Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston Resigns from the US Army, April 22, 1861

Washington
April 22d 1861

Sir:

With feelings of deep regret, I respectfully tender my commission in the Army of the United States. 

The feelings which impel me to this act are, I believe, understood by the Hon: Secretary of War. 

I hope that long service, with some labor, hardship, danger & loss of blood, may give me some claim to ask the early consideration of this communication. 

Most respectfully,
Your obt servt
J. E. Johnston, Qr Mr Genl

Col. L. Thomas
Ad: Genl

Source: War Department. The Adjutant General's Office, Series: Letters Received, 1805 - 1889, Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1762 - 1984, US National Archives identifier 3819339. Link here.

[US Quartermaster General Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891), soon to be a full Confederate General
Colonel Lorenzo Thomas (1804-1875), Adjutant General of the US Army
Secretary of War = Simon Cameron (1799-1889), from 1861 until early 1862. Notations on the other side of this document indicate that it was approved on the same date. Johnston was the highest ranking US Army officer to join the Confederate Army]  

Charlotte Stocker Binckley to John Milton Binckley, September 2, 1861

[Charlotte Stocker Binckley at Corydon, Iowa, to John Milton Binckley at Washington City, September 2, 1861].

Corydon, Iowa, Sept. 2, 1861

My dear Milton[,]

Yours, August 12, was duly received. Would have replied sooner but was in very bad health, for the last three weeks, my old, most distressing complaint Neuralgia in the stomach.

I am not able to tell you how glad I am, how glad I was to hear our dear Lou & Baby were at home again. What a long, long worrysome, tiresome journey she embarked on, all alone, with a child a year old, to attend to and care for, and no one to care for herself, or even to assist her, with her child & satchel in coming into, and going out of, the cars, and to bear that child in her arms, for days, and nights, I put under the head of a bold adventure.

But my dear Milton, what is it, a fond loving wife, or a tender affectionate mother will shrink from? I answer nothing, forgetting herself, she braves danger, bears down obstacles and barriers that may rise before her. [L]ove has no fear, all her sympathies are absorbed in the loved ones, it was not Lou’s phisical [physical] strength, that bore her through all these difficulties, it was affection gave her courage, and fortitude, her feelings brought it out and made it act, made her bold & brave. Such sacrifices are blest, our guardian angels approve and smile upon them, such feelings are sacred, they are holy, we may, and can, carry them to heaven with us.

George left here last [F]riday, his letter from you, arrived some days previous to his going. Allen got his tax list done, I think I told you in my last, that George was here to help him.

You know I never liked Iowa, and never urged you to come here, but as you intended to leave the City, you had to go somewhere, and if you went to any of the western states, you as might as well be in Burlington as any where els[e] in the western free states. You will not be surprised when I tell you that I was a little disappointed to hear you say, you were not coming. I can’t say that I am sorry, but regret that I am so far away, and such a long journey between.

I had a letter from my dear Joanna, a few weeks since she stays in Maryland with the Stuarts. I expect a letter from Sarah Stuart every day. They all regret so that I am not there in the country with them. Joanna says she has not seen you since sometime in May, but one of their Alexandria neighbors told them you had call’d at their deserted residence, the[y] regretted very much you did not cross the river, and pay them a visit at their present residence. It is not more than a mile & [a] half from Alexandria, they have a splendid view of Alex--- [&] of Georgetown. Oh do go down, you and Lou, and pay them a visit for my sake, and for your own enjoyment. I know Lou would be pleased with the girls.

You spoke of papers that you had sent to me. I received none, the Patapsco Enterprise excepted that comes regular every week, but nothing els[e] since I left Burlington. You need not take the trouble to send any, since you don’t take the sun [Baltimore Sun]. I am satisfied with the Patapsco, it gives me information in regard to the fate of my beloved old mother M—d [Maryland]. I am not in want for news. Allen has plenty of exchanges, some very respectable papers. I shall send you the Dubuque Herald as a specim[e]n of independent Democracy.

