Peter frequently used the ferryboat at Natchez Under-the-Hill to cross the Mississippi. He developed a strong friendship with the ferryboat owner Jacob Lowe and his family. In 1806 an outbreak of yellow fever quickly took Jacob's life, and soon after his wife contracted the dreaded disease. Knowing that her death was near, she was concerned for her daughter Eliza. She sent for Peter and pleaded with him to take care of her. He promised he woul. Peter took Eliza in and did what he felt best for her - he married her. At the time Peter was 25 and Eliza only 14 so the marriage was in name only. Peter immediately sent her to school in Baltimore. Even though they were separated by many miles, a deep love blossomed between them. She came home some years later a very educated and sophisticated young lady.