Jane Johnston Mitchell/Michel to John Milton Binckley, June 20, 1868

Mary Louisa/Louise Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930)

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at Abingdon, Virginia, to Hon. John M. Binckley, Assistant Atty. Gen., at Washington City, D.C., June 20, 1868. My rough transcription. Paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.

 
Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy, Sally Young and Sue Davis for their ongoing research collaboration; specifically to William for providing a scan of the original document (as well as a scan of the above photograph), and in turn many thanks to Peter Johnston Binckley and Patricia D'Arcy "Trish" Binckley (1951-2007), at the source.]

                                                         Abingdon, 20^th June 68.

My dear son,

The news contained in your brief but comprehensive note of Thursday night has filled me with joy & thankfulness. For many days past, I have been weighed down with anxious dread; fearing that my beloved child might be dangerously ill, as she so often spoke of being sick, and suffering with her back. My uneasiness was increased by knowing that, out of tenderness for me, much of her ailments would be concealed as long as possible – and then I have had, all the time, the feeling of a prisoner, chained just out of sight of what he most wishes to see. Thanks be to God! I can at last feel at rest.

You & I, my dear son, fully sympathize in devout thankfulness for the happy result. We know the worth of the beloved one whose life has been in jeopardy, & we know how to be grateful that the precious life is spared, to cheer & bless over.

I am glad that the new darling is a boy: hope he may be as fine a fellow as Harvey, though that is hardly probable. And now for the name. I want it to be John, with whatever addition you may like best. Henry, I suppose, would please your mother most. If you still are set against John, my next choice would be Joseph Johnston. I believe you admire our hero as much as your Mary loves him – however, I am volunteering advice uncalled for – but I could not help putting in a word for the name I think the boy ought to bear. Your father’s name! [M]ay he be worthy of it!

Sue joins me in love & congratulations. I wish her trouble were equally well ended. Many thanks for your counsel with regard to her & her husband. I will try to do for the best.

With fond affection, my dear Milton, truly your Mother

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).

John Milton Binckley (circa 1831-1878).

Mary Louisa/Louise Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930).

The new darling = Francis M. [Mitchell or Milton?] Binckley (June 18-July 9, 1868).

Harvey = Harvey Mitchell Binckley (1864-1928).

Please your mother = Charlotte Stocker Binckley (1788-1877), widow of John Henry Binckley (1788-1849).

Joseph Johnston = after Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).

Sue = Sue Henry Mitchell/Michel Taliaferro (1845-1940).

Her trouble = Bennet Crawford Taliaferro (1868-1943), born on July 8, 1868.

Her husband = William Meade Taliaferro (1840-1913), traumatized survivor of the American Civil War.]

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, circa 1866/1868

[Undated fragment, Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley to John Milton Binckley. Textual evidence suggests the date to fall somewhere in a range from 1866 to early 1868, but it could date a year earlier, or slightly later. Locale seems to be in the vicinity of Washington City; Abingdon, Virginia, is another possibility]. 

. . . started. There were 20 of us grown folks and 8 children, 2 darkies, and 11 o'clock found us all at the mill unloading the wagon. The children wild with delight, a detachment of gentlemen filing along the race-path laden with baskets, shawls, &c. Harvey in a trance of wonder at the waving trees and rushing water.

When we went round to the meadow, you ought to have seen Nellie. One screech of delight and she was off up the cliff life a deer. In five minutes had scrambled down to show me a great handful of wild-flowers only to rush back for more.

It did my heart good to see the poor children enjoy themselves. I very believe Annie Sawyer never saw a wild-flower before.

Harvey was so good & sweet that every body admired him to my heart[']s content.

[connected fragment, may precede first part]:

The neighbors had commenced preparations for the Pic-nic, but it was so cold and wet that we could not decide when to go. I forgot to tell you there was a terrible storm Tuesday night after you went -- hail and rain. But Wednesday evening they concluded to go Friday. 

The gentlemen hired an ambulance to take out the baskets and (Mrs. Jenkins suggestion) the children.

Mother Binckley consented to go, tho' with a sigh at thought of leaving her beloved Chronicle. So I determined to take Harvey as Mary [nurse] was crazy to go and take him. So all day Thursday we were busy cooking, tho' it was still cold and windy. I invited Helen and Jim last night, . . . Campbell and Erskine Dow, and had every arrangement to make myself, as Sue had accepted . . .

