Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, February 9, 1816

Jack Reid, from Heiskell, Andrew Jackson and Early Tennessee, Vol. II (1920), page [64/65.]

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe at [Federal Hill] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, near] Rose’s Mill, Nelson County, Virginia, February 9, 1816. Postmarked New London, February 10, 1816. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                             Federal Hill  February 9th, 1816

My dear Sally

I will venture once more to write to you by mail but I fear it is quite useless, as you never receive the letters we write to you by the mail, it is so seldom that we have any private opportunity we should write as often as possible if there is a moth without our hearing from you as it always is, Papa says directly I wonder why Sally does not write to us. I should like to know how she comes on in this cold weather.

Oh Sally imagine to yourself the distress that is witnessed in this neighborhood, when I tell you of the many deaths that have taken place in this neighborhood no doubt but what you have heard of the deaths of poor Jack and Maria Reid, what a distressed family that is, a few nights before Maria died she danced at Millers until 10 o'clock at night; it was there she caught her death it is supposed, there are a vast number of people sick; Grandmama has been very ill with the St. Anthony's fire, but is a little better tho, not out of danger; Mrs. Austen has been given out, perhaps dead by this time; Schoolfield says Papa has credit in heaven for saving Old Clark's life, by sending him a little wine.

Nancy White and myself had made a bargin [bargain] to go to Amherst together and from there William was to go on with me to Pharsalia but Papa said it was two [too] cold; or I should have been with you about this time.

Bob intends going to the Ball the 22 with his flame Maria and thence on to see you, he wishes me to go down with him but it will be out of my power to do so. 

I suppose you have heard that Brother Billy has a fine son and can talk of nothing else, he is so proud of it.

Poor Gabriel is in this part of the world again, going about like a stray dog, I expect he will go to see you soon, he is at last going to set himself down with his Mama and look to her for support I suspect.

Sally when are you coming up to see us, I have heard that you were not coming up this spring; I hope it is not so, and your reason is because Mr. Massie is too busy making Tobacco, suppose you come up with Bob whenever you come you will find this neighborhood dull enough I can assure you.

If you get this letter let me know it and I will write oftener by mail you must take the money you get for butter to pay for the postage of my letters; I expect you make as much as will do that.

                                          I am your affectionate sister
                                                      F. C. Steptoe  

[Sally = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Frances Callaway “Fanny” Steptoe (1798-1832) was seventeen years old when she wrote this letter. On March 13, 1816, she would marry Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854).

Their father = James Steptoe (1750-1826), whose home base was “Federal Hill.” Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866) later painted his portrait here. See this link. The Federal Hill estate was located very close to New London and also Lynchburg, Virginia; about three miles or so away from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Was in Bedford County, but now it’s in Campbell County. Picture here.

Jack and Maria Reid = Major John Reid (1784-January 18, 1816), aide-de-camp to Andrew Jackson, born in or near New London, Virginia, then based in Tennessee; and Maria Frances Thompson Reid (died January 1816?). They apparently had a daughter named Sophia Reid. Jack Reid was directly related to Nathan Reid (1753-1830), who had married Sophia Thorpe in 1784. Other Reid family members lived around New London and Lynchburg, Virginia. Finally, Jack Reid was working on a biography of Andrew Jackson at the time of his death.  

Grandmama = not sure who this was, given that Fanny had no living grandmothers at the time. 

Mrs. Austen, Schoolfield = not sure who they are.

Nancy White = lived in the vicinity of New London. Possibly a cousin of some kind. 

William = possibly Brother Billy (below).

Bob = probably Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870); Maria = Not sure who this is. He subsequently married Betsy Leftwich (1800-1840), in 1820.  

Brother Billy = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860), graduate of University of Pennsylvania Medical School  (1807), at the time married to Ann Nancy Brown (1792-April 5, 1817); their child, Edward Jenner Steptoe (November 7, 1815-April 1, 1865), graduated from West Point and served in the military as an adult. Some of his papers are held at the University of Washington. See also: Ron McFarland, Edward J. Steptoe and the Indian Wars: Life on the Frontier, 1815–1865 (Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2016). 

