Edward William Johnston to John Warfield Johnston, January 2, 1848

[Edward William Johnston at Washington, D.C., to John Warfield Johnston, Virginia Senate, at Richmond, January 2, 1848. Box 26, 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.]                 

                                   Washington D.C. Jan’y 2, 1848

My dear John,

Robert McLane (now M.C. from the Baltimore district) whose statement of Joseph’s services I send you, was himself Joseph’s comrade in the Florida war, a graduate of West Point, and a lieutenant of Artillery, in the reinforcement which came to the relief of Powell’s detachment, after its narrow escape at Jupiter Inlet. He speaks of that affair, therefore, from a personal knowledge of the particulars. Yet he has by no means stated them in their whole reality, as I have heard them from Joseph himself. Possibly McLane never did; for Master Jo., as you are probably aware, is not the most communicative gentleman alive; and is apt to be utterly restive about his own performances. I drew the details of this one from him, by a course of Interrogations.

When, in the course of their retreat, the Marines had given way and made pell-mell for the boats, the little body of Regulars was all that was left to save the entire party from being either cut off while regaining their boats, or destroyed as they were making their way down the narrow inlet. These Regulars were covering the escape as well as they could, when the fall of their last officer left them without any leader. It was there that Joseph assumed the command of (I think) the 28 men left. Perceiving at once that a resolute stand must be made, or that they would be completely if they over-powered if they waited until the gathering rush of the Indians was poured upon them just as they reached the boats in confusion, he at once formed his handfull [handful] of men around; brought them into line within some thirty yards of the cover from which the Indians (ten times their number & arriving in additional parties every moment) were pouring their fire and preparing to burst; and, confronting them, with fixed bayonets, determined in this way to hold back their charge (which would else be fatal) until the Marines could rally, or the boats be regained. You may see that nothing but his high reputation through the Army for soldiership could have induced the men to execute a maneuver so daring. It was done, however, with the greatest coolness & steadiness: not a man flinched from the bold piece of work; and they thus stood close up to the Seminole rifle, long enough to secure the retreat of the rest, and then fight their own way, inch by inch, backwards to the boats,

While making this first stand, Joseph stood on the left of his men, the mark of God knows how many guns, at half what may be considered point blank. He received seven balls through his clothes & hat. One raked all the hair off the top of his head & knocked him down; while two others just touched his body above the waist, one on the right side and the other on the left, besides which, a sapling against which he leant his right arm, merely to support himself (for it was too small to be thought of for its shelter & moreover stood out of the line of the main firing) happened to cover the center of his body from a marksman at one side, who shot at him repeatedly, and hit the tree several times. I have seldom heard of such an escape from deliberate close firing.

As to his previous withdrawal from the Service, it was induced by discouraged professional pride. He saw repeated civil appointments into the Army, and men advanced as politicians & intriguers; and seeming all promotion to be got in that way and despairing of all honour or soundness in an army administered by favouritism or controlled by party-influence, not merit, he coolly made up his mind, without any individual injustice or affront, to betake himself to the occupation of a Civil Engineer, for which he was excellently qualified. He had hardly taken this step, however, when Mr. Poinsett, of whose character & abilities Joseph had a high idea, was placed at the head of the War Department. Auguring a better state of things under him, Joseph sought to return to his profession; and had no difficulty in getting himself sent back to Florida, in the staff service where the affair at Jupiter Inlet found him.

On Scott’s return from Florida, he told me that no young officer in the Army exceeded Joseph as a capable & useful man; and that he had served him with the highest efficiency. He had previously been of his Staff, in the Black Hawk war.

As a Topographical Engineer also, he has been much employed; in the reconnaissances made with a view to ascertain the true Maine boundary; afterwards  in running, under Major Graham, the line of the Ashburton treaty; and for two successive years on the Coast Survey. He also conducted a part of the Survey of the line between us & Texas. I do not believe that any officer of his years has performed in greater quantity or variety of active & important duty, or labored more to make himself, as he is considered, the master of every branch of his profession. He has equally applied himself to the whole theory & history of the Military Art; and is I think, the best-read soldier that I know, of every thing that can throw a light upon Strategy, from the campaigns of Hannibal down to those of Napoleon.

