The Johnston Family in Washington County, Virginia, in the 1800s.

Notes from Lewis Preston Summers, History of Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786, Washington County, 1777-1870. Richmond: J. L. Hill Printing Company, 1903. 

JUDGES OF THE COURTS. SUPERIOR COURT OF LAW.

JUDGE PETER JOHNSTON, 1811-1831.

The subject of this sketch was a son of Peter and Martha Johnston, of "Longwood," Prince Edward county, Virginia. He was educated at Hampden-Sidney College, receiving a classical education. At the age of seventeen he ran off from his home and joined Lee's Legion.  Was made a lieutenant. In 1782 he resigned from Lee's Legion, joined the Light Corps formed by General Greene, and was adjutant, with the rank of captain. Upon the close of the Revolutionary war he returned to his father's home, studied law, and practised his profession in Prince Edward and the adjoining counties. He was elected a member of the Virginia House of Delegates several times, and was a member at the time of the celebrated resolutions of 1798-1799, and the speech that he made upon this occasion was considered so able that it was published in full in the Register, then the leading paper in the United States.  In 1811 he was elected a judge of the General Court and assigned to the Prince Edward Circuit, be he exchanged circuits with Judge Wm. Brockenbrough, who had been assigned to the Southwest Virginia Circuit, and came to Abingdon to live, and for twenty-one years lived at "Panicello" [Panecillo], one-fourth of a mile east of Abingdon, and presided over the Superior Court of Law for this district with distinguished ability for more than twenty years. He died December 8th, 1831, and was buried near his home, in this county. He was commissioned a brigadier-general by the Legislature in early life, and left a distinguished family of children. His wife, Mary Johnston, was the daughter of Valentine Wood and Lucy Henry, his wife, a sister of Patrick Henry and a woman of distinguished ability. The names of his descendants were John W. Johnston, Peter Carr Johnston, Edward [William] Johnston, General Jos. E. Johnston, Beverly Randolph Johnston, Chas. C. Johnston, Benjamin [Franklin] Johnston, Mrs. Jane C. Mitchell and Algernon Sidney Johnston.   [pages 768-769.] 

TRUSTEES OF THE ABINGDON ACADEMY, WITH DATE OF APPOINTMENT

1822. Peter Johnston.  Died 1831; president of Board 1826-1831,

1826. Chas. C. Johnston. Died 1832.
Peter C. Johnston. Removed to Smyth county.

1852. Beverly R. Johnston. Resigned 1862. [pages 882-884.] 

[See also Prestons, Campbells, Triggs.]

In the year 1846, the citizens of Washington county were very greatly interested in the war between the United States and Mexico, Captain A. C. Cummings and General Peter C. Johnston taking an active part in the efforts made to organize the citizens of this county and enlist them in the service of their country, and on the 25th of March, 1846, the County Court entered the following order: 

"On motion of Arthur C. Cummings, Captain of the Artillery attached to the 164th Regiment of Virginia Militia . . . it is . . . ordered that leave be granted the said Cummings to have a suitable shed erected for the purpose [of protecting the cannon]."

A number of the citizens of this county served in that war under Captain Cummings, while General William E. Jones and Lieutenant John Preston Johnston did valiant service for their country, Johnston losing his life in the service.  [pages 643-644.] [Note: Cummings was later a Confederate colonel, commanding the 33rd Virginia of the Stonewall Brigade at First Manassas.]

The Exchange Bank of Virginia of Norfolk [ordered the establishment of  a branch in Abingdon in May 1849, Capital of $100,000. President, Dr. Daniel Trigg. Cashier, Robert R. Preston. Directors included David Campbell, Beverly R. Johnston and Thomas L. Preston.] [page 644.]

At the April term, 1853, of the County Court of this county, the court appointed John M. Preston, Peter J. Branch and Beverly R. Johnston a committee to plant trees in the public square north of the courthouse, which duty was performed and the trees thus planted remained in the square until the year 1902, when they were cut down and removed from the premises. [(page 645).] 

