John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, Pages 5-6

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

The handwriting is difficult to translate and transcribe. Sally Young and William Myers helpfully made additional suggestions. Corrections and clarifications will be ongoing.]

5

If he is contented, why don’t he enjoy his content and keep his mouth shut . . . or anything else – likely, rather by good potatoes.

All the way, the travel(ing) is cut in glad bloom, 

Here we pass more dams on the Patapsco. A saucy & rather fast young lady from Balt[imor]e was my companion down once, & here she remarked with irresistible drollery in the hearing of a pious and sober old couple by our side, “Look at that damned water.” The worshipped horror of said venerable couple almost impelled me to . . . explanation or outburst of laughter in their faces.

Woodbine station [Maryland]. Here we used to stop to go to Poplar Springs. “Spiplar Prongs.” If only Mrs. Mitchel knew this. Passed without . . . saw no one I knew.

Little beyond Woodbine . . . sun out again promised a lovely sunset. There stands a country lass with a pink dress. Her hands white as snow and face like a story of glad tidings. Thatched buildings. Here at a hillside, winds off a shady little road. Great plain, then hid in the foliage, then where the

6

Sunset glimpse strikes, peeping thro’ then turning out into a field, masked only by a row of undergrowth, looking in the light like a fringe I drew of gold round the dais of the throne of Daniel, and at last back behind the hill in the shadows.

But still mother behind, peeps up formlessly hopeless and a house top. There it Ends. Well what of it? I don’t know, yet why does such a thing look like an invitation? There seems to me a shrine up behind that hill and those poplars, & this wood seems hallowed by pilgrim footsteps – pilgrims? – yes – to the only holy of holies, the fireside.

Say not that is only parting inhere, but in fact is otherwise, not so. The bond that unites the worldliest or the rudest, like that which binds the guiltiest and noblest, is golden with heavenly gold. Such thoughts bring up – what? What or who could it be that comes on the wings of every gentle thought! [Side note:] Ah Milton, my beloved, may I be able to make your fireside the holiest and happiest spot on earth to you – Your heart’s peaceful refuge.

Here the Nataprew[?] is near the infancy of her course. Pretty and . . . it toys with the night, which ever trying

[John Milton Binckley (1831-1878).
Mother = Charlotte Stocker Binckley (1788-1877).]

Lydia McLane Johnston to Robert Milligan McLane, April 28, 1850

New Orleans, late 1840s. Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington.

[Lydia Milligan Sims McLane Johnston at New Orleans, Louisiana, to Robert Milligan McLane at [Washington City], April 28, 1850. Box 3, Louis McLane Correspondence (1795-1894), MSS 57083, Library of Congress. This is my rough transcription. Added paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

My dearest Robert,

I arrived here yesterday evening from Texas, with the intention of going on in the steamship to New York tomorrow, but now suffer so terribly from sea sickness that Dr. McCormick says I must not go that route, therefore we have concluded to leave here on the 1st of May in the Magnolia for Louisville, we are 3 ladies & 5 children without gentlemen. 

Mrs. Worth is anxious to go on at once . . . children in Philadelphia, & wants to find some one who will put her in the cars. She has no friends in Baltimore & asked me if I would write some of my brothers to meet her there & see her off.

I wrote to Tiffany knowing you were away & . . . that . . . would do all in his power for their comfort, they have seen some . . . . . friends . . .

I have seen that I am most anxious that some of my family should extend to them some civility, if you could only manage to meet us at the relay house, & see Mrs. Worth off it would be a great comfort. I will telegraph Tiffany from Cumberland. 

Heaven bless you my dear Brother. Kiss Georgina & the [children] . . .

I am going to find . . . This evening if I am, I am still in bed suffering from the sea sickness but shall certainly find Mr . . .

                                                               Ever your devoted sister
                                                                L M Johnston

[Lily = Lydia Milligan Sims McLane Johnston (1822-1887) 
Robert Milligan McLane (1815-1898)
Worth = William Jenkins Worth (1794-May 7, 1849), one of about five hundred fatalities from a cholera outbreak in San Antonio in the spring of 1849.
Mrs. Worth = Margaret Stafford Worth (1799-1869); her family included Mary Worth (1822-1876), who had married one of General Worth's officers, John Titcomb Sprague (1810-1878), the author of a book on the Seminole Wars; Margaret Worth (1828-1914); Josephine Worth (1830-?); and William Scott Worth (1840-1904).
Tiffany = Henry Tiffany (born circa 1820), husband of Sally Jones McLane Tiffany (1820-1887), Lily's sister.  

Georgine = Georgine Urquhart McLane (1813-1899)
Little ones = Mary Emma McLane (1843-1869) and Georgina Urquhart "Jennie" McLane (1846-1915). The latter lived in Paris from 1885 until her death in 1915.] 

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

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

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

My dear Bob,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My love to Georgine.

As ever J.E.J.

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

[Jim Irwin = [?]

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

Colonel Ransom = Truman Bishop Ransom (1802-1847)

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

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

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

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. 

Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, February 1, 1865

[Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley at Eastville, Virginia, to John Milton Binckley at Washington City, February 1, 1865]

Your note of the 26th, my dearie, came to me last night and I only write now to acknowledge it, and have not time now to write a real letter. I am going right into town to send a note down to Cherrystone to Smith & Dunn, begging them to let me know immediately when the things come, so I can send for them. I have on consideration sent for 45 barrels of seed potatoes, which will plant at least 15 acres, mother and I concluding to put in as many as we have time for. I will need guano in ten days. Now shall I write & order it, and have the money sent from you to Balt. direct? The seed potatoes are to be paid for when the crop is made, but I would be glad to pay for them when they are delivered. I must have ready money to establish a credit.

Your mother says "remind Milton of the "Inquirer" he promised to send me." If more things are needed shortly I will go to Balt. myself. Do not trouble yourself my beloved, I will take all the care and trouble of this. I am capable, I do believe. Anyhow this is an experiment and must be fairly tried.

Your willing help mate Mary

[John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)
Mary Louisa Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930)
Mother = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892)
Your mother = Charlotta/Charlotte Stocker/Stoker Binckley (1788-1877)]

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.