I should have gotten Powell to give a statement of the Jupiter Inlet business; but reasons of delicacy forbade it. He would have done it, I am sure, with great pleasure.

You must not allow either of these papers to be used for that inconsiderate machine the Press; which, provided it can get something “exclusive”,  cares for nobody’s feelings.

                                              Ever affectionately,

                                                    Yours

                                              Edward Wm. Johnston

[Edward William Johnston (1799-1867).
John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889).
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).
Robert Milligan McLane  (1815-1898).
Powell = Levin Minn Powell (1803-1885). 
Jupiter Inlet = Janary 15, 1838, during the Second Seminole War.
Poinsett = Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851). 
Scott - Winfield Scott (1786-1866).]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, 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.]

Edward William Johnston to John Warfield Johnston, December 29, 1847

[Edward William Johnston at Washington, D.C., to John Warfield Johnston at Richmond, December 29, 1847. Box 26, 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. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

Washington, D.C. 29 Dec. 1847

My dear John

Your letter, though delayed by that profound stroke of economy which makes the delight of Cave Johnson & the wonder of the Democracy – the stroke, I mean, by which he now gets the Mail carried for three days (from here to Richmond) at no more than he formerly gave for carrying it [in] one day – has been received & attended to.

I have visited the war office; procured there certain documents which you will see; and found the two officers who will be able to give the best history of Joseph’s campaigns & his other services.

The latter may take some days for its preparation: meantime, I wrote merely to say that you will, by the end of this week, have all that you want.

About a week since, I received from Joseph. Though Col. Andrews, the sword & watch of our dear & gallant boy, Preston, which he wore when he fell. It might be possible to mention, in your proceedings, the poor youth, than whom none stood higher in the army. The watch is that which his father had on, when he too perished in the public service. As for a sword, Jo wields another – that which his father used with so much honour at Eutaw Springs & when he led the Forlorn Hope at the taking of Fort Watson.   

                                                affectionately yours

                                                 Edward W. Johnston

[John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889).

Edward William Johnston (1799-1867).

Cave Johnson (1793-1866), Postmaster General. Introduced postage stamp into the US mail system. 

Joseph, Jo = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).

Col. Andrews = Timothy Patrick Andrews (1794-1868) of the Voltigeurs.

Preston = John Preston Johnston (1824-1847).

His (Preston’s) father = Charles Clement Johnston  (1795-1832).

His (Jo’s) father = Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831).

Eutaw Springs = September 8, 1781.

Fort Watson = final assault, April 23, 1781.]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, 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.]

Henry and Eleanor Bowen to Louisa Bowen Johnston, November 19, 1818

[Henry Rees (aka Reese) Bowen and Eleanor Tate Bowen at [probably Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia] to Louisa Smith at Abingdon, Virginia, November 19, 1818, anonymous typescript copy, folder 39, Trigg-Floyd Collection, Special Collections, John Cook Wyllie Library, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (formerly Clinch Valley College), Wise, Virginia.] 

Nov. 19th 1818

My dear Child,

We read your letter dated the 13th of this instant on last evening which from your statement you appear to think we have forgotten you; we should be sorry if any length of time should ever make us forget a Child that is so near and Dear to us; we generally can hear from you every two or three weeks which is a great satisfaction to us, we are all well, and your little Sister can say almost anything. We would be glad when the Doctor returns if the weather is not too cold that you and him could come over that we might get a sight of little Henry[.] Your Mother and myself Did think of coming over about Christmas but if the weather Should be Coald and Eleanor so heavy to carry it may be Doubtful weather we Come or nor this from your Affectionate Parents

H. Bowen
E. S. Bowen

[Henry Rees (aka Reese) Bowen (1770-1850)
Eleanor Stuart Tate Bowen (1778-1833)
Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873), eighteen going on nineteen years old at the time of this letter. 
The Doctor = Dr. John Warfield Johnston (December 14, 1790-December 10, 1818), died within weeks (not sure of the details of his death at this juncture, but he was just shy of twenty-eight years old).
"Little Henry" = Henry (Henry Johnston) must have been the original given name of John Warfield Johnston (September 9, 1818-February 27, 1889), undoubtedly renamed for his father after the latter's sudden death. Henry would have been in honor of Louisa's father.
Your little Sister/Eleanor = Ellen Eleanor Bowen (January 8, 1817-circa 1850?)]