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

Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel notes (circa 1891), part 2

[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.]

[Re: Joseph Eggleston Johnston.]

His first attempt at practical use of his military knowledge was made when he was about ten years old [circa 1817] & had painful results. He had gone out with Father & several of the sons on a hunt in the woods 3 or 4 miles west of Abingdon. He was on horseback with his attendant, a negro boy about his own age, riding behind him. He had been describing to Robert (the darkey) the manner in which cavalry charged infantry. Both of them becoming interested and excited, they resolved on making a trial themselves. Accordingly, Robert dismounted, took the gun, & kneeled down just in front, gun presented, to receive the charge of the cavalry. Joseph dashed bravely forward -- but the horse was not disposed to rush upon the gun -- swerved, gave a great jump, & threw Joseph violently to the ground. 

He rose to his feet, & the bones of his right leg burst through the flesh, & stuck in the ground, making a wound seven inches long. Of course, he had to lie down, which he did quietly, while Robert made off to get help.

Several persons were soon collected, including an ignorant doctor, who set the limb, & sewed up the gash with a darning needle & flax thread. Soon a skillful surgeon came -- when he examined the leg, he found it was set all crooked -- So the stitches had to be cut out, & the bones reset, which was a fearful agony, as the limb had by this time become greatly swollen and inflamed. But the boy endured all without a tear or a moan, & bore the three months of suffering without a murmur -- indeed, was always so pleasant & cheerful, that we all went to his room to pass the time agreeably.

[Compare with the final version from Robert M. Hughes, General Johnston (Great Commanders), New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1893, pages 12-13]:  

He had his first experience in the dangers of military life when he was but ten years of age; and it was brought upon him by his fondness for it. He had gone out with his father and brothers on a hunt a few miles west of Abingdon. He was on horseback, with a colored boy about his own age riding behind him. When they became separated from the others, the conversation turned on warlike themes, and Joseph was describing to the darkey (named Robert) the mode in which cavalry charged infantry and the latter received the shock. Nothing would satisfy him but a practical illustration; so he made Robert dismount, take the gun and place himself in position to receive the assault, kneeling with gun presented. Joseph thereupon withdrew the horse to a sufficient distance to obtain the necessary impetus, and thundered down upon the stationary square. The horse, however, not being equally interested in the experiment, sheered off just before reaching the infantry, and did it so suddenly that his rider was thrown forward. Of course he was wounded — he always was on every available occasion. In the fall his leg was broken, the ends of the bone coming through the flesh; yet he quietly lay down till Robert went for aid and returned with it. The first doctor who came was something of an amateur; he set the limb, however, and sewed up the wound as well as he could. Soon afterward a skillful surgeon arrived, who, on examination, found that the leg had been set crooked. He therefore cut out the stitches and reset it. The manner in which the boy of ten, in a time when anaesthetics were not known, endured the operation without a tear or groan, and his patience under the three months of suffering which followed, showed his fortitude. 

[Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831).
Robert (circa 1807-?), at about age 25, is listed in the 1832 inventory of Peter Johnston' Jr.'s estate here as being valued at $375, or about $10,500 in 2017. What became of him, I'm not sure as of this post.]

[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.]

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.]

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.]

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.]  

John Hall Fulton to Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston, December 11, 1828

[John Hall Fulton at Richmond to Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston at Abingdon, Virginia, December 11, 1828. Box 29, Folder 7, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529. This is my rough transcription. Instances of the "long s" in the original have been modernized and paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

Dr. Madam

I was a few days since intrusted [entrusted] with a Secret with an Injunction not to propagate it -- an Injunction which I have extreme difficulty to comply with, and as all will be consumated [consummated] before this reaches you, I deem it no violation of confidence to send it to your fire side. 

Judge Johnston is here, about ten days ago he met with a Miss Bernard at Judge Cabel's [Cabell's] it was the first time he had ever seen her. In a day or two afterwards he courted her; in a day or two thereafter they concluded upon a marriage contract, and, if there is no flying off, they will be married between this and [T]uesday, for on that day he intends to set out for home.

