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.]

Joseph E. Johnston to Robert Milligan McLane, November 22, 1847

Source: US Army Center Of Military History (2006)

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston at Vera Cruz [aka Veracruz], Mexico, to Robert Milligan McLane, M. C. [Member of Congress] at Washington, D. C. November 22, 1847. Box 3, Louis McLane Correspondence (1795-1894), MSS 57083, Library of Congress. This is my rough transcription. Extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading]. 

Dear Bob

Accept my congratulations upon your political preferment It is no doubt as welcome to you as a Colonelcy (when it comes) will be to me. I am one of your constituents, & have therefore a right to make suggestions to you in regard to your duties as a representative. The democratic party is of course deeply interested in the efficiency of our Military organization. Upon which the successful prosecution of the war depends.

The Regiment of Voltigeurs is not quite perfect. It wants an additional company to make it so. Then, with 10 companies of Riflemen & a Howitzer battery, it can maintain itself against all comers. As now organized by law it consists of 9 companies of Riflemen. Every other regiment in the world, you know, has 10 companies. All the systems of tactics known, are based upon that supposition. every body in this campaign has remarked the efficiency & value of the rifle. Another company therefore would, besides completing the organization of the regt., be so much clear gain to our force, & particularly important to a regiment intended, like this, for detached service -- a partizan corps -- Genl Scott observed the defect in the law & as soon as the regt joined his army, organized it as I propose. Manning the Howitzers with a company enlisted by the ordnance dept.This company has been attached to the regiment every since, but is so much reduced by losses in the recent actions that it is now too weak for the service of a battery, & is not recruited. 

Now you might easily attach a clause to the first Military bill that passes adding this company to the regiment. The officers to be appointed by selection (in the first place, vacancies supplied by the M.A. [U.S. Military Academy]). From the Arty. Ord. T.E. [Artillery, Ordnance, Topographical Engineers] &tc.

It is particularly important that a detached bettery like this should have well instructed officers, as they must be thrown generally upon their resources, & be very much out of reach of the aid of the ord: dept. 

The man I should want for Capt. is R. P. Hammond of the 3d Arty, 1st Lieut. Failing him 1st Lieutenant M. Lovell 4th Arty. The 1st Lieut: to be J. L. Reno, 2d Lt. ord: dept. Who comd [commanded] the battery at Chapultepec, as thorough a game-cock as ever fluttered.

Callender, who comd [commanded] the battery when entered the valley was so severely wounded at Contreras that he can't again be fit for such service.

The lower grades might be filled by one or two sergts (Depew & Maguire) who distinguished themselves highly and have been recommended for promotion.

General Quitman whom you will see in Washington, the friend of Hammond & Lovell, promised to interest himself in this affair. So did Gen: Shields. They can do much. You might add to the provision, to be retained on the peace establishment with this organization. The feeling of permanence would improve the regiment much, besides giving us W. P. [West Point] graduates.

I wrote to you from Mexico [City] in regard to life insurance, & had hoped to find the paper here & forward it, but the trunk in which it was left is not to be found -- however, it can't be of any consequence. The premium was $1.83 besides $2.00 for war risk -- on $3000 -- the war risk ought to be reduced as the fighting is mainly done.

The country is getting full of new generals. Men who, I hope, were "born to command" -- otherwise God help the commanded. It is impossible to say how the Army values Genl Scott's health & safety.

The old gent. (Patrick) at my elbow sends his regards & felicitations on your election. Miles has had a great deal to say about it, and well as little McPhail of the 5th.

I am here in comd [command] of a convoy, & have a larger command than any of our generals of division in the Valley.

