Letter from Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel to John Milton Binckley, Early August, 1861

This is my transcription of a fragment of a letter from Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892) at Wheatly (Liberty/Bedford, Virginia) to John Milton Binckley (1821-1878) at Richmond[?], early August, 1861. The contents of this document give a clear indication of how the Civil War split the family in multiple ways. Keep in mind that Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891), commanding the victorious Confederate forces at Manassas on July 21, 1861, was Jane's brother.

Side I[?]:

But the great reason why I have not made an effort to return to Washington lies in this. I am utterly opposed to make my home again under the rule of Lincoln's despotism, I had rather be poor amongst my own people than rich beneath the sway of such a lawless and treacherous set. Further, I do not believe that God will suffer us to want. I know we trust in Him, and He will give us what is needful. He knows what is best for His servants -- and unworthy as I am, I still feel that I am His, &, as such, assured by His care. If Harvey [Mitchell/Michel, her husband] insists on remaining in the service of the Northern government, I shall have to obey his decision -- but it will break my heart to give up all that I love in my own dear land. Besides, I firmly believe that in this war, the right is now on the side of the South. I am convinced the North are [is] endeavoring to subjugate our fair land. They must see what is palpable to all, that the Union, for which they pretend to be fighting, is gone forever.

[Flip side]:

How long does Harvey think the Federal government will be in Washington? Possibly a few months, & then can he be willing to follow its fortunes wherever they may land? I am not. I held to the Union until it discarded the Constitution & the laws -- now I have no feeling in common with its administration. What do you think of Lincoln's "sweeping the South out of existence" now? The 21st July was not a very good beginning of that mighty scheme. No, my dear son, God will not allow it. He has shown as plainly as possible that He protects the armies of the South, & gives them victory. He alone could have made our small force overcome the great array brought against it. 18,000 men to defeat 80,000! Such is the fact, as we here know from private sources to be relied on. Would that I could see you, my dear son, for one day. I am distracted to know which way you will turn. To me it seems impossible for you to make a living in Washington. Write me before you go. I suppose you return at once -- probably from Harper's Ferry. More love than I can tell from all here, especially Sue and Will. Yours in tender love, Jane

[p.s.] Stephen Duncan is in the Treasury Department, Richmond. 


Original manuscript in the John Milton Binckley papers, 1816-1943. Library of Congress Manuscript Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. This is my rough transcription. 

Many thanks to William Myers for sending scanned copies of the documents from the Binckley papers, and also to Mary Davy and Sally Young for their assistance over the past few years.