Jane Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel notes (circa 1891), part 4

Columbia, S.C. in 1850. Circled in red: shops run by E. W. and A. S. Johnston in the late 1820s

[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. Extra paragraph breaks added for emphasis and easier reading.]

[Re: Joseph Eggleston Johnston.]

After graduating, he was stationed for a year or more at Governor’s Island, N.Y.

The next place, as well as I recollect, was Fortress Monroe, where he spent quite a long time.

Next, I believe, was Washington.

In 1832, South Carolina having “nullified” & being in a state bordering on war, every gentleman being a volunteer for military service. Pres: Jackson sent a body of U.S. troops to Charleston to quell the revolt. 

Joseph was Lieut. in one of the regiments, & had the pleasing prospect of fighting his own brothers, Edward, Sydney, & Benjamin, who were all "minute men" (that is, training daily to be ready to go to battle at a minute's notice). He got leave to come up to Columbia to see us all, however, & we had a peaceful visit from him of two days, when he rejoined his regiment.

Thanks to Old Hickory, the war was nipped in the bud. 

[Compare with the final version from Robert M. Hughes, General Johnston (Great Commanders), New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1893, pages 16-17]: 

Johnston's first military service was as second lieutenant in the Fourth Artillery ; the next, in garrison at New York, followed by similar service at Fortress Monroe. This period, extending from 1829 to 1832, was uneventful, being mainly utilized by him in acquiring that knowledge of the soldier's duty which is essential to success. His first experience in actual campaigning was in the Black Hawk expedition of 1832, under General Scott, in which he participated, though without any opportunity for distinction.

In the fall of this same year the nullification troubles in South Carolina were at their height, and Johnston was with the small body of United States troops stationed at Charleston by President Jackson for the purpose of preserving order. Here the contingencies of civil war were forcibly impressed upon his mind, for three of his brothers resided in Columbia and belonged to the South Carolina minutemen then drilling for the conflict with the United States which everyone expected, and they would have been the first to come into collision with the national forces if matters had proceeded to extremities. Fortunately, events took a turn which prevented them from being confronted in fratricidal strife. From this period till the beginning of 1836 he was on duty at Fortress Monroe and at Fort Macon, North Carolina; and he was also assigned to topographical duty.

Louis McLane estate: Bohemia Farm by E.H. Pickering, HABS photographer via Wikimedia Commons (1936)

[Loose leaf of paper]:

You were misinformed as to the place where he was married. It was the family seat, Bavaria, on the Eastern shore of Maryland. [Close: the actual name was Bohemia, later also called Bohemia Farm.]

[Compare with the final version from Robert M. Hughes, General Johnston (Great Commanders), New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1893, pages 22-23]: 

During this period of comparative rest he had formed the acquaintance of Lydia McLane, daughter of Louis McLane and sister of Robert M. McLane, whose intimacy with Johnston, great even at that early period, continued without interruption during his long life. She was a lady of great personal beauty, and none the less attractive were her qualities of mind and heart. Amid her host of admirers Lieutenant Johnston was so fortunate as to be the favored suitor, and on July 10, 1845, they were married. Their union was a specially happy one. The absence of offspring but served to draw them closer together and make their lives more nearly one. Throughout his distinguished career she was a worthy helpmate, whether in the circles of society or the more sacred one of private life.

The family to which Mrs. Johnston belonged is distinguished in the annals of Delaware and Maryland. Her father was often honored with high office, having served in the House of Representatives, the Senate, also as Minister to England, and as Secretary of the Treasury under Jackson. During Jackson's second administration he was transferred to the Department of State. For many years he was president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Her brother Robert is also an eminent citizen, having been Governor of Maryland, member of the House of Representatives, and Minister to France, the latter during the administration of President Cleveland.

[Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892). Note: from the above, she was visiting or temporarily residing in Columbia at some point in 1832. She married Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866) in Abingdon, Virginia, on September 24, 1832.
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).
Edward William Johnston (1799-1867)
Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852)
Benjamin Franklin Johnston (1808-1834)
Lydia Milligan Sims McLane (1822-1887)
Louis McLane (1784-1857)
Robert Milligan McLane (1792-1849).]

[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 3

[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. Extra paragraph breaks added for emphasis and easier reading.]

[Re: Joseph Eggleston Johnston.]