I often think of all our dear friends, where are they?, scattered & dispersed. Old Abe, and his odious, hateful tyrants have driven them to the ends of the earth. But the names are written on the wall – the day of Abe, Oliver, Cromwell are numbered, and the laws of Dracco will be at an end at some future day, perhaps not very far off. [M]y poor countrymen, who are confined in the New York Bastil[l]e will return, singing, Blow ye the trumpets blow. The Year of Jubilee has come.

Allen & family are all well. Johnny tries hard to walk but is so fat and heavy, he can’t quite come it, he is a fine and a very pleasing sweet child, no resemblance between him and Clara.

I shall not give you four pages of foolscap this time, I am tired and nervous, I have nore love for you all than I am able to say on a whole [?] of paper. [T]ell Mr. Michael [Harvey Mitchell/Michel], I wish to be remembered by him in kindness. To your young folks I say treat the old gent with special kindness, shew him extra kindness. He is lonely, he is solitary. His mate is absent. He feels widowed. [A] little extra attention, makes the parent feel happy. You will not misconstrue what I said, I have no fear that you will neglect him, no indeed, but you understand that I mean by extra.

I am looking daily for that long, long Epistle from Lou. [T]ell me all about her mother, sister Charlotte and poor little Sue. Poor Willie, tell me all she knows of him.

Again I say I am tired. Good bye, God bless you all.

Your Mother,

C. Binckley

N.B. I forgot to remind you that you did not tell me if little Ella walks.

[Charlotte aka Charlotta Stocker Binckley  (1788-1877)

John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)
“Lou” = Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley (1838-1930)

"Baby" aka "Ella" = Nella Fontaine Binckley (1860-1951)

Allen = Allen Otho (aka Otha) Binckley (Binkley) (1826-1876), co-editor of the Corydon South-Tier Democrat and, from 1864 to 1865, the Corydon Grand River News; 
Married to Maria Jackson (1832-1913)
"Johnny" = John Henry Binckley (1861-1948)
Clara = Clara Cutler Binckley (1858-1917)

George = George M. Binckley (1829-1885), later moved to Colorado and co-wrote Southern Colorado: Historical and Descriptive of Fremont and Custer Counties, with their principal towns: Cañon City and other towns, Fremont County: Rosita, Silver Cliff, Ula, and Wet Mountain Valley, Custer Counties (Cañon City, Colorado, 1879) 

"Poor little Sue" = Sue Henry Mitchell/Michel (1847-1940)

"Her mother" = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
Harvey Mitchell/Michel (1799-1866)
"Sister Charlotte" = Charlotte Elizabeth Mitchell/Michel (1829-1921)
"Poor Willie" = William M. Mitchell/Michel (1839-1908)]

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. Paragraph breaks made for easier reading. 

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.     

Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel to John Milton Binckley, circa May 1861

[Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at or near Bedford, Virginia, to John Milton Binckley at Washington City, circa May 1861].

You must not think, dear Milton, that you have not been in my thoughts a great deal, in spite of the fact that I have not told you before. The main reason of my not writing is, that Lou writes so often and so fully, as to leave me no subject for my pen. Besides this, we have not escaped excitement and hurry, fixing up the troops for war.

You can't have the smallest idea of the state of things here, but one feeling animated the whole population, high & low, white and black, that feeling is to resist invasion of their rights & their soil, & this they will do to the death. Even quiet old Robbie & blind Mr. Sale are for secession & State Rights.

I fear Harvey will be displeased at Willie's enlisting, but I believe if Harvey were here, he would enlist himself. Do try and reconcile him to the step you know you can persuade him to any thing at all. You see Willie had nothing else to do in these times, and I feel that even the life in camps is preferable to idleness.

I have tried to keep away from excitement, but know you think me dreadfully prejudiced in favor of my own people, & I must confess I feel very much sympathy.

The servant is waiting to go to town, & I must stop now. I seal with wax, according to your orders -- for want of a better seal, the device a quill "from a goose." Do you think it suits?

