Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel notes (circa 1891), part 1

Panicello [Panecillo] Memorial Trail, Abingdon VA
(Appalachian Sustainable Development, 2013)

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel (aka Mitchell) [at Washington City for Robert Morton Hughes at Norfolk, Virginia, circa 1891.] Box 3, folder 9, 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, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

I don’t know if you will consider this worth recording, but give it as an early reminiscence[.]

Joseph began to show his military inclinations when he was not more than five or six years old when the family lived in Abingdon. There he got up a company (which they called an army) of little boys, whom he trained. They made him their General, & Ben was Colonel. Thus he was accustomed to the title of Gen. all his life.

Deer were very numerous in that region in those days & my father & his sons were greatly addicted to hunting, sometimes near home, sometimes as far as 12 or 14 miles. The two younger boys, Beverly & Joseph, usually went on foot to the hunting ground, & then went into the drive, which led them over rugged hills & high mountains, & took them many miles.

This training to fatigue & hardship Joseph considered very valuable in preparing him for the life of a soldier. He likewise was much given to athletic exercises in early years.  [Continued.]

[Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).
Ben = Benjamin Franklin Johnston (1808-1834).
My father = Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831).
Beverly = Beverly Randolph Johnston (1803-1876).]

[Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration; in this case, specifically to William for providing a scanned copy of the original document.]

Peter Johnston, Jr., to Peter Carr, January 16, 1812

[Peter Johnston, Jr. at Abingdon, to Peter Carr [at Carrsbrook], Virginia, January 16, 1812. Gabriella Page Papers, Virginia Historical Society, Section 9. This is my rough transcription. Added paragraph breaks for easier reading. "Long s" modernized.]

My Dear Carr

It was not possible to obtain a conveyance from this place for Charles and Edward sooner than today and not withstanding the severity of the cold I have determined that they shall not postpone their departure for Carr's brook a moment longer.

You have relieved us from a most anxious difficulty & have confirmed a weight of obligation consenting to supply the boys with a bid. Mrs. Carr's friendly offers with respect to Edward, too, demand our warmest thanks.

I consign him to you & her with the confidence which renders me perfectly tranquil as to every thing which concerns his improvement and comfort. It is not for me to prescribe the course of instruction which you are to pursue with him. He is a son of whom my parental fondness (& perhaps folly) has made me vain. I have flattered myself that he possesses parts which if advantageously cultivated will render him the pride & happiness of my reclining years, and therefore it is that I commit him wholly to you.

He is at that age when the mind is most directable. This is probably the crisis of his life, and character. For so young a boy, he has a sufficient fondness, and even taste, for reading: but I fear he wants a disposition to study. The plan of his last tutor was certainly injudicious, and I am sure you will not find him competent to Horace. I heartily consent that you shall determine the point from whence he shall start. A recess of five or six months has probably lost to him much of the Latin he had acquired.   

The French language is a favorite part, with me, of that system of education which you have adopted, & I am extremely anxious that all my sons shall acquire it. But, upon that, & every other subject connected with Edward's literary course, I leave all to your judgement. 

It will not be amiss to give Charles much employment in composition, and I am sure she will be benefited by your lessons in elocution. His principal object, however, is the French tongue.

I trust in God I shall aid in the destruction of many dishes of bacon & eggs at your board when their relief will be possibly a little heightened by the presence of a part of my family. On some of those visits which Mrs. J. intends to make her mother, I hope too you will have an opportunity of standing sponsor for our only daughter, with respect to whom your monetary caution will not I flatter myself be lost. Our past experience on that subject has taught us to hold a watch over our affections. We have suffered bereavements to which even the hand of time has not reconciled our feelings. 

I orchestrate the warmest joy on the confirmation of Cabell's appointment. My chagrin would have been bitter indeed if he had been rejected by the Legislature: because I love him, & besides, I advised him most earnestly to accept the Executive proffer.

Gracious God! What an effecting scene must Richmond exhibit! The dreadful catastrophe of the 26th of December had produced the strongest impressions even at this distance, and amongst men who are entire strangers to the sufferers. I heartily congratulate you, that none of your relations, or special friends, were amongst the victims of the conflagration.

I shall call upon you in June as I go to the General Court. By that time you will have formed an estimate of the talents of your new pupils, and I shall expect a fair & candid opinion from you on the subject of my hopes and fears.