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

John W. Johnston to Nicketti Buchanan Floyd Johnston, January 9, 1848

[John Warfield Johnston at Richmond, Virginia, to Nicketti Buchanan Floyd Johnston [at Southwest Virginia], January 9, 1848, folder 161, 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].

Richmond Jan 9^th 1848

My dearest wife,

I wrote to you some three or four days since by Robert W. Davidson & not reflecting that it would be some weeks before he would reach Tazewell, I fear you will think that I am becoming slack in my writing. But I write every three or four days at farthest, not at regular times, but whenever I feel in the humor.

Your last letter reached me day before yesterday, bringing the glad intelligence that you were all well except for poor little Johnny’s finger. He is a hero, however, & endures anything of the soul better than most men would do. I have no doubt, but that it would be favorable to his health to take him to the Scott Springs next summer, which have a great reputation in all eruptive diseases. I think it likely that he will be afflicted for some time like I have been, tho’ I hope that it will be a sort of clearing up of his system & leave him in good health. But, I can’t help feeling uneasy about yourself. You say nothing about the pain in your side from which you have been suffering so much. But my dearest wife do all that can be done to preserve your health. Think what would be the condition of our poor babies if both of us were stricken down by the hand of disease. Perhaps the medicine I sent you will afford relief, but if it does not, consult your brother Will; explain to him fully your symptoms, & follow his prescription faithfully. I know that I have set a bad example in that particular, but pray don’t follow it.

My health continues good. I have escaped so far the cold so common to Western men on coping & hope to get through the winter without it. I don’t think that I look as well as I did when I got here, but otherwise, I am about as I was. I yearn impatiently for the time, which will release me from this life, both that I may be in the bosom of my family where alone I can be happy, & that I may engage again the practice of law. For a new passion has taken possession of my mind & I actually burn to gain the double prize of wealth & distinction.

I think now that the session will be a short one. They have gotten through business with more than ordinary dispatch in the lower House this session. The senate met on Thursday, but no quorum being present we adjourned over until Monday next: when we will get to work in earnest. I see nothing to keep us beyond the middle of February unless we engage in the criminal code, which I am in hopes will be continued for the present & made the business of an extra session, in which way alone it can be properly done.

Your brother John is going to offer a resolution giving a sword to Uncle Jo. A gentleman in Congress who was his companion in arms in Florida, has furnished a very interesting account of his services there & a sketch of what je has done in Mexico can readily be made up from the newspapers. Col. Garland & other officers here, who knew poor little Pres, says that he was by common consent, the finest man of his rank in the army.

I have not been to Williamsburg yet. Holmes left here I thought, in a fret & I fancied that his irritation to me was rather a matter of course for having brought his wife down than because he really wanted to see me. But in this perhaps I am wrong. No body knows what a misfortune it is to have such a temper as mine, for while no one has warmer feelings than I have, I am a stranger to men I meet almost every day of my life, & repel or cool down the advances of people that may even love me. I will go to see him, tho’, some time during the winter, as it [is] only half a day’s travel. He told me that he had about thirty in his class.  

Is Bill Holly going on with the work I employed him to do? Practice the plan I suggested as to Tom & I’ll answer for it that it succeeds. Get Benham to but any provender that you need for the horses & cows. I am glad George sold the horses. Get the notes from [him] & put them in my smallest note bag in the proper letters. Kiss my babies. Give my love to all & believe me your

devoted Husband

John W. Johnston

[John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889), Senator in the Virginia General Assembly, 1846-1847 and 1847-1848, representing several SW Virginia counties. Married to Nicketti Buchanan Floyd, sister of Elizabeth Lavalette Floyd, who was married to George Frederick Holmes (1820-1897), and "your brother John" John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863), member of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1847 to 1849 and Governor of Virginia from 1849 to 1852, who was married to their cousin Sarah “Sally” Buchanan Preston (1802-1879), who was a sister of Elizabeth Henry Preston (1796-1876), who was married to General Edward Codrington Carrington (1790-1855)
Robert W. Davidson = Robert Wallace Davidson (1801-1868)
Little Johnny = John Warfield Johnston III (1842-1851)
Your brother Will = Dr. William Preston Floyd (1809-1871)