There is not much to tell about his education. It was begun, like that of the other sons, under the care of my mother, who taught all her sons until they finished the Latin grammar, when she could go no further, & they were sent to school. 

Joseph had no advantages beyond the Academy in Abingdon (a good classical school) & the instruction derived from my father, who was a very fine scholar, and the elder sons.

He did not love to learn, he said yet he was always a good student. 

Some months before Joseph went to West Point, he was attacked by some disease of the eyes. It was treated so injudiciously as to result in chronic inflammation which lasted all the time he was at W. P., & prevented any use of his eyes in reading at night. To make up for this, he rose early & studied during the time allotted for meals -- took only one meal a day. 

[Compare with the final version from Robert M. Hughes, General Johnston (Great Commanders), New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1893, pages 13-14, 16]:  

His education was begun by his parents, both of whom were amply competent to give it, and carried on by them until he became old enough to enter the Academy at Abingdon, which was a fair classical school. He was a good student, and made the most of his opportunities. He retained through life a taste for the classics, as is evidenced by the large number of works of that character in his library. Homer was his special favorite. 

Increase of years only strengthened his determination to be a soldier, and he adhered to it with a constancy which showed it to be the natural bent of his mind and not a mere boyish fancy. He burned to emulate his father's revolutionary record and the deeds of his neighbors and relatives of the King's Mountain campaign. His father did not discourage this predilection, but, on the contrary, presented him, though he was next to the youngest son, with his revolutionary sword. Though he owned this sword from his youth, he did not wear it during his earlier military life, but drew it for the first time in defense of his native State at the out break of the civil war.

In 1825, at the age of eighteen, he secured, through the influence of James Barbour, United States Senator from Virginia and Secretary of War under President John Q. Adams, an appointment to the Military Academy as a cadet, thus obtaining an entrance into the field of his cherished ambition. . .

He made the most of his opportunities, and was unremitting in his studies. But during his cadetship a very serious obstacle supervened in an affection of the eyes, which totally debarred him from using them at night, and probably made his graduation mark lower than it would otherwise have been. He completed his course in 1829, being number thirteen in a class of forty-six [the class had been much larger before attrition set in].

[Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).
My mother = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825).
My father = Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831).]

[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 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.]

Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel to Robert Morton Hughes, November 2, 1891

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel (aka Mitchell) at Washington City to Robert Morton Hughes [at Norfolk, Virginia], November 2, 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. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                                                             931 P. st. N.W.

                                                                             Washington, 2d Nov. 1891

My dear Robbie,

Your letter of 30^th is just received. I have forwarded your mother’s letter to Louisa, & have signed the order you enclosed. I am by no means certain that I am carrying out your intentions; as, in your haste, you failed to state distinctly what I was to do. But I suppose the right thing is to send back the order to you. Therefore you will find it enclosed. If wrong, you will inform.

Tell Eliza, I thank her heartily for her kindness in lending my daughter the money that it is so important for her to have without delay.  I am not able to do it, having been subjected to great expenses by continued sickness. Doctor’s bills & costly remedies; travelling, very high board, employing a nurse, &c. have combined t exhaust my means.

I presume there is no doubt about a small residuary fund. But, if that resource fails, I will take care your mother shall not be loser.

I hope to see you all whenever you come to the City. Sue joins me in love.  

                                 Yours most affectionately     

                                       J.W. Michel

[p.s.] My state of health is feeble, and I am ill from time to time. 

[J.W. Michel = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel/Mitchell (November 26, 1811-January 6, 1892). This must have been one of the last letters she ever wrote.

Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).

Your mother/Eliza = Eliza Mary Johnston Hughes (1825-1909).

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

Sue = Sue Henry Mitchell Taliaferro (1845-1940); her disabled and estranged veteran husband was William Meade Taliaferro (1840-1913).]

[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.]

Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel to Robert Morton Hughes, May 4, 1891

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel (aka Mitchell) at Washington City to Robert Morton Hughes [at Norfolk, Virginia], May 4, 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. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                                                              931 P. st. N.W.

                                                                              May 4^th 1891

My dear Robbie,

Your letter should have been answered sooner, but that I have been waiting to see Mary Costello, who knows all about the books. However she has not been here, & I will delay no longer. The books you mention are no doubt the ones in question. The bible is most likely the one which belonged to brother Sydney, was sent to me after his death & I gave it to Joseph.

