Statesburg, S.C.
                                               November 24, 1841


My dear Brother and Sister:

When I left you in March last I promised to write to you before this time.  I
will make no other apology for the failure, than from my awaiting certain
events, that have not transpired until now.

I must express my gratification in my visit among you.  On my return to the
place, if not of my nativity, at least the land of my growth when in juvenile
sports that shared with my fellow boys, where in times of trouble and danger
had participated in toil, had received honors and trust - yes, when I looked on
the public square of Leitchfield where once I was honored with the ensign of my
country and now and then could see a hoary head with furrowed cheek, who had
been along my side in war and had sent me to their State Councils and more
especially, when I saw the house which once held my Father, Mother, Brothers
and Sisters with myself, dwelling in domestic felicity - whose inanimate walls
seemed for a moment instated with life and language to greet my return produced
feellings and emotions more easily conceived by the warm hearted than
described.  Added to this, I should do injustice to my feelings were I not to
express the great gratification in meeting a beloved brother and sister with a
host of their children - saluting a brother and an uncle who had been absent
from the former nearly a quarter of a century.  My reception in Elizabethttown
not only among relatives but among old acquaintances, was truely pleasant.
Indeed I should not be vain in saying that, in proportion to consequences, my
reception among relatives and old acquaintances in Kentucky was not surpassed
by that of De La Fayette, when he trod his foot on the soil where he had shed
his blood for its freedom.

I presume the last you heard of me was when I parted from Tom at Salt River.  I
then went on to Portland, the steamboat landing below Louisville, to obtain a
passage to Mississippi.  On the 3rd day I got on a boat of the first class.  My
time was pleasant enough, except I was somewhat out of my element hearing
continually the monotonous sound of the big pipe which seemed to me like the
threats of some devouring animal, and too, I would sometimes think of the loss
of the "Home" and boiler bursting that so often occurs that some dormant
feelings of fear would come over.

However, on the fifth day I landed safe at Vicksburg - the nearest point to my
destination.  From that place I traveled on my horse to Carrollton, where I had
to transact business which I informed you when I saw you.  My travel thence was
not all together pleasant.  After leaving the river, the country, for the most
part is miserably poor for more than 100 miles, and settled with refugees and
squatters who have sought hiding places, have only cleared land enought to make
bread and for meat, depend on the rifle.  They are very jealous of their rights
although usurped and when ever they see a decent looking traveller they think he
has come to eject them from their privateered home, and treat him rudely.  My
appearance among them, looking suspiciuous, was sometimes put to my trunks.
Indeed, I was often sorry that I looked like a gentle man.   However, I got
through without much molestation.  About the 20th March I got to the place where
I had sent my negroes to settle them. I found them all there except one, an old
man who died on the way.  I set them to work on land that I had previously
leased from a brother-in-law.  I have not made any purchases of land yet, I am
well pleased with the country in which I am settling.  I do not know when I
shall take my family out, I am unwilling to take them there until I can have a
home for them to go to, as I have a certain one here.

I stayed in Mississippi till the 7th June when I started for home.  After a
travel of nearly 2000 miles and an absence of nearly five months on the 28th of
June found myself in the bosom of my family.  I found them all well as likewise
myself.  We have been blessed all along with health.

There has taken place a change in my family since I saw you which I hinted at.
My daughter Anna Eleanor was married on Sunday evening of the 7th inst. to a Mr.
William R. Bracey.  The match, I believe, was approved on all sides, at least it
was on my part.  I could have had no objection except age.  He is very young and
so was my daughter, the ages of the two added together does not make 33.  I
presume Valentine knows the family.  Tell Valentine he is the son of Mr. Bracey
with whom we took tea over the street whilst he was out here.

Some days ago I received a letter from Thomas.  Among other things I am informed
Leonard and his wife have got together again.  I am glad to hear of it and hope
that all difficulties are settled between them never again to arise.

There is one thing I had like to have forgotten.  The gold ring that Sister
Betsy sent to her unknown sister by me, I lost on the way home, which was very
much regretted.

A word on politics - I have no doubt but you have had, and do have the same
feelings on the subject of the President's veto of the Bank Bill as myself.  His
veto to me was astonishing.  Coming in the chair of State under the auspices of
the Whigs, then to place himself against them and afterwards to set himself
against himself by vetoing his own bill, is truely astonishing.  I am of the
opinion that the position taken by this accidental president we now have as an
incumbent, will defeat all the objects intended in the late election.  It is
much to be regretted that Gen'l. Harrison was called from among us.  I think and
firmly believe that if he was living things would have worn a different aspect.

Let me conclude my letter by sending respects to all old acquaintances and
friends.  It would be difficult to name one of them as it would show partiality
- take them all collectively.

By mine and family love is especially sent to Sister Betsy, yourself and to your
children.  Send this letter to Tom, Valentine and Leonard with our love
especially to them and families.  Tell Tom I will send him a special letter in a
short time.


                                            Truly Your Brother Robt E. Yates


P.S.  Let us hear from you soon.



Mr. & Mrs. J. J. Cunningham
Leitchfield, Ky.
Grayson County