My dear Milton,
Your hurried note of 17th ins[tant] did not arrive in time to be answered by yesterday's mail. However, as the mail could not cross the bay, on account of the fierce equinoctial, it makes no difference. I am afraid that the Penninsular rote is blocked up now, as we had the heaviest fall of snow last night that I have ever seen here. So, if there is delay, you will knows its cause. I am thankful for your offer to procure me a dispensation, and will gladly take advantage of it, provided I am not committed to remain under the Govt. till the end of the war, and give no pledge of fealty. I can only promise to be quiet as long as I am within its lines. One of the promises exacted here (by the Butler oath) is, "to do all you can to put down the rebellion, to refuse all aid to rebels, not to speak, or allow others in your presence to speak in favor of the rebels." "To hold no communication with the them." You know I can't subscribe to these exactions. I would much rather be imprisoned, or sent to an island.
As to being sent South, Butler finds that so agreeable to the tastes of Southern women, that he is not likely "to throw the rabbit into the frost [forest?]." Perhaps, after all, no punishment will be inflicted on the recusant. We are told that many persons in Norfolk have avoided both oath & punishment. The notice requiring citizens to come forward has been posted in Eastville for some days, so is a fixed fact, but it says nothing as to the penalty of failing to obey. It distinctly states what will be the treatment of those who violate the oath, but says not a word as to those who refused it. Well, I am no afraid of their terms, whatever they be. I am only sorry to give trouble & disquiet to my friends. Harvey does not wish me to bind myself in this way. If any thing should make it necessary for me to go home, I must be unfettered. If Willie should need me, or if I should be left alone, Harvey desires me to go. And, if this war continues, he wishes & intends to leave the Northern dominions. So you see all I can do, is to promise to be quiet. If you can procure an exemption for me, it would be best to send it to me, not to any officers here.
Say to my dear child that I entreat her to be calm, & leave me to God's care. You & she don't feel as I do in this matter -- perhaps, if you did, you would not think me mad, or obstinate. I must act according to my own sense of right. I do not reply to Louisa's questions as to her father because there is no probability of my being sent over. We have to the 20th April, as days of grace. All the ladies are in great tribulation. They mind it a great deal more than the men do. I must stop, or be too late. Most affectionately yours, J.
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.
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