Yours truly & warmly
Jane

Hand the enclosed to Harvey. 

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
Harvey Mitchell/Michel (1799-1866)
Willie = William M. Mitchell/Michel (1839-1908)
John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)]

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. Paragraph breaks made for easier reading. 

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. 

Congressional Documents Relating to Harvey Mitchell, 1861-1862

Relating to the loyalty of US government employees during the American Civil War. Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866) is included in two items from House Documents, Volume 173. US House of Representatives (Second Session of the Thirty-Seventh Congress, 1861-'62), January 1, 1862. Washington: US Government Printing Office. The first regarding Harvey is dated October 9, 1861.

The second item includes a statement about Harvey from a neighbor:

'The witness, C. F. Hamilton, states that "he (Mitchell) has talked sometimes favorable to the south, then again in favor of the Union." The witness further swears that the wife of Mitchell [Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel] is a sister under General Johnson [General Joseph E. Johnston]; that his son [William M. Mitchell/Michel, 1839-1908] is in the rebel army under Johnson; and that all his family went south except himself and a son-in-law [John Milton Binckley].'  

Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel to Harvey Michel, August 14, 1861

Wednesday 14th [August, 1861]

Your letter to Charlotte[,] my beloved one, reached her last night, & came to me this morning. The picture it gave of your state of distraction is so much like what I have felt myself, that I thoroughly enter into your feelings. Oh husband, these are dreadful times! We must suffer with the rest. Our country, all the States, have sinned with a high hand against God. His justice sends this punishment upon our nation, and all must be partaken. I see sorrow and trouble everywhere. Can we expect to be exempt? Surely not, for we are sinners too -& we must have our share in the general woe.

Your letter, full as it is of grief & perplexity, has yet been a comfort, a great satisfaction to me, for it shows plainly that I read your heart aright, intuitively, when I thought your first wish would be to come back. I have been most deeply pained by what Milton [John Milton Binckley] expressed in his letter from Richmond, blaming me so bitterly for my refusal to go back with him. I even began to fear that you would think hard of me, too. And that made me wretched -- but no! [Y]ou trust me as ever, & I am content.  

This letter, the first reply to any we have sent, has done me so much good. You do no condemn, but encourage the course I have taken. That is enough. As long as I believe we are trying to do right, I am satisfied to leave the event in God's hands. I know He will provide for us in some way. If you do not come here, I shall still endeavor to be satisfied. I know you will do the best you can under the circumstances. May He into whose gracious hands we have committed all our interests, continue to us His care & protection and guidance. If my child is with you, kiss her a thousand times for me, & say that I love her more than ever. I have been most cordially invited to John's [John Warfield Johnston, 1818-1889] house (in Abingdon) but will not go until I know what you will do. My friends will do anything they can for me, but no one here can spare money now.

Yours most fondly
J.W.M.

[Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at Bedford, Virginia, to Harvey Mitchell/Michel at Washington City, August 14, 1861].

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. Original has pencil notation "1865" but from the textual content, it dates to 1861. The only Wednesday the 14th in 1861 was August 14th. Charlotte's [Charlotte Elizabeth Mitchell/Michel, 1829-1921] response is here.

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.

Letter from Charlotte Elizabeth Mitchell/Michel to Her Father Harvey, August 14, 1861

Letter from Charlotte Elizabeth Mitchell/Michel (1829-1921) at Liberty/Bedford, Virginia, to her father, Harvey Mitchell/Michel (1799-1866), at Washington City, August 14, 1861.

My dear Father,

I will not try to tell you how your dear letter affected me, poor dear Father, if I could only help & comfort you, but God has seen fit to place me where I have only the privilege of suffering those I love. We too here have our own trials, & your letter while it pained me, it was a great comfort, oh such a comfort! I sent it up to Ma, & it affected her just as it did me, but she is comforted too, first to feel thankful your heart is with us & you do not blame her for not going back to Washington, no indeed she she could not have done otherwise, if you were here dearest Father you would say the same, I know you too well to doubt it for an instant, things cannot be seen from two points representing the same view, & to know what is going on here, you must be here. 