Charles sets out with $100 which I presume will leave him enough, after defraying expenses on the road, to make you the customary advances, and to afford him & Edward a little pocket money. The boys will come to you indifferently provided with books. If you should find it necessary to purchase any for them, draw on me, immediately, for whatever sum you may lay out, on their account.

                          Yrs truly and warmly
                             Peter Johnston 

[Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Peter Carr (1770-1815)
Not only does this letter stress the importance of education in the Johnston family, it also underlines the importance Judge Johnston gave to French. His high hopes for Edward are also made clear. 
Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832), sixteen going on seventeen.
Edward William Johnston (1799-1867), twelve. 
Two older sons were John Warfield Johnston, twenty-one, then living in Philadelphia and attending the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877), eighteen going on nineteen. The latter may have been studying law with his father; he also joined the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. The four living younger sons, all ten and under, were undoubtedly being taught by their mother at home. 
Mrs. Carr = Esther "Hetty" Smith Stevenson Carr (1767-1834)
Mrs. J = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825)
Her mother = Lucy Henry Wood (1745-1826)
Only daughter = Jane Mary Wood Johnston (1811-1892)
Bereavements =Martha Maria Johnston (1789-1789) and Valentine Johnston (1797-1797)
Cabell = William Henry Cabell (1772-1853), former Virginia governor and then judge serving on the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Glorious God! = Richmond Theatre Fire
$100 in 1812 = about $1750 in 2017.] 

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]  

Peter Randolph to Francis Smith Preston, December 10, 1812

[Peter Randolph at Nottoway, Virginia, to Francis Smith Preston at Richmond, December 10, 1812. Preston Family Papers (1755-1836), Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Series 2, folder 3.]

Sir,

I received a letter from Judge Johnston, yesterday in which, he states, that, he: "has transmitted a memorial to the Legislature, remonstrating against the extent of the thirteenth Circuit, and proposing a change, which, if adopted, may go to the increase of my labours, by adding Mecklenburg to the present number of my Courts." He further requests "that I may yield my consent to the proposed alteration, so far as it affects me and to write a letter to Col. Francis Preston declaring that assent is made immediately."

Now Sir, with very great pleasure I embrace this opportunity of writing to you; it will give me great satisfaction to become as well acquainted with you personally, as I now am with your character, and perhaps this letter may some time or other lead to that result. But Sir, much as I may applaud the Revolutionary services of Gen'l Johnston, much as I may esteem his friendship, and approve and respect his character, I cannot yield my consent to his request.

If, therefore, it was Gen'l Johnston's intention, to present the fate of his memorial, so far as it relates to the increase of my duties, to be fixed by my agreement or disagreement to the proposition, that Mecklenburg should be added to the fifth circuit, the question is settled by the answer I have given. 

If, however, it is his intention to persevere in the plan of imposing upon me, against my wishes, labours which were not contemplated for me to perform when I gave up my profession, and accepted the office with which the Legislature were so kind as to honor me, I must beg the favour of you to communicate to me such intention by the earliest opportunity. We have a mail here from Richmond on every Saturday, and if no more speedy mode of conveyance offers, you will be so good as to direct your letter to me, Nottoway County, Hendersonville post office.

I do not mean, at this time, to enter into any discussion of the propriety of forcing me to perform this unexpected and additional labour: but it will not be amiss to say, that General Johnston knew, at the time he accepted the appointment he holds, the extent of this circuit, the difficulty of traveling over the mountains, and the dangers of crossing the rapid streams which rush through that part of the country, no man who was raised, and always resided in this part of the state was, I imagine, better acquainted with the geography of that part of Virginia than Gen'l Johnston, he, by the appointment of the Government, among others, has . . . the chain & compass through much of it. 

I say I do not . . . this question, because I do not think it can be Gen'l Johnston's intention to press his memorial without my consent, so far as it is calculated to increase my labours.

If any scheme can be proposed which will relieve Gen'l Johnston, by a temporary or occasional increase of my labours, I shall in all probability consent to it with very great chearfulness [cheerfulness]. But so long as all the other Judges are permitted to remain, in point of labour, in the same situation in which they now stand, I cannot consent that a considerable, lasting, permanent increase of my labours shall take place. 