[John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)
Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930)
Nellie = Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860-April 27, 1951)
Harvey = Harvey Mitchell Binckley (December 10, 1864-1928)
Charlotte/Charlotta Stoker/Stocker Binckley = "Mother B." (1788-1877)
Erskine Dow = possibly a son of Jesse Erskine Dow (1809-1850), editor and poet
Sue = Sue Henry Mitchell Taliaferro (1845-1940)]

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.  

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, September 27, 1868

[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley at Washington City to John Milton Binckley at New York City, September 27th, 1868].

[first part missing. Pencil annotation: "Written in Wash. -- Sept. 27th 1868 -- "]

. . . came for full developments, as I saw that Courtney has not yet been arrested. I am watching the papers, will try and get from Mac a copy of that Express article, and send it to you. The Int. is still, evidently, on the side of the "whiskey ring."

Brother Flan was here a few moments Wednesday, did not know you were away until then: has not been here since. If I When I get get over this cold, I intend visiting some of my neighbors in the evenings, and keep myself busy in the morning, so as to pass the time until my old darling comes home.

A letter from Sue came yesterday at the same time yours did, and she says William has a prospect of getting free tickets on North, if he does, she may be able to come on and see me for a few days. She says the baby is perfectly well and pretty, if crazy for us all to see him, sends special love to her "Brother."

Later, Mr. Yeaton called a while ago to say he was going on to-night & offering to take an any parcel, &c. I did not see him, and this was not finished, so I had no call upon his services.

I would like to go over to Baltimore for a day or so in October, if all goes right with you. Can I?

And if you stay much longer, won't you write me about your plans for the winter so I may know just what calculations and arrangements to make, that's a good dear boy!

Nellie is going to write, so I'll stop, since dinner I feel so much better that I think I will got out and take a bit of a walk, as I haven't been out for three days. 

Goodbye
Mary

My dear papa

I miss you so much, for when i was seven years old i always woke you up, so that is the reason i miss you so much, Mama has made Harvey a Water-proof cloak lined With red flannel and he thinks he is a man.

your afectonate [sic] child
Ellen Binckley

[Pencil annotations: MacCartney an assistant to JMB in his prosecutions of the Whiskey Ring. MacCartney finally went insane.].

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley (1838-1930)
John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)
Brother Flan = Philander H. Binckley (circa 1827-1898)
Harvey = Harvey Mitchell Binckley (1864-1928)
Sue = Sue Henry Mitchell Taliaferro (1845-1940)
William = William Meade Taliaferro (1840-1913). Disabled veteran, had served in Company E, 11th Virginia Infantry and Company E, 2nd Virginia Cavalry. Shell wound at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862; head shot and left foot shot, leg amputated, Raccoon Ford, Rapidan River, October 11, 1863. Eventually committed suicide with gunshot to the head. 
"The baby" = pencil annotation notes "Bennett," i.e. Bennett Crawford Taliaferro, which would move his birth date up one year from later records to July 8, 1868 (not 1869). He died in October 1943. 
Nellie/Ellen = Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860-April 27, 1951)

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.

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, October 9, 1868

[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley at Washington City to John Milton Binckley at New York City, October 9, 1868].

Friday morning
Washington
October 9th 68

My dearly beloved

I had a letter from you yesterday dated [the] 5th and containing a check, which I got brother Phil to cash for me -- he has been so kind lately -- comes up often to see if he can be of any use to me.

From your letter I know that you had not then rec[eived] my last, and I almost hope it is lost, for I was feeling miserable when I wrote it -- am glad to be able now to say that I am decidedly better. Am taking a cough syrup which is soothing and loosening this cough. I hope now soon to recover.

This little piano has been such an "immense" comfort to me since my sickness. But enough of myself. 

I am concerned about your cough -- do take care of yourself. I am glad you are going to get a new pair [of] slippers.

I spent yesterday with Mrs. Mac. She was quite exercised over the dispatch in the morning papers to the effect that the Case had been dismissed. Thought the whole thing at an end, & that you both would be home Soon. But I do not think it Can be. There must be some undercurrent.

I must go down street today to pay bills &c and I think I will go in and see "Mother Stevens." And I think I will buy myself something pretty -- it will be quite refreshing. Did Mac tell you how he teased me about the two barrels of greenbacks? Now don't kill yourselves -- we two forlorn ones have had a taste of widowhood, and don't relish it.

The children are pretty well. Harvey has a cold, but I keep cough syrup on the mantel, and watch him. 

I must go -- when shall I see you?

Your own Mary

[p.s.] Mother wrote a most grateful letter, and sends a piece of good news. Wm. Taliaferro has taken a solemn oath to abstain from drink, and is devoting himself (for the first time in ten months) assiduously to his business. I know you will rejoice for Sue's sake.