The large bible I shall be glad for you to keep, & your mother must have one of Lily’s prayer books.  The two best, I think, should be given to her two namesakes, Willie’s girl, & Sue’s.

You ask if I got the things on my list – I did, with only one exception, & that I willingly agreed to. As it turned out, I was glad that my list called for only the least valuable articles. For, after all was divided, I was informed, to my great surprise, that I was to pay for nothing. Ben & Coralie acted so sweetly about it!

One thing, however, I do think, was not just as it should be. I am disposing of the swords, no account was taken of my branch of the family. One, it seems to me, ought to come to me for my son. He was entirely overlooked. I suppose because he is so far away, & so little known to his relatives in this part of the world.

Did you ever hear the story of the breaking of your uncle’s leg when he was a lad? It was his first experience of a charge of cavalry, & I deem it worth recording, as showing his early propensity, the wonderful bravery of the young boy. Don’t forget that from his boyhood, his word was never doubted it was a standing fact, that Joseph always told the truth. I send the book.

                                      With love to all, warmly yours,

                                           J.W. Michel

[J.W. Michel = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel/Mitchell (November 26, 1811-January 6, 1892).

Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).

Mary Costello = not sure who this is.

Joseph/Your uncle = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (February 3, 1807-March 21, 1891).

Books = many of the books from Joe Johnston’s library eventually made their way to William & Mary’s Swem Library. In the 1990s, I identified many of these volumes and requested they be moved to Special Collections.

Sydney = Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852).

Your mother = Eliza Mary Johnston Hughes (1825-1909).

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

Willie’s girl = he had more than one daughter, none named Lily or Lydia as far as I can tell.

Sue’s daughter = Lilian Johnston Taliaferro (1877-1965).

Willie/my son = William Manning Michel/Mitchell (1839-1908).

Sue = Sue Henry Mitchell Taliaferro (1845-1940); her disabled and estranged veteran husband was William Meade Taliaferro (1840-1913).

Ben = Dr. George Ben Johnston (1853-1916).

Coralie = Coralie Henry Johnston (1861-1954), future librarian.]

[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.]

Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel to Robert Morton Hughes, April 18, 1891

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel (aka Mitchell) at Washington City to Robert Morton Hughes [at Norfolk, Virginia], April 18, 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. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                                                              931 P. st. N.W.

                                                                              April 18^th ‘91

My dear Robbie,

I send you some articles from a Kansas City paper, which I think it would be well to publish in the Southern papers. It is assuredly an extraordinary thing to see such proceedings on the past of Union soldiers, &, in my opinion, the spreading abroad of such facts is calculated to promote feelings of kindness & good will all over the land.

The noblest work of your uncle’s later days was the cultivation by his influence and example of a spirit of fraternity. He has done more good in that way, than any other man.

Please be sure to return these pieces to me. I consider this a high tribute, coming from such a source. 

I find that a mistake was made in packing the library which I trust you will repair. My brother’s books of devotion had, at the first, been laid aside for me, as the person best entitled to them. But in the confusion, they happened to be moved, & seemed a part of the library. The packer put them up with the rest. You will find them when you look over all.

Besides these, there is a very old prayer book which belonged to my mother, & which we all valued most highly. It is of medium size, of the best material used 80 years ago. Binding of red morocco. Pray let me have that. Don’t trouble to send, the books, let them come when you or Floyd come to the City.

                  With best love to “Mama” & Mattie,

                                 Yours most warmly –

                                    J.W. Michel

[J.W. Michel = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Michel/Mitchell (November 26, 1811-January 6, 1892).

Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940).

Your uncle = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (February 3, 1807-March 21, 1891).

Mattie = Martha “Mattie” Louisiana Smith (1853 or 1863-1944).

Library = many of the books from Joe Johnston’s library eventually made their way to William & Mary’s Swem Library. In the 1990s, I identified many of these volumes and requested they be moved to Special Collections.

Mama = Eliza Mary Johnston Hughes (1825-1909).

Floyd = Floyd Hughes (1861-1940)].

[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.] 

Jane Wood Johnston Michel to William Whann Mackall, April 25, 1891

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel at Washington City to William Whann Mackall at (Washington City), April 25, 1891, Series 2, folder 6, William Whann Mackall Papers, #1299, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill].