Uncle Jo = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891), well-known at the time for his heroics during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848

Colonel Garland = John Garland (1793-1861)

Poor little Pres = John Preston Johnston (1824-1847), killed in action at Contreras]

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

John Warfield Johnston to Nicketti Buchanan Floyd Johnston, December 29, 1847

[John Warfield Johnston at Richmond, Virginia, to Nicketti Buchanan Floyd Johnston [at Southwest Virginia], December 29, 1847, folder 160, 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. Gaps from missing bits of text].

Richmond Dec 29^th 1847

My dearest wife:

I was very much relieved yesterday on getting your letter from home as it was the first intelligence I had had at all of home affairs. Your letter from Wythe was a long time on the road as it only reached me a day or two before your last. I am rejoiced to hear how well you get on, tho’ I shudder to think of the cold you must be suffering from now, if it as much severer than it is here as the difference of climate would indicate. The ground has been covered with snow for ten days or more & hard frozen all the time.

I was actually afraid yesterday to put my nose out of the door & stayed cooped up all day. It has been an unparalleled season here so far. I shall go down to see Holmes tomorrow or next day if the weather moderates, tho’ he went off in rather a bad humour. John Floyd argued with him about some new History of the Middle Ages . . . Holmes . . . as a very profound work was in fact a novel, no history, & . . .ed his side of the question with great gran. . . I, of course, sided with the Captain & more to every thing he advanced. You may judge what a fret this put Holmes into & as it was the night before he started, I am a little afraid that he has not recovered his good humour.

Cousin Sally talks a little like going down with me & I am to go up to Gen. Carrington’s before I start to see her. I have not been up for a couple of weeks. Some how, I can’t get over the notion that I am not entirely agreeable as a visitor there, tho’ they are kind in their intentions. I dined with Mr. O’Brien once since I got down. He has enlarged & improved his church very much & I see that his congregation has increased in the same ratio: Mr. Downing was with him when I came down who, tho’ extremely agreeable as a companion, is not eloquent or profound by any means as a preacher. The Bishop is not here, nor did I learn when he was expected.

I am still boarding at the Exchange, where they charge me $12 a week. This is very high & tho’ the accommodations are very superior to any in the city, I am hesitating whether to leave here or not. Gillespie & Tate . . . me to go the the …ulian, but . . . not like the . . . bustle & crowd that is always there. Besides, I rather believe that it would be better to stay here. Unless a man can have great reputation for talent, he had better at least keep the best company the place affords.

I had written thus far when I was interrupted & did not have an opportunity of finishing until after my return from a party at Joseph Mayo’s. It is now one o’clock, but that is not much before my usual bedtime. I can’t sleep in the early part of the night at all & prefer sitting up to lying in bed awake.

I can’t tell you now what will be the probable length of the session. If we take up the criminal code, it will be spun out to the 1^st [of] April. I hope, however,    that it will be agreed on all hands, to postpone that until the completion of the civil code & then make them both the business of an extra session, which is the only way in which, it can be done well.

Spotts tells me that Robert Davidson will be down here with his wagon in a few days & that he will probably be able to take p the groceries &c. I will procure the Mother’s Relief, if it can [readily] be obtained in the meantime.

It has been determined [to] offer a reso[lution awarding] a sword by the state to uncle Jo, who, I am sure, deserves it as much as any officer in the army. I have written to uncle Edward to send me a sketch of his services for the use of the gentleman who will offer the resolution.

John Floyd has been in my room once, & then I invited him to dine with me. I suppose, won’t cut my acquaintance entirely, however. He does not mingle much with the members & seems to keep himself close at his quarters.