Miss Bernard is said to be an estimable woman, and has lived in the world a little more than half a century, I know nothing of her family or fortune, except that she is the sister of Mrs. Copeland of this place.

If you have ever in the course of your life observed the influence of Love, you can form a remote Idea of the Judge's actions, he speaks freely to Keller & myself [and] every Topic other than Miss Bernard, is without interest, he talks incessantly of his Girl, his sweetheart. The fate of contending nations, national & state politics, friends & loss of friends, are all secondary matters, and that Interest which under other circumstances he would feel in those subjects is now lost in the contemplation of the delectable Miss Bernard.

Richmond is dull and promises to be so during the winter. In the Legislature we anticipate much excitement, on the subject of a convention, the different local interests are beginning to be developed, and there is too much reason to appr[ehen]d that the conflicting interests of the different sections of the state, will result in the indulgence of much bad feeling among us.

Miss Lorraine's "Donald Adair" is out. It is read here with some Interest, and is really a work of much merit. I will send the young Ladies a copy by the first oppt'y. I hope they will read it and pray for Miss Lorraine's success.

I hope Miss Sally has recovered & that you are all enjoying Health & Happiness.

                                                                   J. H. Fulton

[John Hall Fulton (1792-1836), brother of Andrew Steele Fulton (1800-1884).
Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston (1778-1846)
Judge Johnston = Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Miss Bernard = Peter married Ann Nancy Bernard (1775-1865) in Richmond on December 13, 1828 (his second wife). Elizabeth Ann Bernard Wills (1778-1862), one of Ann's sisters, was a consort of John Allan (1779-1834), with whom she had "natural" twin sons. Allan, a wealthy, Scottish-born merchant based in Richmond, was also Edgar Allan Poe's (1809-1849) estranged foster father. 
Judge Cabel = Judge William Henry Cabell (1772-1853)
Mrs. Copeland = Hennigham C. Bernard Copland (1781-1838) was the second wife of Charles Copland (1756-1836) of Richmond, and sister of Ann Nancy Bernard and Elizabeth Ann Bernard Wills. 
Keller = ?
A. M. Lorraine, Donald Adair (2 volumes). Richmond: Peter Cottom, 1828.
Miss Sally = Sarah "Sally" Buchanan Preston (1802-1879).]

[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.]

John Campbell to David Campbell, February 1, 1811

[John Campbell at Richmond to David Campbell at Abingdon, Virginia, February 1, 1811, Box 1, 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

The election for a Judge of the general Court to supply the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Judge Brook to the Court of Appeals has just taken place. Gen Peter Johnson [Johnston] (of Prince Edward) has been appointed.

The votes by the first ballot stood thus. For Johnson [Johnston] 125 for Thos Preston 27 for Smith (the Lieutenant Governor) 27 so that Johnson [Johnston] was duly elected by the first ballot.

I have not time to amuse you with the various circumstances attending this election. I never felt more difficulty on a subject in my life. The above mention'd gentlemen were the only persons that were named who would accept of the appointment.

The characters of Johnson [Johnston]  and Preston you know. Smith is a dunce. Now who would you have chosen? Taking all the circumstances into consideration, I voted for Preston. Allen Taylor could not have been elected. He has made one or two rank federal speeches this Session in consequence of which he has become unpopular.

I acknowledge I choose between evils. I by no means felt satisfied with the choice yet I expect it was as good as I could have made. Johnson [Johnston] was represented to the House by a number of gentlemen as an excellent judge of law as an old revolutionary soldier as a man of fine natural understanding expanded & improved by great literary information.

I will amuse you when I see you. This Session may be justly call'd the celebrated Session of Appointments.

Such maneuvering & intriguing you have no idea of. State in testick's[?] paper that Gen Johnson [Johnston] has been appointed. Say nothing about the other Candidates.