It is true, Sir, the Legislature may pass such a Law. And if they do, it will be my duty as a public servant to submit to their will, even without a murmur, And to this I shall be, more especially, be inclined to do, since I know they will do precisely what they think right.

                         With my great respect
                          I am Sir your's obd'ly
                                                     Peter Randolph 

P.S. Is not Washington a better climate, and is not the price of living cheaper than in Nottoway?

[Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Francis Smith Preston (1765-1835). Served in the Virginia House of Delegates, 1812-1813.
Peter Randolph (1779-1832), Served in the Virginia House of Delegates until 1812, when he became a Judge of the General of Virginia, serving in that capacity until 1820, and then moving to Mississippi.] 

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]

Maria Hamilton Campbell to David Campbell, September 26, 1812 (Part 2)

[Maria Hamilton Campbell at Abingdon, Virginia, to David Campbell at Fort Niagara, New York, September 26, 1812, part 2 (post-marked October 1, 1812), Box 2, Campbell Family Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. This is my rough transcription. Extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

After all my hurry I did not finish writing before the mail was closed. I do not kow [know] that I ought to say any thing to you about my domestic affairs unless I was confident your mind was as calm to all trivial things of that kind as my own, but as it is the character of a soldier to triumph over ever[y] difficulty, I will venture to tell my soldier a few of the evils that the object of his Dearest care triumphs over without apparent effort, such is our situation when we have greater things to occupy our minds.

For five or six weeks [M]illy has been thaking merkery [taking mercury] of Doctor Clap. I sent her out last week to his house to stay a month longer.

[O]n serch [search] being made for stolen goods after the fire some were found in our kitchen for which [S]am was put in jail. [M]illy was supposed to be too sick. I was for tow [two] weeks without my servent [servant] but little [S]arah accept [except] when Mrs. Jonston [Johnston] would send hers which she [indecipherable word] did when I was sick. 

Cousin David and [J]efferson my tree [three] Brothers in heart made every exertion to precure [procure] me servents [servants] either by hire or purchis [purchase]. [A]fter fore [four] or five aplications [applications] the[y] have hired Mrs. [T]amberly's [W]inny, how long the cros[s] old thing will let her stay I don't know.

I had allmost [almost] bought Captain Craig's [J]acob, but from the undue influence of [H]enderson and Captain Smith over the boy, I was prevented from completing any longer, and the purchesed [purchased] hire. [S]am ran off a few days after he was let out of jail and has not yet returned, Captain Smith has the conscience to say he will give three hundred dollars for him, the[y] gave five hundred and fifty for [J]acob, I will hire servents [servants] untill [until] I can perches [purchase] good ones.

Uncle Campbell's family are exceedingly friendly to me, if it was not for the girls of the family, I should be lonesome indeed uncle acts quite like a feather [father] to me, I shall complain of none but I cannot forbade mentioning my real friends as I have now learnt who the[y] are.

It is jennerally [generally] thought here that Edward and Rhody will be married, it is very prabable [probable] he is quite devoted to the family. I suspect very strongly that [A]rthur and [S]ally Greenway will make a match, as for the rest the[y] are in status [quo?]

Do my Dear Husband have your likeness taken and the ring with your [?], and have you a breast pin made with mine so you can look on it and think of me. My heart and prayers are ever with you.

Do my Husband write me what to do with myself this winter if you don't send for me. Write particularly your situation and health don't disseve [deceive] me in any thing, is the country around [N]iagara inhabited with sivilised [civilized] people or saviges [savages]. I fear very much you will have to sivilize [civilize] [I]ndians or be stationed in their country. I dead [dread] th[e] horred [horrid] retches [wretches], but not on my own account. I should fear nothing with yo[u].

Write to uncle Campbell and [J]efferson and tell me what you have done with my gray horse, did you give [S]am any mony [money] when he left [W]inchester he has had some then he could come home honestly by since he has this won't come home.

You never saw so miserable a look[ing] place as this in your life every thing appears to be going to decay, the people have lost all spirits the[y] ever had, even the[ir] actively groveling dispositions gave them has diminished in a grate [great] measure, I fear if the[y] deginurate [degenerate] much more the[y] all [will] turn to rock goats. Col. Preston's dubble [double] head [N]ed is suspected for burning the town, he is caut [caught] and some evidence discovered against him I expect he will be convicted.