I have paid out $45 for cousin Joe & any money that you may want apply to him for. I don’t think that I shall go to Washington, as I can’t afford the money now. If I go to see Holmes, I will go as far as Norfolk in order to get a sight of the ocean while I have the opportunity. Give my love to mother: kiss my babies & remember me to my friends.

Believe me dearest wife

Yours ever

John W. Joh[nston]

[$12 in 1847 = about $325 in 2016

John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889), Senator in the Virginia General Assembly, 1846-1847 and 1847-1848, representing several SW Virginia counties. Married to Nicketti Buchanan Floyd, sister of Elizabeth Lavalette Floyd, who was married to George Frederick Holmes (1820-1897), and John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863), member of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1847 to 1849 and Governor of Virginia from 1849 to 1852, who was married to their cousin Sarah “Sally” Buchanan Preston (1802-1879), who was a sister of Elizabeth Henry Preston (1796-1876), who was married to General Edward Codrington Carrington (1790-1855)

Uncle Jo = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891), well-known at the time for his heroics during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848

Uncle Edward = Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
Cousin Joe = ?]

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

Joseph Eggleston Johnston to John Warfield Johnston, November 13, 1877

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston at Richmond, Virginia, to John Warfield Johnston [at Abingdon, Virginia, or Washington City], November 13, 1877, folder 450, 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].

My dear John,

Your letter of yesterday came this morning.

I see that I did not express myself clearly in the matter of our helping Jane. I understood her to refer only to poor Lou's reputation, and to ask help in maintaining it. I would on no account ask you to contribute to her support. Since becoming established in my business, I have been doing what I could in that direction. Giving $300. a year each, to her and Brother Peter. Since his death $50.00 a month has been sent to her. Part of it, no doubt, goes to Master Willie, who is not in the habit of postponing himself to any one else. I offered Ben, here, an opportunity to invest $150. in a loan to his cousin, secured by that cousin; promise, but he neglected it. So I had done.

I wish I were by you for your [part missing] in writing to the  president that sort of composition tries my intellect very severely. If there is anything inappropriate in the enclosed, or any thing omitted that you think would be effective, consider this a proof sheet, and return it with the correction or addition marked.

It would not be right on your part, to bestow money in helping your aunt.
Affectionately yours
J.E. Johnston

Hon John W Johnston

[$1 in 1877 = about $22 in 2016; so $300 = $6,500; $50 = $1,100; $150 = $3,300. 
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889)
Jane Mary Wood Johnston (1811-1892)
Poor Lou = Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930) 
Brother Peter = Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877)
Master Willie = William Manning Mitchell/Michel (1839-1908), a doctor by then practicing in California 
Ben = George Ben Johnston (1853-1916), newly practicing doctor in Abingdon at the time]

John Warfield Johnston to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston, June 22, 1834

[John Warfield Johnston at Columbia, South Carolina, to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston via Tazewell Courthouse, Virginia, June 22, 1834,  folder 68, 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]. 

My dear mother

I sit down to write to you, after an interval of three weeks; a longer space than has yet intervened between any of my letters. This is not neglect. I expected to have been at home before this time: as matters now stand I can scarcely get there in less than three weeks or a month. Uncle Edward has had a long spell of sickness, from which he is just recovering, and he and aunt Estelle have gone out to the country to enjoy the cool air and water, leaving me here to keep house meanwhile. They return in a few days, intending to start, immediately, to some spring southe [sic] of this, to which I am to accompany them, and where they will stay, probably three weeks, but I don't want to go there, I had much rather come home, and will if I can get a [horse?] between this and then.

As soon as I received your last, I commissioned uncle Syd to buy a horse for me, which he did in a few days: and when I went to see it, I found an old, poor, sorebacked, hammerheaded, stiff and, I suspect, blind dray horse, which I refused to take, the instant that I saw it. Coming on horseback is a good deal cheaper than the stage, for what I would lose by buying a horse here and selling him there and my expenses on horseback would not be equal to my expenses in the stage when I would have to sell my saddle and buy a trunk.

Tell Henry I am much obliged to him for his advice but shall not take it: the weather is to [too] warm and the sand to [too] deep for that.

