[Beverly Randolph Johnston at Abingdon, Virginia, to Lieutenant
John Preston “Pres” Johnston at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, February 3, 1845. Box
26, Folder 12, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and
University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion
University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529. This is my rough transcription.
Additional paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]
My dear Preston
Eliza has just told me (that is, a day or two ago) that you are
exceedingly anxious for an answer to a letter written some weeks since. As I am
wholly ignorant of its contents, except by her representation, I can hardly
given you what you seem earnestly to wish, a very satisfactory response – and
yet, if it be, as I suppose it is, on the subject, chiefly, of a change of
profession, I can say now all that I could, or need say, had I perused it
twenty times.
It is a matter scarcely admitting of interference or calling for
advice: so much is it dependent upon, and governed by, personal views and
feelings. I will not deny that I always had and have a preference of my own,
and a wish that your conclusion should be in accordance with it. But you will
remember that I have at no time sought to exert a controlling or even a
persuasive influence with you.
I desired, and I yet desire most earnestly that you should
determine for yourself upon the calmest review of every consideration applying
to and arising from the position in which you find yourself. In an examination
of this sort, something is proper to be allowed for mere taste or predilection
for one pursuit rather than another; and yet its influence should not be
preponderating, unless the passion for one or aversion to another profession be
really exceedingly strong.
But supposing that there is no such overmastering impulse in the
case, the relation in which you stand to Eliza imposes upon you more than the
ordinary duty of a brother. Duties too, which are abandoned by your choice of
the profession of a soldier. There is too a feeling with me in this matter
growing out of her present position which is exceedingly strong & painful.
I can scarcely bear that she should be dependent for protection and affection
upon persons, who, tho’ kind, and devoted to her, are so much further removed
in blood than you and I. And yet, as I consented, years ago, to yield my claim
to her, I cannot renew it. But with you, the case is altogether
different. You have a right against the world, and a hold upon Eliza’s affection
paramount to all others.
Floyd is moody, discontented with his preset condition, and
unsettled. Nothing is more uncertain than his future determination and abode.
Indeed I am strongly apprehensive now of a move to Iowa, Wisconsin, Oregon, or Texas,
and I could scarcely prevent poor Lizzy from clinging to their uncertain and
adventurous fortunes. Were you here, she might at once come to us. We
might form a household of our own, and fears and dangers of this sort would be
at rest.
But things of this sort are best settled upon personal
interview. If you have a desire to adopt the profession of your father; and it
is a firm and strong purpose; doubt not, fear not, of success. Whatever of aid
I can give you will be cheerfully, joyfully afforded. Tis true there are difficulties,
toils and trials but such as readily and surely are confronted by courage,
subdued by energy and perseverance.
I do not promise you (nor would it be worthy of talents and
ambition, were it so) eminence unless you are willing to win it by strenuous
execution. But mine is a profession in which talents or even plain sense united
with integrity and diligence never fail of their reward. Be it remembered however,
that amongst the rewards of an elevated rank in the profession, wealth is not
always, nor even frequently, to be counted.
It was once the remark and a just one of an eminent Lawyer (Mr.
Clay), “that those of high standing, generally lived well, worked hard, and
died poor.” Competence at least, and competence almost beyond the power of
fortune is the promise which the Law makes to her votaries – and with that
promise they are content, for, beyond most callings, they are of a generous and
liberal spirit – I mean the higher grades – Of course there is a vulgar crew of
Subalterns the mere packhorses and drudges of the bar who are not embraced in
my remarks.
If you really propose abandoning the army, or if you desire to
weigh the matter in connection with such counsel and aid as your friends here
(chiefly Liz: & I) can offer, your best plan is to get a furlough as soon
as you can and pay us a visit, We will then canvass the matter calmly and advisedly.
It may be, however that I have misapprehended the purpose of
your letter or at all events, the degree in which you have admitted the idea of
abandoning the army. It is not my purpose to seek to choose a profession for
you, any more than I would think of choosing you a wife. Tis much a matte rof individual
preference.
I have filled my paper and at last all that I have said, or can
say, but amounts to this. Come to us at once, or as early as you can leave. We
shall receive you joyfully. In the mean times, take no step more decisive. What
you do must be done naturally, & for life.
Take counsel with you uncle Joseph. You cannot have a more
competent or affectionate adviser. He is, I believe, something of an enthusiast
for his profession. It is best for there is no excellence without it.
Your uncle Edward too, is of those who is wiser for others than
himself. Hear all. Consult your own mind and heart, and you will then have the
best preparation for a just decision. Write me soon, advising me of your
movements.
most affectionately
yours
B.R. Johnston
[B. R. Johnston = Beverly Randolph Johnston (1803-1876)
Eliza/Lizzie/Liz = Eliza Mary Johnston (1825-1909)
Pres = John Preston Johnston (1824-1847)
John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863), married to Sarah “Sally”
Buchanan Preston Floyd (1802-1879) and apparently father of one or more
children with enslaved servants, one named Josephine who died circa 1852.
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
Edward William Johnston (1799-1867).]
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally
Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
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