931 P st. N.W.
April 25 [1891]

Gen. Macall [Mackall],

Knowing as I do the great attachment which subsisted between yourself & my brother, Gen. Johnston, I have thought you would be pleased to possess some memento of him. Accordingly, I have laid aside for you one of his canes -- very plain, as you know was his habit as to personal belongings -- but if I mistake not, valuable in your eyes as having been used by him. He made no disposition of his personal effects, which accounts for no bequest being left for you. If you will send some one for it, I shall be glad to have this small relic put into your hands. I don't know how otherwise to convey it.

Accept at the same time, friend of my brother, for his sake, the high regard of his sister.

Jane W. Michel

[Jane (1811-1892)
William Whann "W. W." Mackall (1817-August 12, 1891)
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-March 21, 1891)]

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

Jane Wood Johnston Michel: Last Will and Testament, August 1891

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892), Last Will and Testament, August 1891. District of Columbia, Filed May 5, 1892, L.P. Wright, Register of Wills. In District of Columbia, Wills, Boxes 0133-0138, 1892-1893.] 

August 1891

As I may not, in all probability, have much longer to live, I consider it prudent to write out my wishes as to my small effects, in order that there may be no room for discussion after I am gone.

My two older children living in California, they could not have any of the furniture, as it would not be worth transportation. Therefore I shall not leave an of it to them. Besides, as I have lived so long with my daughter Susie, and she has had a great deal of care and trouble with me for all my latter years, when I have been an invalid, I think it only just that she should be heir to my possessions.

Accordingly, I hereby bequeath to her, my Susie, all my little property. I beg her to accept it as a mark of her mother's fondest love & gratitude for her unwearied care & devoted affection. Would that I were able to do something of greater help & higher value! God bless her!

To my daughter Louisa & my dear son and their children my tenderest love & blessing. May they be good, loving, faithful Christians & heirs of life eternal. Lucy is included.

Jane W. Michel

My heart yearns to express its pure & ardent love to you all. But I can find no words. I think my life's devotion has proved my affections. Look leniently upon my faults -- pardon my errors and infirmities & remember only the best of me.

[p.s.]
Reginald Munson MD
Giles W. Smith

Proved the whole of this to be in her handwriting & of sound mind and that she is dead. Sworn May 14/92 [May 14, 1892].

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (November 26, 1811-January 6, 1892)
Susie = Sue Henry Mitchell/Michel Taliaferro (1845-1940) 
Louisa = Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930)
Son = William Manning Mitchell/Michel (1839-1908)
Lucy = Lucy A. Dennis Michel (1845-1923)
Dr. Reginald Munson (1858-1946)
Giles W. Smith = NA
Note: Jane's brother, Joseph Eggleston Johnston (February 3, 1807-March 21, 1891) willed stocks and bonds to Jane, and also, for release upon Jane's death, to her children. But did Jane also leave personal archival material to Susie? Were there letters and other artifacts that Jane had kept? If so, what happened to them?]

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. 

Joseph E. Johnston to Coralie Henry Johnston, January 20, 1891

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston at Washington City to Coralie Henry Johnston at 107 South 1st Street, Richmond, Virginia, January 20, 1891, folder 638, 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.]

Very dear Coralie

Your note of [the] day before yesterday is just come, to my great satisfaction. tThe especial cause of my great satisfaction is the indication that you are not averse to making me another visit in the "near future."

It is very evident to me that you didn't receive the largest share of the pleasant welcome given by the inmates of 107 S. 1st St. to your party of two. Now bear this in mind -- that if you come here in a party of a dozen times two you shall have more than half the welcome. And that if all stay home you will give me more pleasure than all the others. But who is the fellow you consider the "most important of the household." I am afraid that he'll keep you in it. Don't let him.

I am very lonesome. Tho' the writing of this has kept off some of it.

most affectionately yours
J. E. Johnston

[Coralie Henry Johnston (1861-1954); her father, John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889) had died on February 27, 1889, at the age of 70
Joseph E. Johnston (1807-March 21, 1891); his wife Lydia McLane Johnston had died in 1887 at the age of 65]

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

"Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's Will" (1891)

The State (Columbia, South Carolina), April 2, 1891. (This newspaper began in February 1891 and is still in operation in 2016):

Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's Will
By United Press to the State.