Give my love to all
your affectionate son
J.W. Johnston

[John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889)
Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873)
Uncle Edward = Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
Aunt Estelle = Marie Antoinette Estelle Costar Johnston (1802-1848)
Uncle Syd = Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852)
Henry = probably Louisa's much younger brother, Henry Smith Bowen (1820-1887)]

John Warfield Johnston to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston, October 27, 1834

[John Warfield Johnston at Columbia, South Carolina, to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston, via Clifton Post Office, Russell County, Virginia, October 27, 1834. Box 1, John Warfield Johnston Papers, 1778-1890, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.]

My dear mother

Burns says, in his correspondence, that it is one of the most striking characteristics of the human race that a man will go on from day to day and from month to month, suffering more from leaving undone that which he ought to do than the very doing of the deed would cost him. Thus it is with me: I ought to have written to you as soon as I arrived here, but I have put of[f] untill [sic] a week has passed; what I have suffered, however, is in some measur[e] counterbalanced by the comfortable feeling that comes over me having finished, sealed, and sent my letter! and the agreeable thought that it will be some weeks before I have to write another.

I arrived here [S]unday morning after a tedious journey of nine days and found uncle Edward and aunt Estelle sick, aunt E confined to her bed and uncle just beginning to walk about he has been sick the whole summer having relapsed after I left here in the spring. Uncle Ben started off to Orangeburg the same morning and has been taken sick there and uncle Syd has gone to see him so that I am left alone. It is a most independent feeling which one has when left alone and able to walk about the house without restraint.

I saw Misses Mitchell and Melville in Jonesborough they have a good school and are just the same except that Miss Mitchell seems to have fattened in the estimation of fifty pounds.

Uncle E. will keep my horse about a month at his own expense. [H]e will be fat by that time so that I shall [make] something on his sale. He is an excellent horse and would be worth the expense of keeping especially as he only cost 20$ he could be kept here at 40$ until the middle of June only half of which I would have to pay. The last day I came 43 miles. I have got up every morning since I have been here before sunrise and rode my horse to water about a half a mile. I feel the good effects of it already. 

I have not done anything yet in the studies as every body is sick, but I will be kept busy when I do begin. The first frost fell the second morning after I got here but the weather has been so warm that I have had to resume my summer clothes. 

Write to me as soon as you receive this and inform me of the state of Rob Roy['s] health and of his proficiency in his studies. [G]ive my love to everybody.

your affectionate son
J.W. Johnston

[Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873)
John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889)
"Uncle Ben" = Benjamin Franklin Johnston (1808-November 5, 1834)
"Uncle Edward" = Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
"Aunt Estelle" = Marie Antoinette Estelle Costar (De Cressac Villagrand) Johnston (ca. 1802-1848)
"Uncle Syd" = Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852)
Rob Roy = pet dog

"I saw Misses Mitchell and Melville in Jonesborough they have a good school" = Jonesborough Female Academy (1833-1852) in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The building still stands at 205 West College Street. Not sure yet of the exact identity of "Miss Mitchell," but Miss Melville" can be identified as Catherine M. Melville (1807-January 1881 or possibly December 1880) who relocated to Washington, D.C., shortly before the American Civil War. She is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lot 203 East. Jane Mary Wood Johnston (1811-1892) and her daughters are buried in the same cemetery, Lot 548]. 

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.     


  

Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston to John Warfield Johnston, December 31, 1834

[Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston at Craborchard [Crab Orchard, Tazewell, Virginia] to Master John Warfield Johnston at Columbia, South Carolina, December 31, 1834. Hand cancelled P.O. Clifford, Russell County, Virginia, Jan'y 1st 1835. Box 1, John Warfield Johnston Papers, 1778-1890, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. Some (but not all) paragraph breaks added for easier reading].

Pardon me my own loved boy for deferring so long the pleasure of writing you. I would have written immediately on the receipt of your first letter but was prevented by company. It seems my child that you are destined to lose all of those who interest themselves most in your welfare; the death of your loved uncle has filled me with grief more than I can express. We cannot I think be too grateful to my dear brothers Edward and Joseph for all their solicitude about [us]. 