Just as everyone south of Wa[shington] must hear much that is untrue, even the fact of a "flag of truce being fired on" is a gotten of tale, not a word of truth in it, at least as I hear, but there are truths I could relate which are enough to curdle one's blood, . . . that can be produced to prove that the Convention even in that cruel thoughtless act, is not alone in doing a wrong to the poor & helpless & where there are now suffering families in Wa[shington] from that act, there are those not 200 miles from us, suffering from the most unprovoked violences, homeless & houseless, for indeed, it is plain to see Va. has erred in that law (& none feel it more than I do) but she has not yet countenanced the invasion of her sister states (as were) & if necessity compel her to retaliate, God grant she may never forget to protect innocent woman & children.

Father dear we are sure you will come, oh dearest Father I do not feel competent to anger you, & yet I believe my heart will break if you do not, & if I your daughter, who will be forever separated from you unless you do come cannot urge you, who can[?] I feel it a responsible position I place myself in, to try & influence you either way, especially as you seem to feel your services needed to Bro & Lou, yet surely he has a much better charge to get along in Wa[shington] than you have, he compromises nothing by staying where he is & consequently can do so with impunity, but neither he nor anyone else has any more right to influence you in this, than I have, not as much, for I can see things differently from what he does, oh if they who advised so strongly your remaining in Wa[shington] only knew the grief & anxiety which would have been saved by letting you follow your own impulse (so natural too) now you would have had some employment no doubt & even your household goods could have been saved, but oh Father came even now as soon as you possibly can, & go to work amongst us somewhere. I cannot believe you will do otherwise, whatever others may say, unless you haven't even the means, all your friends seem to feel for you, & we try to leave all to God, if it is His will, I will bow to it, but I must & will say, I could not have a greater trial.

I hope by the time you get this, Lou and Brother will be with you, we heard from Lou in Louisville, she got that far safely, & was waiting there to hear from Brother who was in Richmond when we heard from him. I did not want to see him so much. 

Father dear don't let all these troubles weigh you down, everywhere there is suffering and distress, but it is not of a kind to do more than humble us. God will be with us in the future as in the past if we trust Him. There is nothing so appalling after all in all this trouble except the alienating families & friends, & while I can pray for my enemies, I could if necessary defend myself against them with a clear conscience, we have a right to the homes God has given us, & more shall make us afraid. This feeling grows stronger & stronger, & the greater the atrocities committed in our midst, it mortifies me to feel any I love so near the principal cause of all this evil, much less under any obligation to such a Government.

I would no I feel myself degraded in begging my bread first, but you will not think me entirely beside myself for saying so, I am mild to what those around me are, yet I may be wrong. God grant us all more reason, in these sad times, especially grant us charity. I am delighted dearest Father to find we can get letters to you at last, oh if you could only have resigned that day & come away, how glad our hearts would now be.

Ma has suffered so much from anxiety & care, she is not as well as she was, but your letter to me has kindled a spark of hope, surely it was only circumstances placed you as you now are, & no act of your own, for none of us had anything to do with bringing about that state of things, & we are not responsible for it. God will care for us all, Father. I feel confident He will. 

I wish I had something direct from Lou, but feel if she has not yet gone on to Washington she is in safe hands. Mr. Whittle [Francis McNeece Whittle, 1823-1902] had invited her to his house, & he will be a brother to her till my Brother can get to her, dear little Nellie was such a darling, it upset me more to see one of her little shoes after she left, than anything I have met with lately. 

May God preserve & keep my precious Father & guide him in all things, I feel confident He will. Get your pay Father & resign. Brother will be sure to get back & Lou too they will have  the use of the house & furniture.

Your  loving daughter
C.

