[Peter Johnston, Jr., [at Abingdon, Virginia], to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston at Col.H[enry Reese] Bowen's [Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia], circa 1823, Box 1, John Warfield Johnston Papers, 1778-1890, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University].
My dear Lousa,
Your letter to Jane [Jane Mary Wood Johnston, 1811-1892] was delivered four or five days ago: but she is too indolent, or too diffident, to answer it. I have exerted myself, extremely, to prevail on her to subdue her reluctance to writing, especially when those occasions arise, on which she may unreservedly express herself to a friend, who will not make vigorous demands on the inexperience of a child. But all my efforts are fruitless, and I fear, her reluctance to the use of the pen will not be vanquished, until her understanding becomes natural, and her improvement such as to inspire her with confidence.
I am happy it is in my power to tell you, that my wife's [Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825)] health is almost perfectly restored. She is exempt from fever, has a good appetite, acquires flesh and strength every day, and is subject to no pain, but that which is produced, is a slight degree, by fits of coughing, which uniformly assail her every morning, about daylight.
I wish you had not forgotten to say anything, in your letter to Jane, with respect to you mother's [Eleanor Stuart Tate Bowen (1778-1833)] care. We are all extremely interested in her recovery, and have been gratified by the information. I flatter myself she is so well, that you can leave her in the course of a week or two, and spend some time with us. The newly married pair* have not yet arrived: but, I think it is certain, we shall see them before the end of the week. Pray be so good to let us know, by a letter which Col. Charles Tate [(1772-1842)] can [ . . . ] me at any time, when I shall send the Major** or Beverly, to attend you, and Dear John, to this place. If you understood fully, how impatiently, and anxiously, every soul here wishes to see you both, I can not help flattering myself you would indulge us, without delay. But your uncle is waiting at my elbow, and I therefore can not take time to say more.
Yours most affectionately
Peter Johnston
[*Probably Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832) and Eliza Madison Preston Johnston (1803-1828), who were married on December 29, 1822.
**The Major = Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877)
Beverly = Beverly Randolph Johnston (1803-1876)
Dear John = John Warfield Johnston II (1818-1889)
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873)
Col. H. Bowen = Henry Reese Bowen (1770-1850)
Charles Tate's brother was Thomas Tate (1790-1860)].
This is my rough transcript. A penciled note at the top of this letter suggests that it dates to circa 1820. Internal evidence suggests its date as between 1819 and 1825. I suggest early 1823.
For their help and assistance, many thanks to the staff of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. For more information about the John Warfield Johnston Papers, here's a link to the guide.
My dear Lousa,
Your letter to Jane [Jane Mary Wood Johnston, 1811-1892] was delivered four or five days ago: but she is too indolent, or too diffident, to answer it. I have exerted myself, extremely, to prevail on her to subdue her reluctance to writing, especially when those occasions arise, on which she may unreservedly express herself to a friend, who will not make vigorous demands on the inexperience of a child. But all my efforts are fruitless, and I fear, her reluctance to the use of the pen will not be vanquished, until her understanding becomes natural, and her improvement such as to inspire her with confidence.
I am happy it is in my power to tell you, that my wife's [Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825)] health is almost perfectly restored. She is exempt from fever, has a good appetite, acquires flesh and strength every day, and is subject to no pain, but that which is produced, is a slight degree, by fits of coughing, which uniformly assail her every morning, about daylight.
I wish you had not forgotten to say anything, in your letter to Jane, with respect to you mother's [Eleanor Stuart Tate Bowen (1778-1833)] care. We are all extremely interested in her recovery, and have been gratified by the information. I flatter myself she is so well, that you can leave her in the course of a week or two, and spend some time with us. The newly married pair* have not yet arrived: but, I think it is certain, we shall see them before the end of the week. Pray be so good to let us know, by a letter which Col. Charles Tate [(1772-1842)] can [ . . . ] me at any time, when I shall send the Major** or Beverly, to attend you, and Dear John, to this place. If you understood fully, how impatiently, and anxiously, every soul here wishes to see you both, I can not help flattering myself you would indulge us, without delay. But your uncle is waiting at my elbow, and I therefore can not take time to say more.
Yours most affectionately
Peter Johnston
[*Probably Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832) and Eliza Madison Preston Johnston (1803-1828), who were married on December 29, 1822.
**The Major = Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877)
Beverly = Beverly Randolph Johnston (1803-1876)
Dear John = John Warfield Johnston II (1818-1889)
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873)
Col. H. Bowen = Henry Reese Bowen (1770-1850)
Charles Tate's brother was Thomas Tate (1790-1860)].
This is my rough transcript. A penciled note at the top of this letter suggests that it dates to circa 1820. Internal evidence suggests its date as between 1819 and 1825. I suggest early 1823.
For their help and assistance, many thanks to the staff of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. For more information about the John Warfield Johnston Papers, here's a link to the guide.
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