[Annotation in pencil: This is a reference to the efforts made by the famous "Whiskey Ring" to bribe Mother while Father was prosecuting them. She was merely to recall him on some pretext from New York, where he had gone on this business, and be rewarded by the "two barrels of greenbacks." She of course ordered the briber indignantly out of the house]

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley (1838-1930)
John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)
Brother Phil = Philander H. Binckley (circa 1827-1898)
mother = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
Harvey Mitchell Binckley (1864-1928)
William Meade Taliaferro (1840-1913). Disabled veteran, had served in Company E, 11th Virginia Infantry and Company E, 2nd Virginia Cavalry. Shell wound at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862; head shot and left foot shot, leg amputated, Raccoon Ford, Rapidan River, October 11, 1863. Eventually committed suicide with gunshot to the head. 
Sue Henry Mitchell Taliaferro (1845-1940)

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.

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, September 4, 1868

[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley at Washington City to John Milton Binckley [at New York City, probably Brooklyn], September 4, 1868.]

My beloved,

I have this moment received your note of [the] 2d, and hasten to write a line, just to tell you why I have not written long before this -- every train from the North I expected would bring you to me, and so full of the thought that the next few hours might see you at home, that I never thought of writing. You must forgive me.

I am and have been intensely and secretly excited as to your mission and confess that if you fail (which I hardly think will happen) I shall be exceedingly mortified.

Already I hear that our enemies rejoice over the "mare's nest."

But your letter encourages me, & anxious as I am to see you, I want you to persevere if it takes a month. You have brought yourself into notice again and excited the wrath of the Rads -- for Heaven's sake put it out of their power to harm you.

The children are well. Brother Flan went down street to board on Monday without saying a word to me -- if he had given me a chance I would have begged him to stay until you returned.

Nellie was woefully disappointed that you were not here on her birthday, Tuesday, the 1st.

I have so much to say there is no use beginning so I will not attempt it.

God bless and prosper you, my dearie, in your struggle with the powers of darkness.

Your own Mary

[Marginal notes in pencil: In another letter some reference is made to "Rallius" and he seems an opponent. Could my father have been sent on "Whiskey Ring" business at this date? I know that an attempt was made to bribe my mother to recall him somehow from a trip to N.Y. A "barrel of money" was offered her! For he prosecuted and jailed some of these men]

[Louisa Mitchell Binckley (February 16, 1838-January 18, 1930)
John Milton Binckley (1821-May 4, 1878)
Nellie = Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860-April 27, 1951)
Brother Flan = Possibly Philander H. Binckley (circa. 1827-1898)

See also The Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 15: Sept. 1868-April 1869 (The University of Tennessee Press, 1998), page 8. Apparently John was meeting Asahel Nichols Cole (1821-1889) in Brooklyn while investigating the Whiskey Ring].

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.

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley: Two Fragments circa 1867-1868

[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley in Southwest Virginia to John Milton Binckley at Washington City: two fragments circa 1867-1868].

As it seems no way probable, my beloved, that you will be here on our wedding day, I send by this mail a little "case" as wedding-present. It is the nearest approach I can make to being with you. I have no doubt you will admire the carelessness of the performance: unpinned collar &c. &c,

Please bring it back with you.

Blessings rest upon you, my own darling!
Your wife
______________________________________________________________________________

5) several sketches which I wish you could see, but they are not worth sending to you. I do hope I will soon get my materials and then the weather will be spring like and I will feel well and can go to work in earnest. I am most anxious to begin though I am not losing time as I draw some thing every day and that is great practice, you know.

Mother does not recover rapidly; is still very weak, and easily made sick. I think if she could get fresh meat she would get well, but such a thing is impossible. Willie shoots squirrels and has scoured the country vainly for butter and chickens. The poor white folks around here are willing to sell such only to negroes in order to keep their good-will. And if you are robbed there is no redress whatever, as there is no law and and less order. But I must stop I am not in fit mood for winter.

[Mother = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
Willie = William M. Mitchell/Michel (1839-1908)]

Original manuscripts 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.

Dr. William M. Michel (aka Mitchell) to John Milton Binckley, January 28th, 1868

Blue Stone, Va. [Tazewell County, Virginia] Jan'y 28th 1868

Dear Binckley,

I on yesterday rec'd a Harpers directed in your hand, but not a line of word besides. Have not heard from you or sister Lou since some time in Dec'r. Both Lulie & myself have written; I wrote about the 29th ult. [ultimo] to you on some business for Cousin Henry Smith, but have not gotten a line as yet, in return. Please write & let me know if you got such a letter: if not I will state the matter fully again.