Poor Gabriel = unclear who this is.]

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

                                                                     

Frances Callaway Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, December 29, 1815

Liberty Hall, New London, Virginia (photo: New London Museum)

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe at [Federal Hill] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia,  near Rose’s Mill, Nelson County, Virginia, December 19, 1815. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]
                                                                     
December 29th 1815

Dear Sally,

I trust you do not think it is for the want of affection I have not written to you; if so you are very much mistaken but I can tell you the cause very easily; I have never had a sheet of letter paper since last summer; Tom never goes to town but when I remind him of it, I am compeled [compelled] at leas to write on very indifferent paper, I should have written by uncle George but I had company. I could at that time have given you a very good account of Mrs. Jackson and the Ball; but I have forgotten all about it now nearly but if you have ever seen Mrs. Anderson you have seen Mrs. Jackson they are extremely alike in every respect.

Sally how have you spent your Christmas dreary enough I suppose,  for a miracle[?] we were all invited invited to Mrs. White's to dinner and a very fine dinner we had, and fun a plenty; we had amongst us a Mr. Morris from Lynchburg; he is uncommonly handsome and agreeable, I am very much in hopes he will cort [court] Nancy though they are related, and yesterday I dined with Mrs. Clarke. 

The Grove is very much altered; it does not appear to me the same house; tho for the better it is not furnished in the manner that it was when Mr. Penn lived there; she has nothing which was Mr. Penn's but the glass press the rest of the furniture is not as elagant [elegant] as she wishes it to be; not even the drawing-room furniture; unless she sends to the north or to Europe she will not be satisfied with the furniture she talks of going on to the north next spring; she asked Nancy White and myself if we would accompany here.

Sally will you not be very much surprised when I inform you, your old friend Betsy Irvine is going to be married to John Scott he staid [stayed] with her a week about a fortnight ago; don't you think that looks like doing business.

There was a grand Ball in Liberty a few weeks ago Nancy White, Louisa Fatieugh[?]; and myself went up in Mr. Penn's old carriage and such work we had with old horses you never saw they would give out at every little hill and then we would have to get out and William White would dam [damn] the carriage and horses and Bill would say the fault was in the old harness for they were his father's harnesses and so we went on until we got there; and coming home the carriage broke down but it was fun for us, then we had to stay at old Bane's [Barnes?] about three hours waiting until we could have it mended at last I proposed that each of us should take up our trunks on our heads and go down to the shop but the old man sent our trunks and we walked four miles and a half in the rain and mud.

Charles Johnston is with us to day he has been given [giving] me an account of Richmond he says Mr. Wm. Lambert is fixing himself out in great stile [style]. 

I shall try and go to see you shortly; Lucy intends going to see you before she moves, but I expect she will take it out in talking. 

The neighborhood will be quite deserted Major Reid intends moving out to Tennessee and Mrs. Moseley Jack and Hopkins. 

I will write to you again very shortly if I can get any letter paper if not I will write on some like this I will not have an excuse any longer.

Give my love to Mr. Massie and tell him I am sorry he thinks more of making money than us, else he might have come to see us.

                                           I am your affectionate sister
                                                                           F. Steptoe

[Sally = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Frances Callaway “Fanny” Steptoe (1798-1832), seventeen years old when she wrote this letter. On March 13, 1816, she would marry Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854).

Tom = Tom Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Their father = James Steptoe (1750-1826), whose home base was “Federal Hill.” Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866) later painted his portrait here. See this link. The Federal Hill estate was located very close to New London and also Lynchburg, Virginia; about three miles or so away from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Was in Bedford County, but now it’s in Campbell County. Picture here.

William Lambert (1789/1790-1853/1854), later mayor of Richmond, married Nancy Ann Pickett (1794-1837/1838).

Charles Johnston (1769-1833).

Lucy = Lucinda "Lucy" Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who marred Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856) on June 15, 1814.]