As ever
J. E. Johnston 

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891, USMA Class of 1829
Robert Milligan McLane (1815-1898), USMA Class of 1837
Scott = Winfield Scott (1786-1866)
R. P. Hammond = Richard Pindell Hammond (1826-1891), USMA Class of 1841. Moved to San Francisco after the war and became California Speaker of the House, among other things
M. Lovell = Mansfield Lovell (1822-1884), USMA Class of 1842
J. L. Reno = Jesse Lee Reno (1823-1862), USMA Class of 1846
Callender = Franklin Dyer "Frank" Callender (1817-1882), USMA Class of 1839 
Depew = William R. Depew
Maguire = Glassop (aka Glossop) McGuire (aka McQuire)
General Quitman = John Anthony Quitman (1798-1858)
Gen: Shields = James Shields (1810-1879)
Patrick = Thomas Patrick Andrews (1794-1868)
Little McPhail = Daniel H. McPhail (1813-1884)
Miles = [?]

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

Joseph E. Johnston to Robert Milligan McLane, October 17, 1847

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston at Mexico (Mexico City) to Robert Milligan McLane, attorney and councilor at law, Baltimore, October 17, 1847. Box 3, Louis McLane Correspondence (1795-1894), MSS 57083, Library of Congress. This is my rough transcription. Extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading]. 

My dear Bob,

Our friend Jim Irwin has promised to send another note (he first offered to send one to Lily which is in his hands) & I am now writing at his table. [H]e is to send them by a Mr. Landa, if you should see that gentleman he may give you a good deal of information concerning this country & our army. Subjects which in a brief note I cant [can’t] touch upon.

In November last I had my life insured against all sorts of deaths, civil & military for 7 years, paying in yearly – by some mistake I brought away with the paper, which is now in my trunk at Vera Cruz. The Rate is, I think including the war risk 3.83 per cent. The office of the company in Market St at the corner opposite the post office. Mr. Phenix in charge of the office.

Some day when at leizure [leisure], or as nearly so as you ever are, do stop in & arrange this matter for the next year. I can’t send money by such an opportunity, but Lily can furnish what this requires. The insurance is on $3,000 – you needn’t tell her for what purpose you want it. Say a debt of mine.

One more commission. There is a vacant Colonelcy of infantry, Colonel Ransom having been killed at Chapultepec. Whenever you go to Washington ascertain both if I am eligible for that promotion (I am senior Lt. Col.) & if it is probably expedient.

Here it is considered as certain that the Voltigeurs will be retained. Especially since the last action, in which they had a leading part & made some reputation.

Talking of reputation, George has richly earned a brevet in the late actions. He is making a capital soldier. He has not only behaved well & gallantly in every action but discharged his current duties zealously. He is a favorite too in his regiment – that is among the decent people – his only quarrel was with one who had bullied every body else -- & whom is completely exposed.

We expect nothing fit to be called war hereafter, but no treaty of peace. Consequently the country is exceedingly dull, especially this city. I hope you are elected to Congress by this time – if so have the canal in Tihiuantipec [Tehuantepec] commenced at once. It will be very convenient for those stationed in California & the Voltigeurs are prominent candidates for that service. Tho’ I must confess that the advantages of the canal aforesaid, wouldn’t take away my preference for the east side of the Rocky Mountains.

My love to Georgine.

As ever J.E.J.

J.R.J. sends his regards to you & yours

[Jim Irwin = [?]

Lily = Lydia Milligan Sims McLane Johnston (1822-1887)

Colonel Ransom = Truman Bishop Ransom (1802-1847)

George = Lieutenant George Baldwin McLane (1826-1860), Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, later killed in a skirmish with Navajo in New Mexico

Georgine Urquhart McLane (1813-1899)
JRJ = [?]]

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

Joseph E. Johnston and the Assault on Chapultepec, September 13, 1847

[From George L. Kilmer, "WHERE SPURS WERE WON. SOME DEEDS OF VALOR FIFTY YEARS AGO. Young Men Who Won Glory at the Storming of Chapultepec." Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 93, Number 157 (July 29, 1897).]