[p.s.] I was so sorry you sent such a message to Mr. Goode. I could hardly deliver such a message, when I have just written him a long letter thanking him for all his kindness to your wife & daughter, he was just as kind to dear Lou as he could be, & his sympathy was as strong as the most affectionate of Brothers, & I have never heard him do else than represent my Father's position in its right light, that too when some who have professed more acted contrarily. 

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. There are no paragraph breaks in the original.  

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. 



   

Letter from Jane Johnston Mitchell/Michel to Her Husband Harvey in Washington City, August 13, 1861

Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at Wheatly (Liberty/Bedford, Virginia) to her husband Harvey Mitchell/Michel in Washington City, August 13, 1861.

An opportunity offers, beloved husband, of sending you a sealed letter. I eagerly avail myself of it, for oh! how inexpressibly have I longed to hold some intercourse with you. I have sent letters by various ways, time after time, but have no reason to believe that any of them have ever reached you. I have been utterly at a loss to divine your wishes or intentions, could only judge what seemed to me you would desire. I have refused to go back [to Washington City] with Milton, because I did not believe it could be your desire, or the part of prudence to remain in your present position. I think I should only add to your difficulties by going to you now. I am perfectly sure that the Union can never be restored -- both sides are too much separated for that. The Republican government is rushing to its ruin -- it is already a despotism which has trampled under foot laws & Constitution. 

Is it safe or wise (setting aside all preference) to cling to such an administration? Can you trust it? Can you follow its fortunes? I love our little home in Washington; I love the independence I have enjoyed there. I dearly love many precious friends there, but I feel that this war has cut off all things from me. Washington must unavoidably soon cease to be the seat of federal government; & then what would you do? Follow in the train of that false & tyrannical set to a distant land? Seek a new home among a people of different character, adverse opinions, natures foreign to your own? Give up every relation & friend on earth? And all for a stipend, held at the will of a perfidious set who will throw you off whenever their party interests require. I cannot believe that you think it best for you, in view of these circumstances, to remain in your present place. It is for this reason I have deemed it most advisable for me to remain here until I know your purposes for the future.

Observe, my dear husband, I do not decide for you. I am only trying to adopt that line of conduct which in my opinion you will approve. If I have erred, it is not too late for me to repair my mistake. I shall surely abide by your determination whatever it cost me in the way of feeling. Remember we have had no means of conference or communication. I have had only my knowledge of you in the past to lead me in judging for the present. I have gone through more mental suffering & anxiety than I can tell. 

The parting from my precious child & my darling little one has almost killed me, and the torturing anxiety I have felt for their safety has been terrible. At this moment I cannot conjecture where they are, or what is before them. I heard of their arrival in Louisville, & waiting there for Milton, who was in Richmond. By a letter from him received yesterday, I find he remained there a week -- why, he does not intimate, & I can't imagine. I trust they have met by this time.

Oh husband, my kind & loving one, if I could only see you for one hour, I should have new strength, fresh courage. I feel utterly weak & helpless and downcast -- whichever way I turn seems dark and full of trouble. I have the sole comfort of knowing that I have tried to act, according to the lights I had for the best. If I have erred through the short-sightedness of our nature, you at least, will not judge harshly of me -- turn to the times of old, & ask your heart if I have not been fond and faithful, in adversity, as in joy. I know  I have sought your happiness always, & have been ever ready to make any sacrifice you desired. Do you believe me less ready now? I know you do not. I write in total uncertainty of what you may have done. This suspense is wearing me out. Let it be ended, I pray you, as soon as possible.

The person who takes this will bring your answer to Richmond, then a day brings it here. 

Robert has returned from the Springs much improved. I think the waters have saved him. My poor boy is still suffering greatly at times. Sue & all the others send best best love, with unfailing truth & tenderness ever yours.

Jane 

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. 

Letter from John Milton Binckley at Washington City to Mary Louisa Binckley at Wheatly, July 1861

John Milton Bickley (1821-1878) at Washington City to Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930) at Wheatly (Liberty/Bedford, Virginia), [July 1861].

