Trip to Western District & crops

Postmarked:
NASHVILLE, Sept. 29

Major James T. Gleaves
Wythe County
Virginia

25 (postage)

September 20, 1830        State of Tennessee       Davidson County

Dear brother yours bearing Sat. the 8 of August last has come to hand informing me of the health of your health and family and also the health of my aged mother which letter found me and my family in good health and yet enjoying the same blessings of God. Hoping these few lines will find you all enjoy the same blessings when this comes to hand. I have nothing of importance to communicate to you at present. You stated to me in your letter that you had some notion of coming to Tennessee this fall. You stated in your letter you intend to start the 25th October next. You wished me to inform you whether I could go with you to the Western District. I am afrade (afraid) it will be out of my power to go with you as the circuit court comes on in Nashville on the fourth Monday in November next. You say you will start the 20th October and of course it will be the 5th of November and I will not have but 18 days to go on with you as I am compelled to attend Court. If you could come sooner I would be glad to go with you to the Western District. I am informed that there is a plenty of good land to be had from three to 4 dollars per acre of the best quality no doubt but come suite your self. I shall look for you about the first of November next. Your friends are all well as far as I know in Tennessee. We have had a very sevear drouth (severe drought) with us this summer past. A great many people has cut their corn down and stacked it up for stock corn. God nows (knows) what will be the result. We Tennesseans don't go on small grain as much as you Virginians. My Rye and Wheat and Oats is very good this year. My corn crop is but sorry. I have very large stock and it will be hard working to get through the winter. Times is remarkable hard in Tennesee. Money is remarkable scarce. Cotton looking up a little. You will be good enough to bring my part of money that is coming to me and I. ???You mite bring Thomas a part two that is the Saving money and I wish you to bring the note that I left with you on Joseph Belshey and in so doing you will much oblige me. I am respectfully yours. turn over

I desire to be remembered to my aged mother and glad to heare that she enjoys good health for a woman of her age. You will please to give my best wishes to Andrew Porter and family and sister Nancy and all enquiring friends. Bring sister Nancy out with you and let her stay a year with me and I will send my older son home with her next fall. I wish you would enquir what would be the price of lively mules in Wythe as I have some very lively ones for sail (sale).

Nothing more at present but remain yours with Esteem until death we join and send our well wishes to you and family believing you will take a portion for yourselves.

Absalom and Catharine Gleaves to James T. and Malvina G