I have some idea of going down to my father's and staying a few weeks, I believe I will not lay in winter provisions till I hear from you.

We expect [J]ames home in a few days he expresses great interest for you in all his letters.

Ben Clark's daughter Mrs. Crawford has died with the jandice [jaundice] and several others in the neighborhood, most of judge jonston's [Johhnston's] family had it and recovered.

Mr. Clarke and Mr. Jankry[?] boath [both] show their attachment to you in their friendly conduct to me, my Dear Husband write every mail and lesson [lessen] my anxiety as mutch [much] as posable [possible], I will write but I fear you will not receiv[e] my letters, I must again force myself to bid you farewell.

                                                                               Maria H. Campbell

[End part two. She had intended to mail part 1 on September 26, but the letter, with new part 2 added, was not postmarked until October 1, 1812. For part 1, see previous post.]

[Edward Campbell (1781-1833)
David Campbell (1779-1859). Serving as Major, Twelfth U.S. Infantry. 
Maria Hamilton Campbell (1783-1859)
Col. Preston = William Smith Preston (1765-1835)
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831), had recently moved with his family from Prince Edward County to Abingdon.
Rather than attempting to identify the entire cast of fascinating characters mentioned in this letter, I will leave that task for a future date. Court records would be very instructive.]

     
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 Campbell Family Papers (1731-1969), here's a link to the guide.     

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]

Maria Hamilton Campbell to David Campbell, September 26, 1812

[Maria Hamilton Campbell at Abingdon, Virginia, to David Campbell at Fort Niagara, New York, September 26, 1812. Box 2, Campbell Family Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. This is my rough transcription. Extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

My Dear Husband

I this morning received your two letters from Carlisle and Sunbury and last Sunday I received one of the 2 this month from Chambersburg it found me closely consumed in bed from which reason it wasn't immediately answered, you will see by this I have perfectly recovered. The day I wrote you last I was taken with the jandes [jaundice] which confined me to my bed three long weeks. I bore my sickness with great firmness without expressing in the least, except at being prevented from writing to you.

My very sickest night we had a fire in Abingdon which broak [broke] out in Colo. Preston's new brick house and took all before it on that side of the street down to William Trigg's, there its ravages was [were] stopped. I was the most active person weak as I was in carrying out and garding [guarding] our little plunder in case the house which I had no doubt of should be burnt, you would have been astonished at my composure and deliberation.

Edward has written to you since and detailed the hoal [whole] circumstances. I [?] weather [whether] his letter nor mine of the 2d of this month will reach you soon the[y] were directed to Beathleham [Bethlehem]. 

Your account of your good health delites [delights] me very much and your hardiness astonishes me, but don't my Dear Husband expose yourself unnesesarily [unnecessarily] your health may be injured when you least expect it. O how my heart longs for the joyful hours of our meating [meeting] that I might see you in perfect health, but no more of this. 

I am now become the perfect philosopher and will bare [bear] every thing with fortitude for my Husband's and my Country's sake, my tears flowed very plentifull [plentiful] when I heard of the Traitorous conduct of Hull, our belove[d] Country received a severe wound which must fill the heart of every American with the bitterest indignation. I hope it will inspire the youths of our Country with more curage [courage] to resent the injustices offered us by that perjured nation that continues to have the audacity to call itself our mother.

You see I am no coward, and if you should think proper to permit me to be situated near you I can assure you my Husband I never would be the caus[e] of disgrase [disgrace] to you, nor will I ask anything unreasonable or even wish it, but my heart would be much gratified to see you before you take the field, if it cannot be I will submit with patience.

You tell me to write Abingdon news it is such a little place and filled with such little minds that I really think the news is not worth entertaining your great mind with. I must however except Judge Jonstone's [Johnston's] family which every branch of further[?] the appithel [epithet or appraisal] I have given to the rest of the villagers, the[y] are great in my opinion, but Mr. R and his family act with more littleness than ever. God has given him a head but no heart or at least a very puny one. I could tell you a great deal but it is best to omit giving you a detail at this distance. 

The spirit of patriotism is not very high in this place. I expect there will be but few that will vollenteer [volunteer] there [their] services to thise [this] coutry [country]. 