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

Frances Callaway Steptoe to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, October 29, 1815

Federal Hill, near New London, Virginia. Virginia Department of Historic Resources

[Frances Callaway Steptoe at Federal Hill, then Bedford now Campbell County, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie at Nelson County, Virginia, October 29, 1815. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                                   Federal Hill Oct 29 1815

I have never been able to learn whether you got home dead or alive until last night. Sally why did you not write to us, and tell us you got home; out of sight, out of mind, is that the case, I hope not indeed.

Mrs. Reid is run to her eyeballs as Mrs. Miller says, she has been looking for General Jackson and Jacky for a fortnight she has given him out once but she received a letter from him a few days ago; that he should be in to day she has been serving and rubing [robbing] and borrowing from every one in the neighborhood; Jackson[‘s] wife is to stay at Mrs. Reid’s until he returns from the City.

I still talk of going to Richmond if I do go I will write to you again and let you know when I will go to see you. Tom has vacation next month, and I will make him go with me down.

Do write to us Sally and don’t be so selfish, I cannot go on with my letter my hand trembles so badly.

                                                I am your affectionate sister

                                                            F. Steptoe

[Frances Callaway Steptoe (1798-1832) would marry Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (17901054) on March 13, 1816. She was seventeen at the time of this letter.

Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Federal Hill = James Steptoe estate very close to New London and also Lynchburg, Virginia; about three miles or so away from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Was in Bedford County, but now it’s in Campbell County. Picture here.

Mrs. Reid = Not sure who this is, possibly the mother of Lucy and Patsy ‘Reed’ mentioned in a later letter.

Mrs. Miller = Not sure who this is.

General Jackson = Major General Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

Wife = Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson (1767-1828)

Jacky = probably Andrew Jackson, Jr. (1808-1865)

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).]

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

Eliza Madison Preston Johnston to John Preston, February 25, 1823

[Eliza Madison Preston Johnston at Abingdon to Gen'l John Preston at Fincastle, Virginia, February 25 (postmarked February 26), 1823. Box 25, Folder 6, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529.]

My Dear Father

It has been nearly three weeks since I have heard a single word from Greenfield; and you cannot imagine with what anxiety I await every post in hopes of hearing from my too Dear Father, the situation in which I left you has rendered me constantly uneasy since we parted. I hope however by this time you are entirely recovered and once again enjoying the blessing of good health.

We have not yet begun housekeeping but hope to do so as soon as Mr. Johns[t]on returns from court which will be the last of next week: we are both so anxious about it that we are determined to commence on what we have and not wait for our things from New York it will put us to some inconvenience but I had rather suffer that, than delay any longer; we have concluded to keep about us Dolly Claibourn and Franky the others are to be hired out.

Mr. Johns[t]on had a cook and dining room servant; those are more than I wish to keep about me but somehow or other I cannot lessen the number. We have gotten rid of one expense by reducing our establishment of horses we keep only two; with the others we paid for our grain, sideboard, tables &c. but I fear I'll tire you my dear papa with such minute details, however I flatter myself that whatever concerns me, will still interest you: Edward has gone to school today for the first time. 

Mr. Johns[t]on has been attending to him ever since we arrived and advanced him so far as to enable him to begin Erasmus. We desired Mr. Holly to attend particularly to his reading and writing: tell mama he is quite a good boy the greatest difficulty I have is to make him keep himself clean.

Ann Sophonisba Preston Breckinridge*

Uncle Frank's family have all been sick since my arrival but are recovering. Sophonisba is to be married on the 8th of March all things are ready just waiting uncle's return.

My husband desires to be affectionately remembered to you and the rest of the family, and says if either of the girls will come out he will go down for them at any time. I wish most sincerely one of them could come it would be a great source of comfort to me.