You say that if b[r]other E. should accept of a situation, at either of those places mentioned in your last letter, that it is very clear you cannot go. [N]ow my beloved boy, it is not clear to me, if brother Edward will take charge of you, wither ever he goes, I shall be willing for you to go. [I]f he takes charge of a professorship in Louisiana, Washington, or Charleston, it will suit you as well, to go to either of those places, as stay at Columbia at present, the increase of distance will be the only difference; but that will be a trifle, it will keep you on the road a week longer, so my precious boy if your uncle is not tired of you, it is my earnest advice to you  . . . to go with him: the sep[a]ration from you will be extremely painful to me, but I have made up my mind to submit to every privation for what I consider your advantage. I hope my darling you will not hesitate to take my advice.

We are busy making preparations for your uncle[']s wedding. [T]here will be no more than a dozen persons here, how much I wish that my darling could be here.

In compliance with your request I write you a most . . . particular account of Rob Roy he is indeed a most fascinating dog he is almost as large as Thomas Preston[']s Milo and he fetches very well and takes heed when we put our hands on him.

I received a letter from Jane today. [S]he expected to go to housekeeping in a few days and is very desirous for me to go there without delay. But I have no one to go with me sooner than March. Rees will go on about the 1st March to lay in goods, and has consented to take the stage that I may go with him.

Cousin Joe went about the 1st Nov to Washington City and on his return, was taken violently ill in Richmond. Mr. Hopkins wrote that there was hopes [sic] of his recovery. [H]e however has not reached home yet. 

Your likeness has been a great comfort to me. [T]hrough the day it sits on the side board and at night I take it in my room. I talk to it every day: sometimes think you look sad at other times gay.

I can tell you nothing of your [other] uncles in this country.

My love to all my relatives. May heaven guard and protect my child.

Louisa S. Johnston

[Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873)
John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889)
"The death of your loved uncle" = Benjamin Franklin Johnston (1808-November 5, 1834)
Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
Joseph (definitely) and "Cousin Joe" (possibly) = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
"Your uncle's wedding" = Rees Tate Bowen (1809-1879) married Maria Louisa Peery (1819-1853) at Tazewell, Virginia, on January 13, 1835
Thomas Lewis Preston (1812-1903)
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)]

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.     

Beverly Randolph Johnston to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston, circa 1866

[Beverly Randolph Johnston [n.p.] to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston [n.p., circa 1866-1867], Box 2, John Warfield Johnston Papers, 1778-1890, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.]

Dear Sister

It is anything but agreeable to me to have to write any thing which may seem to involve reproof against Jane. I make & [?] none. But I must defend myself. She charges me with wrong towards her. These are the facts since she came here after the war. I have been doing what I could to support her. But she, with parental feelings for her children, I suppose, applies whatever she gets rather to them than herself. But I cannot under the circumstances undertake to look or to act beyond her. The younger people must look to themselves. 

Recently all that owe me the world has poured en masse upon me. In this state of things I cannot in justice and honesty towards judgment creditors alienate my means, till they are paid.

In this state of things I made the arrangement with Brother Joe last summer that he who owes nothing will till my burdens are relieved pay Jane $350- annually, which she told was her claim on house [Panecillo?]. I cannot doubt his having come up to his word. I never knew him to do otherwise. What becomes then of her accusation against me!

It is a curious fact in this connection that whilst she debates on the hardships brought on her by my failure to pay again, what I have arranged for Joe to pay -- Yet her son has written to her describing his ability and his willingness to provide for her support. But she with her [?]ing tenderness for her son will not let him perform a duty encumbered upon him above all men, and thinks, earnestly thinks, me derelict to duty and affection because I only provide for the discharge once of a voluntary engagement from [which] I have never shrunk, nor even sought an evasion.

I have written this more for explanation to you and vindication of myself than for any other cause.

Affectionately
yours
B.R. Johnston

[$350 in 1866 would be equal to about $5,000 today
Beverly Randolph Johnston (1803-1876)
Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873)
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
"Brother Joe" = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
"Her son" = William Manning Mitchell/Michel (1839-1908)]

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.