There have been no orders for the militias of this pleace [place] yet, their Col. has not yet returned I heard that E had made a conquest of a Mr. Read from Kentucky. 

I do not know that ever our honourable Brother has even mentioned my name to any of his correspondence [correspondents], at least none of them have ever told me he has, nor have I ever been shown one of his letters tho the[y] are oftain [often] handed all round in my presence you must understand are very oftain [often] in collected bodies.  I am ignorant of the ears of "this" seclusion of me nor do I make any inquiry in to the ears my independent spirit will never be broken nor beat.

Our oald [old] father and mather [mother] are well sister Betsey has had the lump taken out of her breast and is perfectly recovered. I am so pestered with company to day I can nether [neither] write well nor help as much as I intended. I will send it with all it[s] imperfections and write more and better next mail.

I am much lower in fleash [flesh] than I was with the most affectionate heart your wife

                                                                       Maria H. Campbell

[End part one. She had intended to mail it on that date, but the letter, with new part two added, was not postmarked until October 1, 1812. For part two, see next post.]

[Edward Campbell (1781-1833)
David Campbell (1779-1859). Serving as Major, Twelfth U.S. Infantry. 
Maria Hamilton Campbell (1783-1859)
Betsey/Eliza Campbell (1787-?)
Col. Preston = William Smith Preston (1765-1835)
William Trigg (1784-1813)
William Hull  (1753-1825), for cowardice and dereliction of duty, was sentenced to death by firing squad but spared by President James Madison.
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831), had recently moved with his family from Prince Edward County to Abingdon.
Mr. R = [not sure at this juncture to whom she is referring.]
     
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 Campbell Family Papers (1731-1969), here's a link to the guide.     

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]

Edward Campbell to David Campbell, September 12, 1812

Northern front (Royal Military College of Canada)

[Edward Campbell at Abingdon, Virginia, to David Campbell in the field, September 12, 1812, Box 2, Campbell Family Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. This is my rough transcription. Use of the long 's' modernized; extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

Dear Brother

I received your letter dated on the 22d of August, in which you promised to write to me again before you left Winchester. Not having received anything from you since, has led me to conclude that you have either not written, or your letter has miscarried. I had delayed writing sooner that I might receive that letter, but as our little Village has been the victim of calamity, I have forborne to wait longer.

On last Thursday night we were alarmed, about 12 O'clock with the cry of fire. I hastened to the spot and found Col. Preston's new brick house all in flames, set on fire, no doubt, by the hand of some infernal, hellish incendiary. The new Courthouse was also set on fire, but was discovered before any damage was done and extinguished.

The night was calm, the inclination of the wind, (which was astir, tho') being Westward, there was no possibility of stopping the fury of the devouring element until it arrived at William Trigg's. There we made a vigorous effort and there we succeeded in stopping its ravages.

All the houses on that side of the street, between that and the corner were laid in ruins. No lives were lost nor any injured except one or two slightly. The citizens generally saved their property or the most of it. It was an awful night you may rest assured; but there seemed to be less alarm among the citizens than I would have suppos'd.

Maria has been unwell for several days with the jaundice, a complaint which seems to be very prevalent here at this time: tho' I'm in hopes she will be well enough in a few days. She wrote to you by the last Sunday's mail and mentioned that we would not finally determine until we had heard from you again, as to the course we should adopt. 

She also mentioned the cancer which afflicts our sister Eliza. I intend having it removed as soon as possible. She seems willing to do any thing that I may advise. The doctor told me the other day that it would be nearly as large as a goose's egg.

Your maid is also down. 'Tis said with the pox, and the doctor says she must be salivated, which will require about two months.

I assure you sir I have my hands full; but go on with s much alacrity as the nature of things will permit. form the uncertainty as to the manner and time of Maria's departure, I am placed in rather an unpleasant situation. I know not on what to resolve, you will therefore be explicit on that subject, for unless you are so, there can be no concert between us. If you intend sending a carriage let me know on what I am to depend, and make my arrangements to carry Maria to any point on the Continent where she would wish to go: but I would rather have done so before the intense cold weather would set in.

Maria says nothing about going to Tennessee. Nor do I believe she will want to go that course while a hope remains of going towards the North. I have not yet got your pistols from Gilliland but will as soon as possible and bring or send them to you.

