Edward William Johnston to Letitia Preston Floyd, August 26, 1839

Botetourt Springs interior by JHB Latrobe, 1832

[Edward William Johnston at Botetourt Springs, Virginia, to Letitia Preston Floyd at Newbern, Pulaski County, Virginia, August 26, 1839,  folder 87, Trigg-Floyd Collection, Special Collections, John Cook Wyllie Library, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (formerly Clinch Valley College), Wise, Virginia. This is my rough transcription].

Dear Madam,

Annexed and enclosed are the Accounts between us. Mr. Floyd has twice passed us; but, in both instances, in a haste which forbade his attending to this matter. You will perceive that I can state but a part of the articles that form the credits to the account. These you will please fill up, from your own Memoranda; and let me know the several amounts to be charged me.

Changes in my arrangements, which have diminished my expected resources, threaten me with a serious want of money. I would. however, suffer very severe evil, rather than [cause?] trouble to one whom I so much love and venerate.

I hope that you continue well; and that dear Nicketti continues to think of us with that fixed affection, which we shall feel for her, as long as we live. It is possible that I may find time for a trip as far as Pulaski or Burke's Garden; but I am pressed with troublesome affairs that may hinder me of that gratification.

With the most affectionate respect to your household, ever, dear madam,
your obedient servant
Edward W. Johnston

[Statement of Accounts:]

Botetourt Springs, Aug. 1st 1839

Mrs. Letitia Floyd

1839 In account with Ed. W. Johnston, Dr.

To amount of Bill enclosed, for 2nd Session, for Tuition &c fillip N. Floyd  $79.94

To do. do. do. 1st Session do. $68.37

May 10 To Board & Tuition of daughter from 1st March to this date 2 months 1/3 $35.00

To use of Bedding for the Same term 50¢ per mo.  1.16
Musical Instruction for the same Term @  4$ pr. mo. 9.34

To 1 quire [25 sheets] L[etter?] paper 38[¢]
1 Graglia Italian Dictionary 1.75
1 Fiorelli's [Italian] Grammar, 50¢ 1.16
Postage paid Mr. Daggs .35
Postages from . . . April to 4 May 10. 10. 25. 10. 251/2

Contra 6.       $31.62
By 1 Beef, as pr. Return enclosed
By . . . Pork, weight unknown
By . . . Butter
By 1 " Lard

[Edward William Johnston (1799-1867). On the outer envelope, it is noted "Free EWJohnston P.M." -- i.e. he was then postmaster of Botetourt Springs, which was a "post-village." He seems to have held this position from 1839 through 1841. In the latter year he was compensated $23.46 on "nett [sic] proceeds" of $50.58. (See A Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval in the Service of the United States, a more or less biennial series published by the U.S. Government). 

Botetourt Springs, Virginia = had been Charles Johnston's (1769-1833) estate and inn buildings, circa 1818 until Charles' death. Charles Johnston served as postmaster of this post-village for several years, until his death. 

Letitia Preston Floyd (1776-1852)

Mr. Floyd = John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863)

Nicketti = Nicketti Buchanan Floyd (1819-1908)

Mr. Daggs = Hezekiah Daggs (1773-1844), who administered Charles Johnston's buildings between the latter's death and Edward's purchase; he also did a stint as postmaster for Botetourt Springs

$1 in 1839 = about $25 in 2016]