Chapultepec is well named, for in the Aztec tongue the word means the "Hill of the Grasshoppers." It is an elevation of 165 feet above the level, crowned by a castle, with wings, bastions, parapets, redoubts, and batteries of heavy stone work over 1,600 feet in length. Surrounding this seemingly impregnable fortress at the time of the battle were two stone walks strongly built, and from two to fourteen feet in height. The hill is an isolated rock with steep, precipitous sides on the north and east and part of the south. It was flanked also by high walls along the main roadway or causeways and by a strong aqueduct wall twelve or sixteen feet high.

Soldiers to escalade these barriers, arms in hand, fighting their way step by step, must be as agile as grasshoppers, as sure footed as the mountain goat. The men who led off, who struck the first blows, who breached the walls, drove the Mexicans from the parapets and turned their own guns upon them, inspiring their followers to come on and send the wedge home, were also fitly named for the work in hand. They were voltigeurs. Literally vaulting soldiers, men selected and trained for daring deeds. . .

Joseph E. Johnston commanded a special battalion of Voltigeurs and foot riflemen, which he had recently organized . . . When the signal sounded for the storming parties to advance Johnston preceded them with his four companies of Voltigeurs, having received orders to force an entrance through the immense wall enclosing the castle park.

In the face of a steady fire from the walls and the gate the Voltigeurs deployed and turned their rifles upon the Mexicans on the top of the wall. After a few minutes the enemy broke from the parapet and ran across the park to a line of intrenchments. The Voltigeurs followed. Johnston leading them all in their wild run. The flag of his battalion was the first American banner planted upon the outer walls of this ancient citadel.

Infantry columns and batteries quickly advanced to seize the ground cleared by the Voltigeurs. Leaving the prizes to them, the brave Colonel, already wounded, hurried his men across the park to the rear gates to cut off the garrison from retreat.

This feat was accomplished in the face of a sharp and close fire poured upon the Voltiguers from the park terrace in their rear. One of Johnston's men. Private W. A. Gray, discovered and destroyed a train of powder leading to the mines which Mexicans had planted under the walls, and which, in consequence, they failed to explode.

[T]he gallant Reno [moved] his battery along with the storming column. Reno afterward caught up with Johnston's Voltigeurs, with one howitzer, and was wounded while firing it. . .

[Finally, US flags] flashed in the breeze far above the classic Aztec groves and gardens, above the warm and bleeding corse of a Montezuma, last of that royal line, above and in view of the doomed Capital of the Mexicans in the plains and beyond.

[The full article is available via the California Digital Newspaper Collection. Here is a link]

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
Jesse Lee Reno (1823-1862)
Picture: Chapultepec,  Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot, in The War Between the United States and Mexico, Illustrated (1851)]

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

Allan McLane on 'USS Potomac' to Robert M. McLane, April 13, 1847

USS Potomac (From Wiki Commons)

[Allan McLane on USS Potomac near Veracruz (aka Vera Cruz), Mexico, to Robert Millgan McLane at Baltimore, April 13, 1847, Box 3, Louis McLane Correspondence (1795-1894), MSS 57083, Library of Congress.] 

My dear Bob,

Prepare for a severe blow. Information has just reached me that Johnstone* has been killed. Disappointed at Scott's mention of him, he went on with the advance of the Army, & upon its coming up with the Enemy, near the National Bridge was killed -- how, or when I cannot ascertain.

This sad intelligence reached me off the Island of Sacrificias, having been sent down by the Consul; & has been told to me while the letter bag is leaving the ship's side. Wait for more definite information, I will proceed immediately to the City, & from headquarters hear the truth. Sending you the result without delay. Poor Lily. You had better prepare her for the worst. 

God bless you dear Bob.
Allan

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891) -- badly wounded but not killed while reconnoitering the Mexican defense at Cerro Gordo, April 12, 1847. Age forty, this was not even the half-way point of his life; married to Lydia "Lily" Milligan Sims McLane Johnston (1822-1887), sister of Robert "Bob" Milligan McLane (1815-1898); the latter was married to Georgine Urquhart McLane (1813-1899); Allan = Allan McLane (1823-1891), another brother, serving on the frigate USS Potomac
Scott = Major General Winfield Scott
*Walter Scott-inspired spelling preferred by Joseph E. Johnston's favorite nephew, John Preston Johnstone/Johnston, who was subsequently killed in the same war] 

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

Joseph E Johnston to Robert M. McLane, April 5, 1847

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston at Veracruz (aka Vera Cruz), Mexico, to Robert Milligan McLane at Baltimore, April 4, 1847, Box 3, Louis McLane Correspondence (1795-1894), MSS 57083, Library of Congress.] 