WASHINGTON, April 2.-- Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's will was admitted to probate today. Hon. James L. McLane is appointed executor, and the beneficiaries are his sister, Jane W. Michall [Michel]; a niece, Mrs. Hughes; G. B. Johnston, L.J. McMillan, Sallie J. Lee, Caralie [Coralie] H. Johnston and Louisa Trigg, Mrs. Mary Hobbins and others. His estate is estimated to be worth $80,000. 

[$80,000 in 1891 equal to slightly more than two million dollars in 2016
James Latimer McLane (1834-1923), brother-in-law
Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
Mrs. Hughes = Eliza Mary Johnston Hughes (1825-1909)
Dr. George Ben Johnston (1853-1916)
L.J. McMillan = Lavalette Estelle Johnston McMillan (1850-1941)
Sallie J. Lee = Sally Buchanan Floyd Johnston Lee (1848-1925)
Coralie Henry Johnston (1861-1954), childhood friend of her cousin Nella Fontaine Binckley (1860-1951), educated at Johns Hopkins and Old Dominion, nurse and longtime (for three decades) reference librarian at the Virginia State Library in Richmond
Louisa Trigg = Louisa Bowen Johnston Trigg (1846-1895)
Mrs. Mary Hobbins = ?]

The Late Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891)

San Francisco Call, Volume 69, Number 115, March 25, 1891:

BESIDE HIS WIFE.

The Remains of the Late J. E. Johnston

Interred at Green Mount Cemetery.

Washington, March 24. — The funeral services over the remains of the late General Joseph E. Johnston, almost the last of the great commanders of the Confederacy, took place in this city this morning. By request of the deceased the ceremonies were devoid of ostentation or unnecessary formality, and the simplicity of the service was in character with the man. There was no display of uniforms or battle-flags or military trappings, and the family of the deceased declined the request of a number of Confederate veteran associations to participate. There was a large attendance of distinguished persons.

There were no services at the residence of the deceased, but just before 11 o'clock the remains were taken to St. John's Episcopal Church, accompanied by the family and near friends. Of these there were in attendance ex-Governor McLane of Maryland and James McLane, brothers-in-law of the dead man; Dr. Joseph P. Johnston, Mrs. Taliaferro, niece, with her son and daughter, and George Ben Johnston, grandnephew. There were also present at the church Governor McKinney of Virginia, Mayor Ellison of Richmond, Va., Senators Daniel and Hawley, Captain Thomas Mackall, Judge Robert Hughes, Colonel Sterne, General John Sanders, General Henry T. Douglas and a number of persons from Baltimore.

The funeral party was met at the church by the honorary pall-bearers. They were: Senators Morgan and Daniel, Hon. Mr. Curry, General Parke, U.S.A., General Field, General Heth, Rear-Admiral Rogers, U.S.N., Rear-Admiral Temple, General Wright, General Brice, Colonel Anderson of Richmond, Colonel Harris, Hon. J. G. Bancroft Davis, James Wathough, General Veasey, Commander-in-Chief of the G.A.R.; Vice-President Morton and Senators Cockrell, Manderson and Butler.

The body-bearers consisted of members of the ex-Confederate Association of this city, all men who had fought under General Johnston during the war. There were drawn up in a double line along the sidewalk about 100 men of Robert E. Lee Camp, Confederate Veterans, without uniform, and they stood with gray heads bared as the body was borne between their ranks.

The casket was a plain one, covered with black cloth, and without ornamentation. The silver plate bore the inscription, "Joseph E. Johnston, born February 3, 1807, died March 21, 1891.”

St. John's Church was crowded to its utmost capacity with delegations of ex-Confederates and different societies and many prominent people of Washington. The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Douglass, rector of the church, and were confined to the simple Episcopal burial service fur the dead. At the conclusion of the services the remains were removed to the Baltimore and Potomac Station, and left here on the 12:10 o'clock train for Baltimore.

Baltimore, March 24.— When the body of General Johnston arrived here, many of his old soldiers were at the railroad station, and they bared their heads as the coffin was borne past them. The remains were laid at rest by the side of his wife in Greenmount Cemetery.

Photo: US National Archives.