Tell Sister Maria I was last night at a Levee at Geo Hay's where I saw all the great folks of the place that I there received an invitation from a charming girl to spend this evening at her Father's whether I shall repair so soon as I can put on clean clothes.

Excuse me dear brother for my brevity. I shall see you again.

Tomorrow I will write to Sister Maria.

Vale et Salve [take care and greetings]
John Campbell

[John Campbell (1789-1866). Later became Secretary of the Treasury under Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.
David Campbell (1779-1859)
Maria Hamilton Campbell (1783-1859)
Francis Taliaferro Brooke (1763-1851). There is a portrait of him here that may been painted by Harvey Mitchell/Michel (1799-1866).
George William Smith (1762-December 26, 1811) died in the Richmond Theatre Fire at the end of the year.
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Thomas Preston = probably Thomas Lewis Preston (1781-1812), Virginia House of Delegates (Rockbridge County).
Allen Taylor = possibly related to John Taylor (1753-1824).]
     
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 William Johnston: "Jefferson -- The Sage of Monticello" (1853). Part I

Thomas Jefferson portrait by Thomas Sully (1821). Jefferson Foundation

[Edward William Johnston under the nom de plume Il Segretario, “Great Conversationists, Number Four. Jefferson--The Sage of Monticello." New-York Daily Times. Volume II, number 409 (January 8, 1853), page 2.]

[The newspaper was started up with a Whig orientation in 1851. Here Johnston's article gets into Nullification, the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798, Patrick Henry, and various witticisms. He devotes a fair amount of print to descriptions of Monticello and the surrounding area. Here is a sampling of the first part, skipping over the introduction. Extra paragraph breaks for easier reading.]

Almost from infancy I was accustomed to see MR. JEFFERSON. It was with reverence; for I was the son of one of those men of ninety-eight, who regarded him as the greatest of all civil geniuses, the very impersonation of philosophic statesmanship; but it was without affection.   

For, though possessed in an extraordinary degree of the exterior arts which conciliate the mature, he had none of that naturalness, those unstudied sympathies, which please children; to whose instinctive judgement wily people, because less on their guard, usually betray the most their lack of heart.

A child at the breast would have nestled to the arms of Judge MARSHALL; I have seen JOHN RANDOLPH, when at the height of his sarcastic fame in Congress, the favorite play-mate of my next elder brother, seating himself by him on the floor at his call, and entering with delight into all his childish sports; but nobody, I imagine, ever saw MR. JEFFERSON or MR. CALHOUN pay the slightest attention to a child. 

Their attentions were a matter of the head, not heart. They had brains, I think, but no soul. I doubt if they ever felt any strong emotion towards even their own offspring, save those of their idea -- the fantastic procreation of their wits, when in a vagary of political illumination. 

A little later, as the pupil of MR. JEFFERSON'S favorite nephew, PETER CARR, and, by and by, as a youthful visitor to Monticello, I had opportunity enough to admire and to study him.

Captivated at once by his boundless reputation among those from whom my early opinions were derived, and by the remarkable charm of his incessant conversation, I heard and I observed him with not less of reverence than of curiosity.

My last and best occasion for doing so occurred in 1823, during a stay of two days which I then, in company with but an elder friend, made at his mansion on the mountain top, from which he seemed (so wide was his prospect) to look down over his abdicated realm of Virginia, a philosophic monarch, who had, like CHARLES V. and Dioclesian, exchanged the crown for a cloister and cabbages.

In its size, its shades, its singularity of design, its seclusion, the character of its grounds, and everything but piety and fasts within its walls, Monticello looked no little the monastery; and as to the cabbages, in the culture of which the self-un-kinged Roman places his consolation, they were supplied to the Virginia sage by more modern fancies of husbandry, which amused not only him, but all his neighbors; at one while upon some new conception of profit, he laid down all his plantation in Irish potatoes; at another, he sowed it in black-eyed peas -- making always excellent but rather imaginary crops, which he could neither sell nor consume.