[M]y best love to mama and sisters and accept my dearest present of the sincerest affection from your daughter

Eliza M. Johns[t]on

[Father = John Preston (1764-1827)
Eliza Madison Preston Johnston (1803-1828) married Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832), probably at Greenfield, on December 29, 1822.  "Our things from New York" = did they honeymoon in New York City? Was Edward William Johnston (1799-1867) boarding at the Villagrand's by that time?
Dolly Claibourn and Franky and the others = enslaved servants and workers. 
Edward = Edward Carrington Preston (1812-1836). Probably as a political favor to John Preston, Andrew Jackson sent a recommendation on his behalf to John Caldwell Calhoun, for entry into the US Military Academy at West Point, when he was still fourteen! I think he ended up at Georgetown and later moved to Louisiana, where he died at age 25.  
Mama = Elizabeth Ann Carrington Preston (1768-1829)
Mr. Holly - tutor and/or teacher. 
Uncle Frank = Francis Smith Preston (1765-1826)
Sophinisba = Ann Sophonisba Preston (1803-1844) would marry Robert Jefferson Breckenright (1800-1871) technically on March 11, 1823. 
The girls = probably Susan = Susanna Smith Preston (1805-1857) and Sarah = Sarah Radford Preston (1806-1848)]

[*Portrait possibly by Chester Harding or A. J. Miller, Kentucky Historical Society. Link here]

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

  

Charles Clement Johnston to John Preston, May 13, 1824

[Charles Clement Johnston at Wythe Court-house, to Gen'l John Preston, Cloverdale post office, Botetourt County, Virginia. Box 25, Folder 5, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529.]

My Dear Sir

Continued absence on my spring circuit has prevented me from sooner answering your last.

I have not yet succeeded in obtaining from Shugart and Wife their Deed for the "White house": he is illy disposed, obstinate, and very hard to manage. I have tried several different expedients with him and hope now to succeed in the course of two or three weeks. As soon as I do so you shall be duly informed.

I have been extremely sorry that it has been proved to be entirely out of my power to attend the present term of the Chancery Court in Richmond. I had hoped that I might be able to do so and had made an arrangement of my business for that purpose, but unexpected and important professional engagements have put it completely out of my power.

I do not think it however at all likely that our cause will come in for trial this Term: if it does not, it will be in my power to attend the term of the Court in January. In the meantime, if there is any testimony to be taken in the country on referring me to the names of the witnesses and the facts wished to be proved, I will in person attend the examination of the witnesses.

Edward is progressing in his studies, not rapidly as he might do, but evidently to advantage. For the last three months I have not been able to superintend or control him, as I have generally been absent from home. I will however soon have more leisure, and can and will give him more assistance and attention.

Since in your last letter to Edward you have favoured us fully with your future views in relation to him (which if I may be allowed to express an opinion, seems to me to be very judicious) I shall think it advisable to change in some respects his course of studies. I prefer to direct his chief attention and efforts to those branches of study most essentially necessary to qualify him for the course at West Point. Which, therefore, I could by no means have him neglect his Latin (a grammatical acquaintance with which is absolutely necessary) yet think it would better that he should particularly endeavor to read with facilty and distinctness, to write fast legibly and well, and to become well versed in arithmetic. Let him learn not merely to do these things, but to do them well and they form the most solid foundation for an education practically valuable. 

I hope these opinions are suited to your views: if they are not, or if at any time you wish changes made respecting Edward, I beg that you will tell me candidly and promptly and your wishes, whatever they may be will be cheerfully complied with. I have concluded on sending Edward to Walker on account of his excellence in the branches of education just mentioned.

John Floyd, who was here on yesterday, informs me that Mrs. Floyd has been very ill with a bilious fever: the crisis of her disease is now thought to be over.

Eliza, Edward, John and all your friends are [well]. I leave it to my wife to tell you all well [rapi]dly your namesake grows and how sprightly and garrulous (I mean noisy, for he can't quite talk yet) he is.  

Present me affectionately to Mrs. Preston, Susan and Sarah and to William and his family and believe me with respect & affection

                                                                   your obd't
                                                                         Ch. C. Johnston

[p.s.] We are for Jackson as well as you -- tomorrow we have in Abingdon a Town Meeting for him. 