Have been anxious to hear from Dr. E as to the chances of my getting a diploma but am still "in statu quo."

I know you are busy & bothered by state affairs etc. but just stop thinking of all such for an hour, & write me a free & easy letter. I have been hard at work in trying to get enough little things to commence house keeping; hope to be able to be on my own hook by 15th of March.

I am hopeful as to my practice & as soon as I can get enough money to keep me above want for six months, why Loulu & myself are going to give Omaha City a treat.

I am not content to hide myself under the shadow of these hills, all of my days. Things are not progressing here at all: I want to have a change to become somebody, before I give my last dose.

I am perfectly content where I am, if I was allowed to be white. When I am in a free State perhaps I can have then a white man's rights.

Cousin Henry Bowen, Joe [Ire?] Shan{?] & some of the rest of us are trying to perfect our Conservative organization in the county & run all the Red Strings out & all the negroes that do not behave. We will have a meeting at the C. House tomorrow, & we can then know our strength & resources better.

If there is any Freedman's Bureau now extant, I would like to get the app'tm't as Dr. to the Freedmen of Tazewell Co. if they are entitled to one, who will be paid by the Govt. They have asked me repeatedly to write on about the matter, as they are for the most part so poor off as to be able to pay a Dr. being without Master or Mistress to foot the "William." See if you can get the posish for me.

Lulie says please send a family picture of you, Lou & the young folks for her album. Ask Mother B [Binckley] to send me hers & I will return mine, with long curly locks, beard brown & kinky & face fat & hearty,

Now one more favor & I am done -- ask Lou to write me word what a good large size hair mattress can be bought in, to be delivered at Saltville, Va. (Loulie can not sleep in feathers) & to let me know as soon as possible, and also the price of sheeting & blankets, etc.: and by so doing greatly oblige yrs truly.

Give our best love to all & conclude to go to Omaha with us.
your affectionate brother
Wm. M. Michel

J. Milton Binckley
Asst. Atty. Gen'l
Washington City

[n.b. in pencil: "Son of Harvey and Jane Johnston Michel. He was at V.M.I. when he enlisted. Was blown up at Petersburg and taken prisoner. Afterwards studied medicine while still very young"] 

[Dr. William M. Michel (aka Mitchell) at Blue Stone, Virginia, to John Milton Binckley at Washington City, January 28th, 1868]. 

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.

Dr. William M. Michel (aka Mitchell) to John Milton Binckley, August 16, 1868

Abingdon [Virginia] Aug. 16th '68 [1868]

Dear Binckley,

I am here on a visit, for a day or so, and hearing of your reappointment - & at an additional salary of 500$. I can but write you a few congratulating words. Ain't the Rads kinder obfuscated & rather doubtful about their Ulysses being proof, without reference to head or heel? They are falling out & backing out, & getting out of the "Loyal Legion," all thro' this country & even Cufie is working up & shewing himself a man if, if he is black. I have but little practice nobody sick, so I go around canvassing for Withers [Robert E. Withers] & [Horatio] Seymour & Blair [Francis P. "Frank" Blair, Jr.], and enlightening the negro on the state of the country & their interest. I hope to make more convert & one gained, is one more for our side. 

Mother [Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel] will break up here Sept. 21st or Oct. 1st. She will go to live with me in Russell [Virginia]. I shall go back next week & get me a house for the winter. Either in Lebanon [Russell County, Virginia], or at Hendricks' Mills, a village close by. I am still getting along with a borrowed horse & can't tell when I shall be deprived of it, but I can't buy me one, so must scuffle on as best I can.

I have 60$ still due me in Tazewell, but I've no idea I'll get it or half of it, between the Poor Law & Bankrupt Law & the thief rascal Law, a poor honest Dr. can get but little in this country.

But Lulie [Lucy A. Dennis (1845-1923), who married Dr. Michel (1840-1908) in Russell on August 23, 1867] is in good health & spirits again, & I'm strong as a Cossack, so I am not faint of heart just yet, though I'm dreadfully afflicted by poverty some times. Tell sister Lou [Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley] all send her love & to children & you. Lulie wants the family picture she promised. Good bye & good luck.

yrs, truly & brotherly
Wm. M. M. 

Rosedale, Russell Co. [Virginia]

[Dr. William M. Michel (aka Mitchell) to John Milton Binckley, August 16, 1868].

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.