Memphis Dec. 7th 1835

My Dearest Martha

I have taken my passage on the Steam Boat Pacific & shall leave in an hour or two. I hope I may say I have drained the cup of sorrows to the very last dregs not on account of any thing so much as leaving you & my Dear little children in so dependent a situation. It gave me great consolation however to meet with Brother Jack at Bolivar who promised me & he will perform to the best of his ability. I know that he would sustain & try to comfort you while I am absent. I have met in the same Boat a number of acquaintances from Nashville and the District bound for Texas among whom are George C. Childress & his Brother. Childress thinks the fighting will be over before we get there & speaks cheeringly of the prospects. I feel more energy than I ever did on anything I have undertaken. I am determined to provide for you a home or Perish. I am in a great Hurry. Tell Mr. Smith that Mr. Roberts who lived at my place in Heaysboro last year owes for the rent of it at $40 besides for some – ground which I understood he sowed. I wish him to collect all the money when he goes up there. Tell Amelia May God prosper her & her little son & My Dearest Martha farewell, farewell Mary, farewell James & fare you all well till you hear from me again perhaps from Natchez.