[John Preston (1764-1827), a brother of Francis Smith Preston (1765-1836).  Her was a brigadier general in the militia and, until 1819, Treasurer of Virginia. By this time, his finances were in disarray and he owed the Commonwealth a vast amount of money.  
Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832)
Eliza aka Elizabeth Madison Preston Johnston (1803-1828)
John Preston Johnston (1824-1847)
Shugart = Zacharia Shugart (1764-1835)

Edward = Edward Carrington Preston (1812-1836). Probably as a political favor to John Preston, Andrew Jackson sent a recommendation on his behalf to John Caldwell Calhoun, for entry into the US Military Academy at West Point, when he was still fourteen! I think he ended up at Georgetown and later moved to Louisiana, where he died at age 25.  

John Floyd (1783-1837)
Mrs. Floyd = Letitia Preston Floyd (1776-1852), a sister of John Preston and Francis Smith Preston. 

Mrs. Preston = Elizabeth Ann Carrington Mayo Preston (1768-1839)
Susan = Susanna Smith Preston (1805-1857)
Sarah = Sarah Radford Preston (1806-1848)
William = William Radford Preston (1798-1846)]

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

A Brief Account of the Richmond Theatre Fire of December 26, 1811

A copy of this can be found in Alexander W. Weddell, Richmond, Virginia, in Old Prints. 1737-1887 (Richmond, 1932), plate 12.

[John Campbell at Richmond to David Campbell at Abingdon, Virginia, December 27, 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 happiness of Richmond is destroy'd forever. Last night I witness'd a scene more pictur'd with horror & distress than any of which I have ever heard or read! Yes, it is without a parallel in the annals of the world!

A number of the brightest ornaments of Richmond have been consum'd in the flames!

The Theatre took fire last night about 11 O'clock when were in it about 800 people one hundred of whom have been burnt up!

Governor Smith Mr Abram Venable Mr Botts and his Wife Miss Luisa Mayo Miss Conyers Mrs Galigo Mrs Wilson Miss Nelson Miss Robison & Mrs Greenbow are among the number!!! 

Allen Taylor and Mr Standard of our house have been nearly kill'd. They will both recover it is thought.

The scenery of the stage caught fire from a candle and, such were the rapidity of the flames that in a few minutes the whole Theatre was in a conflagration. And so great was the alarm and confusion, hundreds pressing forward to the same door, that numbers were . . . down & suffocated with the smoak [smoke]. Others were kill'd by jumping from the windows.

I was sitting reading in my room when I heard the alarm. I ran down stairs & saw it was the Theatre. I mov'd on as rapidly as I could to the awful scene! I enquir'd as I ran if the people were saved. The answer was No hundreds of them are burning up!!

When I arrived I was told that the windows on the opposite side of the Theatre were full of persons expiring in the flames!! 

My ears were stunn'd with cries & shrieks and screams! My heart sank within me I could approach no farther. I saw numbers that were carried away half burnt up.

The husband supporting his wife and the child his dying parent. . .

Don't suppose the picture is too highly colour'd. O! My God I wish it was.

The whole City is bath'd in tears. Almost every person having lost either a Father a mother a child a Wife or a sister.

The Legislature will adjourn for several days. For years will Richmond hear nothing but the cries of sorrow, the moans of the widow & the lamentations of the friend.

I write in great haste. Shew this letter to all my friends. Farther particulars you will hear in a short time. 

May heaven preserve you all from the woes & calamities which are now seen here in every part of the place.

                                                                         Adieu affectionately
                                                                                John Campbell

[John Campbell (1789-1866). Later became Secretary of the Treasury under Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.
David Campbell (1779-1859)
George William Smith (1762-December 26, 1811) 
Abraham Bedford Venable (1758-1811) had been President of the Bank of Virginia and a trustee of Hamden-Sydney College.
Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831) had, fortunately for his family, removed to Abingdon earlier in the year. 
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.]

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.]

Charles Clement Johnston to John Buchanan Floyd, March 7, 1832

[Charles Clement Johnston at Washington City, to [John Buchanan Floyd at Richmond], March 7, 1832. Floyd-Johnston-Preston Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary, Series I: Mss. Acc. 2002.37, folder 19. 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.]

