Cavelier Petit was an American politician who served as acting mayor of New Orleans from May 26, 1804 to June 5, 1804. Petit was described by writer Alcée Fortier as being "prominent in the affairs of the colony about the time it passed into the hands of the United States".
On May 26, 1804, Boré resigned stating his private affairs needed his full attention and was succeeded by Petit as acting mayor.[1] The council responded to Boré's retirement with regret and adopted resolutions expressing that the position be filled by a man "equally as able and patriotic".[2] The council endorsed one of its members James Pitot for the position and on June 6, 1804, Pitot was appointed as mayor by governor William C. C. Claiborne.[2]
Petit would remain as a member of the council and, in late 1804, he was on a committee with Evan Jones, Edward Livingston and James Pitot to draft a petition to the 8th United States Congress against the establishment of the Territory of Orleans.[2] He attended his last council meeting on March 6, 1805, after which he retired to private life.[2]
Personal life
Petit was an inhabitant of Louisiana and a member of a Creole family.[2]