In the first place, write a letter wherever or whenever it is possible -- not probable -- that we can get it. If there are fifty of them, it would be worth the labor & expense.

The letters I now speak of may most of them never get to me. 

Some of them may come, but too late to reach me before the 29th July, when I start.

Now, write them anyhow. Such as come too late for me would be like manna from heaven to your poor father [Harvey Mitchell/Michel (1799-1866)]. Also, in the midst of war, nothing is certain. I may not be able to get off at that date. 

Of course, I will not go, if I get word from you, or if in any way events which I cannot foresee should change my plan, before the 29th July.

Now write me letters as follows: Enclose one in [an] envelope the letter addressed to some acquaintance in Louisville, Kentucky (By the way, Eliza Filby[?] is well as ever, & to go home soon) or to somebody in another town in Ky. -- Louisville the best -- or you might send to George D. Prentice [(1802-1870). Editor of the Louisville Journal]. Send this by Express if you can -- or by mail if you [can't].

Write another to Capt. Smith's wife in Winchester, enclosed, etc.

Write one to Miss Little, care of A. Alex. Little, Esq. [(1824-1877)], Fredericksburg, 

Write one to your uncle Peter [Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877)], or some member of the Convention or Government who knows you -- ar Richmond -- or to some merchant in R.

Write one to your friend Miss West who is, I understand,, detained in Fortress Monroe, & who doubtless is allowed mail facilities.

Write one to some soldier in one of the camps hereabouts, especially the camp of your uncle Joe [Joseph Eggleston Johnston]. 

In all these cases, you ought to enclose your letter sealed to me, and a note, both in one envelope, addressed to the friend, begging him, as your only way to pay all expenses, be they how much sooner, and authorizing him in Every case, , if he think necessary, to break the seal & read the letter. The authority is necessary, but I find that  it be note necessary to open the letter.

Remember this -- Wherever a Confederate State post office is in operation near the military lines, a friend at such post office will find means of sending a letter over to be remailed inside of the U.S. lines -- don't forget this, & you may find many ways of writing.  

Goodbye my dear dear Mary 
Milton

P.S. This I send by Express to St. Julian in Louisville, Kentucky. He will probably write you or your mother, giving directions how to reply through him. 

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. 

Letter from Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel to John Milton Binckley, August 3, 1861

Letter from Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at Wheatly (Liberty/Bedford, Virginia) to John Milton Binckley at Richmond, August 3, 1861. Paragraph breaks added for easier reading. 

My dear Milton,

Your dispatch announcing that you were in Richmond came to me last night at 8 o'clock -- too late for me to send an answer by telegraph, or even a letter in reply. It was most fortunate that Charlotte was in Liberty, and could give an answer. The news of your being in Richmond filled me with anxiety and dismay. The last letter received from you, dated 17th July, said most decidedly that you had abandoned all idea of coming into Virginia. This relieved me from all apprehension of such a disaster. And now behold a new complication of troubles. You, my poor Milton, in Richmond, and Lou [Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley, Milton's wife and Jane's daughter], my darling child, with weary and over-burdened heart, reaching Washington only to find you gone! Oh it is dreadful. It makes me wild to think of what you both are suffering this moment. And I can do nothing to help either. Here I am with hands tied, seeing terrible evils besetting all I love best, yet unable to lift a finger even in warning. We all thought it a most desperate undertaking for Louisa to attempt to get to Washington -- alone, except for the dear little helpless baby, who was an obstacle & responsibility on such a journey beyond anything else. 

The outrages committed in various instances by the Northern soldiers made me shrink with horror from the idea of her passing through their camps. I am sure you would not have asked her to return if you could have known of the dangers & difficulties to be encountered. The only safe route was the one through Louisville -- and that seemed beyond her strength: so long & fatiguing, with dear Nellie on her lap day and night for a week -- and the expense so heavy. She had only about fifty dollars when she left here [equivalent to about $1,300 in 2015].