"I send at your request two notes ready drawn for $2.000 each with my endorsement . . ."  [Discussion of details with niceties added.]

"I am grieved to see how you despond. It proves the truth of my fears that you are all going on badly in Richmond. Our present distractions have been principally produced by the impudence of our own friends: the causeless . . . produced by the agitation of the Slave question at the worst possible time and in the blunder of Calhoun in bringing Van Buren back among us by rejecting him. I had rather have given him double salary to stay away.

My only hope in the present condition and affairs is founded in the certainty that the Northern party is carrying on such a war, so flagrant and undisguised, against all the opinions, institutions and interests, and rights of the South, in every possible shape, that every minor difference amongst ourselves will (if things go on as they inevitably must from present appearances) soon be lost in one common sense of wrong v. determination of resistance.

As soon as the struggle begins all those who like Ritchie forget or betray their principles & their party from personal views, will be put down. We must shoot all deserters & spies.

We are all exceedingly anxious to hear minute information of what is going on in Richmond. Let me beg you to impart frequently from time to time the speculation as well as the news of the day -- I mean that news & speculation in regard to the undercurrent of affairs that we never see in the papers. Tell me too of your family now, if you have a family.

With my kindest regard to Cousin Sally Aunt Floyd your father & family I remain cordially your friend & relative

Ch. C. Johnston 

[p.s.] Rees B. spent the evening with me he is well.

[$2,000 in 1832 = about $54,000 in early 2017. 

Personal politics by this time had gotten quite Byzantine. Charles Clement Johnston (August 30, 1795-June 17, 1832) had been elected as a Jacksonian and began his term in the House of Representatives in March, 1831. The brutal Nat Turner slave uprising began in August 1831, and was mercilessly repressed.  Peter Johnston, Jr., a Jacksonian and moderate who delicately balanced his loyalties to Virginia with his loyalty to the United States, died on December 8, 1831. In his wake, Charles held a significant investment in enslaved people, far more than his siblings. All of these factors, plus the rising Nullification Crisis, tilted him to a harder line pro-South sectional position. In any case, he would be dead in three months. His wife, Eliza Madison Preston (circa 1803-November 27, 1828) preceded him. Her father was John Preston (1764-1827), a brother of Francis Smith Preston (1765-1836). Two children survived them: John Preston Johnston (1824-1847) and Eliza Mary Johnston (1825-1909). Eventually, the Floyds became their guardians.

In 1830, John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863) married Sarah "Sally" Buchanan Preston (1802-1879). He had graduated from South Carolina College in Columbia, so was plugged into the Prestons and Johnstons there from the late 1820s. His father was John Buchanan (1783-1837), Governor of Virginia at the time of this letter. John the Governor was married to Letitia Preston (1776-1852). Sally was apparently pregnant and expecting at the time of the letter. However, they had no surviving children. But Floyd may certainly have had children by a "servant" or servants, i.e. enslaved laborers, given their classification as "mulatto." For more on Frank, Sarah Ann and Frank Trigg, Jr., see here. Nicketti Buchanan Floyd (1819-1908), one of John Buchanan Floyd's siblings, later married John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889), a nephew of Charles Clement Johnston.]

Calhoun = John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850), who was one of a group of senators (he was still Vice President, presiding over the Senate) that blocked Van Buren's official confirmation as US Minister to Great Britain, even though he was already on the job. Calhoun is in the news again today: Yale University removed his name from Calhoun College, one of its eight residential colleges. 

Van Buren = Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), who became the next President of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841. From 1833 to 1837, he served as Andrew Jackson's Vice President. Calhoun was Vice President from 1825 to 1832.

Ritchie = Thomas Ritchie (1778-1854), pro-Jackson, anti-Calhoun editor of the Richmond Enquirer. His son later killed Edward William Johnston's (1799-1867) friend and associate, John Hampden Pleasants (1797-1846) of the Richmond Whig, in a wild duel. 

Rees B. = Rees Bowen (1809-1879), brother of Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (1800-1873), who was the mother of John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889)].  