We have heard of Hull's disgrace, I can call it nothing better. [Brigadier General William Hull surrendered Detroit to the British on August 16, 1812.] Some of us here do not credit the account & I for one. For is it possible that 2 or 3,000 men, Americans too -- the sons of liberty would willingly surrender to any foe on the whole face of the earth, without a single effort, when defended by a strongly fortified garrison, unless there was the most damnable treachery in the commander[?] Yet this is [the] account we have received. I cannot, will [not] believe it until I see an official statement well authenticated.

Mr. Edmiston showed me your letter the other day but did not tell me what he intended doing. Capt. Henry marched from this place on this day week with about sixty men for Philadelphia.

I have written in haste and in the warmth of a brother's hand

                                                            Must bid you
                                                                            Adieu
                                                                                    Edward

[Edward Campbell (1781-1833)
David Campbell (1779-1859). Serving as Major, Twelfth U.S. Infantry. Edward's letter was originally addressed to Reading, Pennsylvania, scratched out and "Albany or Buffaloe" added for updated address along the way. 
Maria Hamilton Campbell (1783-1859)
Eliza Campbell (1787-?)
Col. Preston = William Smith Preston (1765-1835)
William Trigg (1784-1813)
William Hull  (1753-1825), for cowardice and dereliction of duty, was sentenced to death by firing squad but spared by President James Madison.
Mr. Edmiston = possibly Captain John Montgomery Edmiston (1764-1813), veteran of King's Mountain (1780), killed in action at River Raisin on January 22, 1813. 
Around this time, Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831), moved with his family from Prince Edward County to Abingdon.]
     
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 Campbell Family Papers (1731-1969), here's a link to the guide.     

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]

Peter Johnston, Jr., to Peter Carr, December 4, 1812

[Peter Johnston, Jr.,  at Abingdon, Virginia, to Peter Carr, Esquire, at Carr's brook [Carrsbrook], Virginia, December 4, 1812, care of P. C. Johnston, folder 12, 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. Spelling in the original text contains use of the old-fashioned "long s" -- i.e., when the letter "s" is doubled up in a word, the first "s" looks more like a lower case "f."] 

My dear Carr,

I can not express my regret on your abandonment of a pursuit, which seemed to me peculiarly suited to your temper, and habits, and in which you were likely to render so much benefit to them. It affects me in a particular manner: because, there is not a possibility of obtaining a good school in this quarter of Virginia, and I am so entirely out of the way of information here, that I know not where to find one for Edward, and two other promising boys, who have reached that period of youth when the loss of time is a most serious misfortune. I have lately understood that Mr. Girardin intends the establishment of a school in your neighborhood. I am ignorant of his qualifications as a tutor, but have heard a good character of him in Richmond. If you approve him, do me the favor to secure Edward a situation with him.

I am afraid you resemble Ogilvie, in one trait. All his pupils were the cleverest fellows in the world. But, how far this apprehension operates, you can judge, when I tell you, that the flattering picture, which you have repeatedly held up to me of my sons, has almost turned my head, while I believe that you do not yet know my finest chap. But, I must check myself on this subject, lest I should, like all other silly parents, betray an extreme degree of weakness with respect to it, Is there not some reason to fear, you have spoiled me, and Edward too? There are few children, however generous, or intelligent, their minds, that are not liable to much injury from excess of praise. I flatter myself still, however, that your language and conduct to him have not indicated that extremely high opinion of him, which you have expressed to me. I will not offer you my thanks, for the friendly and affectionate attentions of Mrs. Carr & yourself to our sons; because, my heart is alive to much more than I can say upon such a subject: and, because, to tell you the truth, it was what you had taught me to expect.

My sons Peter and Charles are eager to enter the army, and, with my consent, would not hesitate to place themselves in the ranks of private soldiers. But, I shudder at the thought of subjecting them to all the consequences which must result from an association with vulgar vice, as the soldiery of every army is composed of. In September I wrote to Mr. Munroe [presumably James Monroe], and requested him to nominate Peter to such a rank, as an intelligent, respectable young man of 19 or 20, might fairly claim I addressed myself to that gentleman, because I had not the slightest personal acquaintance with the Secretary at war; and perhaps was guilty of a breach of etiquette. However that may be, I have not heard a syllable on the subject since. I am somewhat inclined to believe, from various unimportant incidents, communicated to me by others, that I am no favorite at court. I had hoped, however, that when all sorts of persons were obtaining military appointments, a young man, for whose honor, courage, and zeal, I solemnly pledged myself, might have succeeded to a lieutenancy, or to some other office proper for his acceptance. I will not deny to you, that the refusal has wounded me, not a little. I have mentioned it because, perhaps, you can give me some explanation.