We believed, when we went to Richmond, that she could pass at Manassas -- found it impossible. Then she turned to Old Point as a certain mode of egress -- went alone to Norfolk, & wrote you by Express via Louisville, to come to Fortress Monroe and get a flag of truce to come from there over to Norfolk and convey her across. She was confident of the success of this plan. 

But evidently, the letter never reached you. She waited two weeks in Norfolk, in a state of the most torturing anxiety -- found no flag would be sent, & at last determined to take the route through Louisville -- came to Petersburg & borrowed thirty dollars from Junius Butts [1830-1878] (Charlotte Campbell's [1837-1906] husband) for the journey; having, as you may well believe, nearly exhausted her funds. Then she started to travel day & night to Louisville, where she thought she should hear from you by telegraph. She had previously written to our friend Mr. Whittle [Francis McNeece Whittle, 1823-1902], who lives there, to send you a telegraphic message to let you know her plans. 

Poor soul! She had received your letter saying you would start to Virginia on the 29th July and she was nearly deranged with terror on your account. She did not even pause to see me in Liberty, but hastened on, with that wild dread urging her every step. And now, alas! It is realized. I trust she reach Washington on Tuesday -- but what a shock! You not there. I know her courage & strength gave way then. She has borne up wonderfully -- sustained by unwavering trust in God. And He has raised up friends and help for her wherever she has been.

The day after she reached Norfolk, she found in the Hotel two young ladies from the North who were trying to get home. They immediately joined her. The three went to a boarding house together, where they took one room. They were the greatest aid and comfort to her whilst in Norfolk; and they went with her when she turned to the West. Of course they would go all the way in company -- and these girls relieved my poor child much fatigue by assisting in the care of little darling.

Several letters from you & Harvey have come to my hands in the last two weeks -- all urging my return as well as Louisa's -- if you could place yourself in my situation one moment, you would perceive that to be impossible. I have no money, and could not borrow any with a prospect of being able to replace it. In fact, my friends can do anything for me better than giving me money, which is wanted for their boys in the army.

The route to Harper's Ferry, I hear from Capt. Smith, is still practicable. He says I could go safely through the Confederate lines as Gen. [Joseph E.] Johnston's sister, but that fact would be ruinous on the other side of the Potomac.

[p.s.] Fred Mitchell is at Mr. Hugh Fry's -- go see him. Lydia [McLane Johnston, wife of Joseph E. Johnston] is with President Davis. Mrs. Davis was so good to Lou. 

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.

Letter from Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel to Her Daughter "Lou," August 3, 1861

Letter from Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at Wheatly (Liberty/Bedford, Virginia) to "Mrs. M. L. Binckley" (Mary Louisa “Lou” Mitchell/Michel Binckley) at Louisville, Kentucky, August 3, 1861. 

As there appears to be a possibility of sending a letter to you, my precious one, by the help of Captain Smith, I write to tell you something of what I have felt in the last few days. Our life at this time is but a succession of excitements & troubles -- varied in subject & intensity but ever wearing and straining our hearts. When Harvey [a servant or slave, not Harvey Mitchell, Jane's husband] came back from Liberty and told me he had seen you in the Cars [rail], I felt so stunned & amazed at first that I could not even weep -- but all that night my mind followed you & my lovely darling along the dark road. I saw you thin & pale and harassed -- worn with fatigue & anxiety about your husband, passing on to Louisville to stop his intended journey. Oh dear me, how the mother's heart shared your troubles on that long journey -- how many ardent prayers were sent up to Heaven for your safety and prosperous arrival. I do trust that our petitions have been graciously heard & that you have been safely lodged, for some days, beneath the roof of the dear little cottage. Last Friday came another letter from Milton [Binckley], dated 17th July, saying that he abandoned all idea of coming to Virginia. Judge then what was my dismay & grief, last night, on receiving a dispatch from him, saying he was in Richmond, waiting for Mary [i.e. Lou]. It was not too late for me to send a dispatch, or even a letter (Sam Wingfield came out about eight o'clock to bring Milton's) & I felt perfectly wild with the idea of Milton's hearing from the Blairs that you were still in Norfolk, & going there to seek you. However, after a while I found out that Charlotte [Charlotte Elizabeth Mitchell/Michel] had read the dispatch, & promptly answered it, saying what way you had gone -- but for this, matters would have been still worse. My poor dear child, what a bitter disappointment awaited you on your arrival!