Meantime he was obliged to buy bread-corn for his negroes, while his oatless horses were, by the laughing farmers around, affirmed to be fed with philosophy . . .   

[Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
Marshall = Chief Justice John Marshall (1755-1835)
John Randolph (1773-1833)
Next eldest brother = Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832)
Calhoun = John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850)
Peter Carr (1770-1815)
Elder friend = unidentified.
His negroes = several of Jefferson's enslaved workers were also his relatives. Sally Hemings (1773-1835) was mother to six of the household children.]

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

Peter Johnston, Jr., to John Archer Morton, Jr., March 26, 1817, Part 2

[Peter Johnston, Jr., at Abingdon, Virginia, to John Archer Morton, Jr., at Bordeaux, France, March 26, 1817, care of William Campbell Preston. Floyd-Johnston-Preston Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary, Series I: Mss. Acc. 2002.37, folder 16. Note: folder contents list identifies the letter as dated March 26, 1819, but internal evidence corrects the year to 1817. These are my rough notes with some transcription, based on images made by Sue Davis, who graciously made them available. Paragraph breaks added for easier reading; Johnston's use of the "long s" modernized for the same reason.]

[Johnston's letter serves two purposes: as a letter of introduction for Preston and as a means of bringing Morton generally up to date with his (Johnston's) news and views.]

[Context: "[I]n May 1817, he [William Campbell Preston] sailed for Europe, by way of New York. with letters of introduction from Jefferson, Madison and the newly-inaugurated President Monroe. He began in Ireland . . ."  ~ Patrick Scott, "William Campbell Preston, Student, Statesman, President & Professor being the First Annual Preston Lecture delivered on April 10th, 1996." (Columbia, S.C.: Printed by Request, 1996), page [6]. Link here.]

[Once in Europe, Preston traveled with Washington Irving and Hugh Legaré, among others. The Prestons were among the top socio-economic elite, with the Johnstons being on the second tier.]

Life would be scarcely supportable to me in this land of savages, but for the charms of the chase. The best of game is abundant, & we obtain it at pleasure. The climate too is excellent -- only a little colder, in winter, than I like -- but always healthy, except when epidemics prevail. Our best neighbors, and only friends, are General Preston's family. But they are from home during the greater part of almost every year. 

My comforts & happiness depend entirely on my own family. Mrs. J., you know, is of a disposition to meet all the accidents of life, without permitting them to distress her tranquility. This is a great affair to me, not only in relation to myself individually, but as it operates on all my house-hold. We have eight boys; some of whom have attained manhood, and are likely, at least, to bring no disgrace, or misfortune, upon us. The rest are such as the children of other parents, who do all they can to inculcate proper principles on the heart, and to cultivate the understandings of their offspring. Providence has blessed us with a daughter, in our advanced age. I will tell you nothing about her, because I know I am partial to her. She is yet too young, perhaps, for any body to form an opinion of what she will be. I can tell you, however, what you would probably guess, if I did not say a word about it -- her mother & I think her a prodigy, & she is our chief delight. As you are a father, you know how to forgive any folly, of which we may be guilty, on a subject like this . . .

[Johnston then declares that if Morton returns to Virginia for a visit, he will be sure to spend time with him, for two or three weeks.]

[He asks about Morton's family, wife, boys and girls, and inquires whether he intends to remain in France permanently, or return to Virginia.]

Mrs. J. begs you to remember her, as she does you, with the kindness of an old friend; & for my own part, I pray you to accept the sincere assurance of my warm esteem & affection.

Peter Johnston . . . 

[Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
John Archer Morton, Jr. (1772-1834)
William Campbell Preston (1794-1860)
Francis Smith Preston (1765-1836)
Mrs. J. = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825)
Eight sons = more clear evidence that this letter is dated to 1817, not 1819: Dr. John Warfield Johnston (1790-1818), the oldest of the eight, died on December 10, 1818.
Daughter = Jane Mary Wood Johnston (1811-1892)] 

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

Peter Johnston, Jr., to John Archer Morton, Jr., March 26, 1817, Part 1

[Peter Johnston, Jr., at Abingdon, Virginia, to John Archer Morton, Jr., at Bordeaux, France, March 26, 1817, care of William Campbell Preston. Floyd-Johnston-Preston Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary, Series I: Mss. Acc. 2002.37, folder 16. Note: folder contents list identifies the letter as dated March 26, 1819, but internal evidence corrects the year to 1817. These are my rough notes with some transcription, based on images made by Sue Davis, who graciously made them available. Paragraph breaks added for easier reading; Johnston's use of the "long s" modernized for the same reason.]

[Johnston's letter serves two purposes: as a letter of introduction for Preston and as a means of bringing Morton generally up to date with his (Johnston's) news and views.]

[Context: "[I]n May 1817, he [William Campbell Preston] sailed for Europe, by way of New York. with letters of introduction from Jefferson, Madison and the newly-inaugurated President Monroe. He began in Ireland . . ."  ~ Patrick Scott, "William Campbell Preston, Student, Statesman, President & Professor being the First Annual Preston Lecture delivered on April 10th, 1996." (Columbia, S.C.: Printed by Request, 1996), page [6]. Link here.]

[Once in Europe, Preston traveled with Washington Irving and Hugh Legaré, among others. The Prestons were among the top socio-economic elite, with the Johnstons being on the second tier.] 

[The opening portion of Johnston's letter to Morton places Preston within the context of his family, including the services of William Campbell, Preston's grandfather, and Francis Preston, his father, during the American Revolution. He lauds them all while presenting the bearer of the letter.]

I know he will experience from you that reception which will be most grateful to his feelings, & best calculated to render him happy in a land of strangers . . .

So many years have elapsed since it was my good fortune to spend an hour with you, that I have a thousand times more to say, than I can find room for, in the compass of a letter. What an interesting period has passed since you you left the land of your fathers! What changes have occurred in the political world! What wonderful incidents have arisen in your quarter of the Globe! . . .

But, I have entered an unbounded field -- I will not explore it -- Domestic life, and the themes which it affords, are best suited to my feelings & taste.

I shall never cease to regret, that we did not meet when you were last in Virginia. removed by the back country & the distance of 250 miles from the neighborhood of our former residence, I can hardly hope, that the little tie which I have to pass on this terrestrial scene, will afford me an opportunity of shaking your hand, and of talking over the incidents of our earlier lives: always pleasing to men whose hearts have beaten in unison with each other. What is worse, for me, the future is overshadowed with a gloom, which nothing can dispel.

I live amongst strangers, very few of whom are true Virginians. Here and there, thinly scattered indeed, you will find worth, intelligence, and warmth of heart. But the frankness of manner, the hospitality, & kindness of feeling, which characterise the middle & low country are unknown in the mountains. 

I regard it as a most serious misfortune, that the region has been peopled principally by emigrants from Pennsylvania -- cold hearted, and avaricious, they are only intent on the increase of their property, without much concern about the means. They have no souls for social intercourse, no qualities that can engage your esteem. 

Yet is there another, and a numerous population, composed of the lowest class, infinitely worse than it has entered into your mind to believe the United States afford. The mere huntsman, or, as he is sometimes called here, the Rowdy," is amongst the most detestable of human beings. Addicted to every species of depravity, there is no crime which he will hesitate to commit, upon very slight inducements of interest, or of passion. To debate on his character, would disgust you. We are not indebted to these to any neighboring state: they are the native growth of our own soil. It is my destiny to be fixed, for life, in a situation where I am surrounded by such . . . Though I am not under the necessity of associating with them, yet I am incessantly liable to be persecuted, and secretly injured, by them.

[End Part 1.]

[Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)
John Archer Morton, Jr. (1772-1834)
William Campbell Preston (1794-1860)
Francis Smith Preston (1765-1836)
William Campbell (1745-1781)
Washington Irving (1783-1859)
Hugh Swinton Legaré (1797-1843)] 

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