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

July 4, 1833: Drinking Toasts of the Nullifiers

["Political Fanaticism." Poughkeepsie, New York, Independence. Volume II, Number 78, page [2]. Via the Richmond Enquirer. Additional paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

Thanks to newspaper exchange programs in the first half of the nineteenth century, articles that originally appeared in one newspaper were often duplicated or adapted in another. This is particularly helpful in conducting research when the original source is not easily available. 

More sophisticated news pools came along with the development of railroads and telegraph lines. The New York Associated Press (now the Associated Press), for instance, was formed to economize and broaden coverage of the Mexican-American War starting in 1846. United Press International (UPI) was formed in the early 20th century. 

To set this particular newspaper article in perspective, here's a snippet from Robert M. Hughes, General Johnston (Great Commanders). New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1893, page 17:

In the fall of this same year [1832] the nullification troubles in South Carolina were at their height, and [Lieutenant Joseph Eggleston] 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 every one 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.

Here is the full text of the article cited at top:

Political fanaticism.--The following were among the toasts drank at Columbia, the seat of government of South Carolina, on the 4th July, at a dinner given "by the Richland Whigs and Richland Light Dragoons."

"The President of the United States." Received in silence.

A member rose and proposed the following amendment, which was warmly adopted and drank with applause: "Whose power and profligacy has been such as to disgrace the Hero of New Orleans."

Andrew Jackson -- A political lunatic, exempt from responsibility for his acts, and dependent for their propriety or folly entirely upon the sanctity of his keepers!!

Virginia -- She has rejected the mantle of Liberty bequeathed to her by the great political prophet, Thomas Jefferson. South Carolina has gladly appreciated the gift, and will preserve it unsullied!!

Regular Toasts.

The following toast was sent by Dr. Cooper (as an invited guest:)

The Richland Light Dragoons and Richland Whigs. Always prepared to encountre the enemies of our independence, whether from the north or the south.

By Capt. T. Stark (of the Cavalry.) The proclamation -- Written by a slave, signed by a knave, and approved of only by sycophants and parasites!

By Dr. Edward Fisher. The triumphal entry of General Blowbladder and his Kitchen Cabinet, among the lick-spittles of the North -- a sorry scene of mutual degradation!!

By J. W. Geiger, (a guest.) The Compromise. The line is drawn, we have advanced to it, we rest upon our arms.

By Sergea[n]t W. Stanley. Benedict Arnold and Andrew Jackson. History has consigned one already to infamy. Prosperity [posterity] will add the additional appellation of the Tyrant to the Traitor!!

By Ed. W. Johnston, (of the Whigs.) The three parricides, Drayton, Mitchell, and Blair. One drivelller and two drunkards. Let their names in this state be held forever infamous! [N]or uttered by the honourable and brace, except with curses and scorn!!

By Mr. B. H. Johnson. President Jackson --
Let slaves bow down and kiss his toes,
Freemen defy -- and pull his nose!!!

By Wm. A. Brickell. The Presidency of the United States. Degraded by Andrew Jackson; may it never be disgraced by the elevation of Martin Van Buren.

Why, this is nullification run mad; but is it not melancholy to think, that the talented and eloquent W. C. Preston would have lent his countenance to such a celebration? Richmond Enquirer. 

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)

Robert M. Hughes = Robert Morton Hughes (1855-1940)

Three brothers among the Nullifiers = Edward William Johnston (1799-1867), Algernon Sidney Johnston (who had published Memoirs of a Nullifer in 1832) and Benjamin Franklin Johnston (1808-1834). 
Their father, Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831), had been pro-Jackson, as had been their brother Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832), who was serving in the US Congress at the time of his death. Their uncle Charles Johnston (1769-1833) was also a Jacksonian.

Thomas Cooper (1759-1839), President of South Carolina College. 

Drayton = William Drayton (1776-1846), who moved his family to Philadelphia.

Mitchell = probably Thomas Rothmaler Mitchell, a Jacksonian and former Congressman from South Carolina.

Blair = probably Francis Preston Blair (1791-1876)

W. C. Preston = William Campbell Preston (1794-1860)]

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