My dear Bob,

You will have seen by the public prints before this reaches you that on the 29th ulto. Genl S. took possession of this place. This mail will, I suppose, carry you his order congratulating the army upon so important a conquest, almost bloodless too - & bloodless too apparently by miracle -- for the Mexican guns were admirably-aimed & served, yet the siege & investment have cost us less than 70 men killed & wounded. 

This story, after Buena Vista, will disappoint newspaper readers -- how many Democrats will vote (as such) at the next presidential election? Unless you can covert Old Zach let him convert you. For my own part I acknowledge my error. Or rather the old fellow has improved more in the last year than any man in America. Without doubt he'll be a capital president by the end of the first year of his administration. It is reported here that he is preparing to move on San Louis. However, it is useless to mention public matters to you, for Col. Bankhead will reach Balt. as soon as this. I hope you'll see him. He can tell you the report from Mexico & state of the country. He commanded the artillery (the batteries I mean) not the nominal arty. regts., & the gen'l in chief, for his services, makes him the bearer of the trophies.

I received your letter of the 7th March, by the last mail, but my brother's letter to which you refer, is missing, & you give me no hint of the information contained in it. I am, however, principled against refusing promotion, & shall therefore accept. When the promotion is offered -- for it would seem that the ad:Gen'l's letter is lost as well as my brother's. Gen'l Scott has been informed by the Sec: of War, that the Voltigeurs will be organized as a reg't in this country, that companies will be sent on as they are formed. I told Gen'l W. what you said of the cause of the delay of his brevet -- he desi[red] you (the brevet being conferred) to take a . . . opportunity to say to the President that al[though] he has not the honor to belong to  the political party of which Mr. Polk is the head yet since this war began no democrat has been a ore zealous supporter & advocate of the measures of the administration than himself.

Quitman's brigade & a naval force detailed by Com: Perry, & to which Allan belongs has just taken possession of Alvarado, which had been abandoned. Want of means of transportation (I suppose) prevents an immediate movement upon Mexico [City]. Gen'l Twiggs with his division which I shall accompany, will set off about the 9th to Jalapa, the rest will follow when they can get mules.

I do believe, & with great satisfaction too, that God's curse will fall upon those who make invasions with such troops a compose a greater part of this army.

My love to Georgina. Lily tells me that Em is the sweetest little creature living. 

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891) -- forty at the time, married to Lydia "Lily" Milligan Sims McLane Johnston (1822-1887), sister of Robert "Bob" Milligan McLane (1815-1898); the latter was married to Georgine Urquhart McLane (1813-1899); Allan = Allan McLane (1823-1891), another brother; Em = Mary McLane (1843-?)
Colonel Bankhead = James Monroe Bankhead (1783-1856), with Joseph E. Johnston, part of "Major General Winfield Scott's "Little Cabinet" general staff. Gen'l S = Scott
My brother = probably Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
Gen'l W = William Jenkins Worth (1794-1849)] 

[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.

Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston: Schedule of the Estate, August 28, 1847

Schedule of the Estate of Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston. Abingdon, Virginia, August 28, 1847, page 1. I had a copy of this in my files and do not know its exact publication details. Probably printed in Abingdon, Virginia, on or around the date listed. 

Note of enslaved people under the heading NEGROES, section "Not devised, and falling therefore into the residuary fund -- left to sons:

Willis, Charles Campbell, Old Henry, Speaker Ned, Ambrose, Spencer, old Charles, old Tom, Mary, Fanny."

Schedule of the Estate of Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston. Abingdon, Virginia, August 28, 1847, page 2.