yokam Patolpha looking at the Country. I was out 29 days and
intended to go to your house but my horse was taken with the hooks and I had to make my
way back.
If I can recover my health I expect to start out again in a short time. If you are going
to move I want you to write me as soon as possible so if I am near you I will know where
to find you. I would like to know what part of the country you like best.
Crops generally here are good, but cotton crop is not so good. We do not expect to make
more than one thousand pounds to the acre. I have the idea that the Chickasaw Country is
too far north to grow cotton.
I have at this time one thousand dollars to invest in land and intend to select the land
as soon as possible.
I still remain your affectionate brother,
James Cavitt
Androw's return was heralded by a letter received by a neighbor in an adjoining county
whose correspondent had seen the young father on the streets of Jefferson with arms loaded
down with gifts he was getting together for the seven little boys, his wife and his
mother. The writer described the gown of elaborate make, brought upriver from New Orleans,
which Andrew had purchased--crimson velvet fringe bordering the draperies of the skirt.
Evidently the young husband wished his wife to be gaily gowned even though they planned a
migration to the disturbed country bustling with factions of loyal American settlers
desiring to keep peace with the Mexican government, of loyal Mexican citizens siding with
the harrassed immigrants to the so-recent-Spanish country, Coahuila and Texas.
It was almost like Christmas when Andrew returned. The bustling and package opening and
family gatherings. Neighbors for Counties around Came to see a dress that was already made
and ready to wear. Parties and Callers who came for half a day to discuss the plans the
Cavitts were making took more of their time than Androw thought wise to waste in their
preparations for leaving. If they got started, he argues, they could cross the
Mississippi before the winter rains set in in December and be in Texas by Christmas.
To be continued...