I rejoice most heartily at Mr. Madison's reelection to the Presidency. But I fear he will experience tremendous difficulties in conducting the war, unless the government Congress will abandon their infatuated reliance on volunteers & militia. I know this sentiment is not considered as perfectly orthodox amongst republicans. But, I appeal to every man's recollection, who had an opportunity of observing the mischievous effects if depending, as we did in the revolutionary contest, on the services of men engaged only to continue a short time in the field. Facts this incontestably proved, that a few weeks, or months, occupied in the dangerous and laborious duties of a soldier, produced so bitter a dislike to military life, as to make it impossible to raise an efficient force. My mind is so much interested on this point, that I can scarcely refrain from dilating upon it. 

Peter is, I presume, provided with sufficient funds to make a final settlement with you. If it should turn out, tho', that I have miscalculated, be so good as enough to let him retain money enough to bring him and Edward home, and, any balance which may remain due to you shall be remitted, as soon as you shall have informed me of its' amount. Say every thing, to Mrs. Carr, for Mrs. J. & myself, which your own heart tells you we wish you to say & accept for yourself the warm affection of your friend.

Peter Johnston 
Abingdon Dec'r 4th 1812
  
[Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Peter Carr (1770-1815), Thomas Jefferson's (1743-1826) nephew. For more, see this link.
Edward = Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
P. C. Johnston = Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877). He did, indeed, become an officer: third lieutenant, Twelfth United States Infantry (regulars), March 29, 1813; second lieutenant, November 14, 1813; first lieutenant, November 1814. Disbanded in June 1815. Regimental depot (or dépôt): Staunton, Virginia. The regiment served on the Northern (Canadian) front and in Maryland. Regimental battles included Frenchman's Creek (November 28, 1812);  Crysler's Field (November 11, 1813); engagements in Lower Canada (1814); a detachment at Bladensburg, Maryland (August 24, 1814); and Fort McHenry (September 13, 1814).

See William A. Gordon, A Compilation of Registers of the Army of the United States, from 1815 to 1837, inclusive. To which is appended a list of officers on whom brevets were conferred by the President of the United States, for gallant conduct or meritorious services during the war with Great Britain. (Washington: James C. Dunn, 1837), p. 25: 

http://archive.org/stream/compilationofreg00gordrich#page/24/mode/2up
    
Charles K. Gardner, A Dictionary of All Officers who have been Commissioned, or have been Appointed and Served, in the Army of the United States, since the Inauguration of their First President in 1789, to the first January, 1853 : with every Commission of each, including the Distinguished Officers of the Volunteers and Militia of the States, who have Served in any Campaign or Conflict with an Enemy since that Date, and of the Navy and Marine Corps, who have Served with the Land Forces : Indicating the Battle in which every such Officer has been Killed or Wounded, and the Special Words of every Brevet Commission (New York : G.P. Putnam and Co., 1853), p. 254.

Louis Hue Girardin (1771-1825). Moved from Richmond to Albermarle County, where he ran a school at his Glenmore estate, circa 1813 to 1815. He also worked in cooperation with Thomas Jefferson and, with access to the latter's library, on a history of Jefferson's time as governor during the American Revolution.

Ogilvie = James Ogilvie (1760-1820)
Mrs. Carr = Esther "Hetty" Smith Stevenson Carr (1767-1834)
Charles = Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832). It seems as if he became a sergeant in the 7th Virginia Militia Regiment (Sauders'), which was involved in coastal defense. He was only nineteen when the war ended. 
Mr. Munroe = James Monroe (1758-1831), Secretary of State, who did become Secretary of War in 1814.
Secretary at war = William Eustis (1753-1825), until early 1813.
Mr. Madison = James Madison (1751-1836), US President until March 4, 1817.
Mrs. J. = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1768-1825)
Map: Principal Campaigns of the War of 1812, Combat Studies Institute, United States Army.]

[Many thanks also to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]