How my heart aches for you and poor Milton today, both in such torturing suspense. My child, what way could we turn in these trying times, if we had not a steady trust in God? Yo His gracious care I try continually to commit you & yours "knowing that He careth for you." This trust supports me now, in my days of adversity. I firmly believe that He will provide, & I am willing, I think, to accept whatever His wisdom appoints.

We have such peculiar cause for thankfulness for the preservation of nearly everyone who went from the country, Capt. Winston Radford  [1820-1861; 2nd Virginia Cavalry] -- not Carlson --  is the only one I know of that was killed: a noble fellow leaves a young wife & seven children. Sam's shoulder was brushed by a bomb, and the buckle of his belt shot off, but he unhurt amidst a shower of lead & iron. The first news we had of the battle [First Manassas or Bull Run] was a rumor that Sam was wounded. We did not get authentic accounts contradicting this until nearly 12 Monday night. I need not say how Lucy suffered. James & Robert A. [?] each heard the other had fallen, and each spent great part of the night searching for the other [but did] not meet until late Monday. Imagine them on that field of horror, turning over dead men, & looking in their faces for a brother's features. Jack is at Uncle Tom's. I spent yesterday with him, & received from his lips many details confirming the statements given in the Va. papers. All concur in attributing the victory to the interposition of the Most High. His arm was stretched to save & help. 

Josephine has spent three days here with me. I love her dearly, & even think her worthy of Jack & have no doubt they are engaged. He does not fight -- acts only as chaplain, feels so much for you. Josephine so laments not having seen you. Ellen Blair lost a cousin & had two uncles wounded. We have heard that Carrington was captured. Is it true? I await in deepest anxiety the next news from you. God grant it may be good. All send more love than I can put in. May every blessing attend you, my beloved child, your husband & my pet lamb. Your [Aunt] Lilly [Lydia Mulligan Sims McLane Johnston, 1822-1887] has been to see Joe [Joseph Eggleston Johnston]. I pine to see my husband. 
Your
Mother

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.

Map from University of Nebraska at Lincoln, "Railroads and the Making of Modern America: A Digital History Project." http://railroads.unl.edu/views/

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.

Letter from Mary Louisa “Lou” Mitchell/Michel Binckley to “My beloved Milton,” August 1, 1861

Trapped in limbo in Louisville, Kentucky, Mary Louisa “Lou” Mitchell/Michel Binckley wrote this letter to “My beloved Milton,” August 1, 1861. The mailing envelope is addressed to Mr. J. M. Binckley [her husband] or Mr. Harvey Michel [her father], Washington, DC. There is a three cent stamp affixed, postmarked Louisville, Kentucky, much like the above from Wiki Commons, which features the Adams Express Company. 

I arrived here day before yesterday, coming all the way through Tennessee. I went straight to the Telegraph Office and sent you a dispatch. All day yesterday I waited in a fever of impatience -- no answer came -- I went in the evening again. The operator was so interested and kind, he sent himself to know if the message had been received. I have had no answer from that. I can wait no longer.

Your letter of the 8th of June reached me when it was nearly three weeks old. I was just then starting from Norfolk where I had waited two weeks for a flag of truce -- that seemed impossible -- no one was allowed to go near Manassas --the only route open was by Tenn. and they said it would only be open for a few days. I got to Louisville without a cent, but have met with such kind friends. Rev. Mr. Whittle [Francis McNeece Whittle, 1823-1902] came and took me this morning to his house where he says I shall stay as long as I please.

For God's sake let me know what to do? Where you and my precious father are? And what are you going to do? I have written letter after letter to you. 

In greatest haste,
Your own
Mary 

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.