Mary Louisa Michel Binckley Memoir, 1906 (and 1899): Part III

Martha Washington Inn, formerly College, formerly Preston House, in Abingdon, Virginia, 2006 (Wiki Commons)

[Mary Louisa/Louise Mitchell/Michel Binckley Memoir, 1906 (and 1899), Part III. Additional paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.

 

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

The old Preston place (now Martha Washington College) was a fine old mansion, and Amy often took me there to see cousin Preston, a most dignified and stately woman, then long a widow with many grown children. Among them were Mrs. Carrington, Mrs. John B. Floyd, and Eliza who married my uncle Charles, & was cousin Eliza Hughes mother. 

Also Wm. C. Preston the brilliant orator & public man who lived many years in South Carolina. He was devoted to my parents. Mother, as a young girl, spent her winters with him in Columbia, S.C.  

Grandfather took mother from Abingdon in a carriage & 4 horses thro' North Carolina down to Columbia every fall. It took weeks to go. Cousin William had no children, and he and his wife urged my parents to give me to them for adoption. They refused, and some years afterwards Cousin W. adopted one of Mrs. Carrington's sons (the Carringtons had always tried to keep him from adopting me) and the son, strangely enough was a lover of mine when I was seventeen and he twenty. He died at twenty-two -- a dear, lovely boy.

The old Preston house when she lived was a stately home, whose great shade trees, green lawns and flowerbeds were fit setting for a house of simple elegance, where life trod with cultured steps, where old-fashioned formality was tempered by genial hospitality while good-breeding and scholarship was the rule, not the exception.

Life was simple, excitements few. Amusements rather prim but the self-control which was the ruling principle among the gentry, kept up a serene atmosphere morally, while physical existence was made quietly comfortable by such trained servants as the world will never know again. "Perfect serving" is said to be "the soul of living." If that is so, our ancestors ought to have had more than their share of soul. 

I have tried hard to think of that time without the usual inclination to glorify the past which one of my age is liable to do. But it us hard to look back when one is so weary, and not wish for what seems to have been so restful. Such a state of affairs could not naturally last, and yet if the war had not come, I am sure the South would have kept its tranquil ways intact for many years.

In the North, a hard climate, greater population and lack of servants combined to urge human beings on to invention, competition & progress. Whether the world is more comfortable in consequence, is an open question. One that the young cannot answer because they know nothing of anything else but this rush of the moderns.

The middle aged are too breathlessly busy to consider such things, and the old are too predjudiced [prejudiced]. My firm belief in equilibrium makes me hope that even my children may live to see some quietness come over the spirit of this tormented earth. 

Cousin Preston's house was then the handsomest in Abingdon, but there were many other substantial homes of brick and stone which still stand. But they were simply built -- no modern conveniences, and so lacking in  most of the comforts now universal, that I doubt if even I would enjoy going back to them. When my little red morocco shoes carried me down those old streets, there was not a bathroom in the country, not a bit of the necessity we call plumbing, no gas, no furnaces or stoves. 

Candles were the only light, and how eyes held out to do all that fine stitchery, I cannot imagine. The candles were of three qualities. Imported wax was the best and very expensive -- home-made wax and tallow was next, but most universal was common tallow made by each family for its own use. I used to long wildly to be allowed to hold one end of the candle mold as the hot grease was poured in, and never lost the thrill of interest over the transformation, when after a cold night, the mold was brought in, and long white candles came out where that sizzling stuff went in.    

[Mary Louisa/Louise Mitchell/Michel Binckley (1838-1930).
First memories are of "Lilliput" See 1841 letter from Jane (Mother), link here.  This part refers entirely to the Preston residence.
Mother = Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).
Amy = enslaved servant. There are two Amys listed in the estate (dated 1832) of Peter Johnston, Jr. (1753-1831), and we may suppose that this Amy is one of them. Link here.
Preston = Sarah "Sally" Buchanan Campbell Preston (1778-1846), widow of Francis Smith Preston (1765-1836).
Mrs. Carrington = Elizabeth "Eliza" Henry Preston Carrington (1796-1877), married to Edward Codrington Carrington (1790-1855).
Mrs. John B. Floyd = Sarah "Sally" Buchanan Preston Floyd (1802-1879), wife of John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863).
Eliza Madison Preston (circa 1803-1828) was actually the older Sally's niece, not daughter. Her parents were John Preston (1764-1827) and Mary Winston Radford Preston (1781-1810). 
Charles = Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832).
Eliza = Eliza Mary Johnston Hughes (1825-1909), who married Robert William Hughes (1821-1901) in 1850.
W. C. Preston and wife = William Campbell Preston (1794-1860) and Louisa Penelope Davis Preston (1805-1853). 
Grandfather = Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831). 
The son = probably William Campbell Preston Carrington (1836-1863), who was killed at the Battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi at age 27. His romance with Mary Louisa would have been in or around 1855 or 1856.] 

Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel: Notes on Family (1870+), Part IV

From John B. Jackson Map of Columbia, ca. 1850, copied in 1931.*

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel: Notes on Family (1870+), Part IV. My rough transcription. Additional paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.

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

Benjamin was a most singular child – so silent, so shy, so reserved that even Mother did not understand or appreciate him. He showed such an utter aversion to learning, & gave so little indication of mind, that the parents feared he was absolutely deficient & made no effort to force him to learn.

He spent his days in quiet rambles, in silent reverie, or, more frequently, in hanging over the great deep spring with a pin hook, fishing for minnows, & richly rewarded for his trouble, if he got a single little fish in a day. All at once, however, when he was a lad of twelve, he awoke from his mental slumber – began, under Mother’s instruction, to acquire the rudiments of education, & made astonishing progress. In a couple of years, he was at the [Abingdon] Academy, side by side in his studies with Joe, who had been attending school several years, and had made good progress.

From that time, Benjamin was a devoted and successful student. His perseverance was unyielding. One winter, not being able to find any one to teach him Greek, he resolved to learn it without assistance – he got somebody to give him the sound of the letters, & with that aid only, he soon became proficient in the language. 

When quite young, he was sent to South Carolina College, then one of the very finest institutions in the country. There, after three years’ study, he took the first honor. He then went to teaching, & at the same time studies Law under the direction of cousin William Preston. As soon as he was licensed to practice, he was taken into cousin William’s office as a partner, and became an intimate of his household. He rose rapidly at the Bar, and attracted notice as an eloquent public speaker while yet very young.

At the time of the Nullification movement, he took a zealous part in favor of State rights and made political speeches which were much admired for rigor & clearness. The most eminent men of the State looked upon him as one destined to the highest distinction. But alas! He died of “country fever” before he had completed his 26^th year – died calmly, with his finger on his pulse.

Benjamin Johnston had talents of the highest order. In addition to mental endowments of exceeding excellence, he possessed an extraordinary capacity for sculpture and painting, which was evinced in childhood. Without ever having seen any person attempt to draw, he, by dint of persevering effort, learned to draw exquisitely, & to paint in water color. Had he devoted himself to that, he might surely have attained high eminence.

He was the best, the purest boy I ever knew. I never saw him hurt any creature, & never heard him speak ill of any person.     

When we would, as children be strolling about the fields, I have often seen him turn out of the road to avoid frightening a bird, or step carefully aside to spare the little ants’ nests. As to a vulgar or profane word, such never passed his lips as long as I knew him -- & I can’t recall any instance of his deserving correction. 

It was the boast of “our boys” that not one of them was ever whipped at school, though they sometimes were under teachers who were noted disciplinarians.

My father was extremely strict in the exercise of his authority, having been brought up after the Scottish fashion, and also taught in the army the virtue of subordination. He inculcated the highest sense of truth & honor: & taught us all to endure pain or privation without complaint.

In our early days, he had abundant means: yet we were never pampered or allowed to be waited on. The boys went barefoot: in all kinds of weather they were out of doors: and they hunted deer over hill, mountain & “knob” on foot, often walking as much as twenty miles in a day over a wild & rugged country. These early habits made them universally athletic and healthy – and to Joseph, in his military career, they were invaluable.

Of all my father’s eight sons, but one has handed down the name – the son & only child of brother John. He has eight children, two of whom are sons. William, his oldest son, was drowned in the river at Wheeling, when he was about 18 years of age [in 1869]. He was all that is most loveable in a youth, & gave promise of uncommon excellence. Dear Willie! [H]ow many fond hopes were laid in his grave!

[Above: pages 21-23; skips original page 24.]

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).
Benjamin Franklin Johnston November 18, 1808-November 5, 1834).
Mother = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825).
Joe = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891).
Cousin William Preston = William Campbell Preston (1794-1860). 
My father = Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831).
Brother John = Dr. John Warfield Johnston (1790-1818).
John = Senator John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889).
William/Willie = William Floyd Johnston (1852-June 3, 1869).

*Red circles indicate possible locations of E. W. & A. S. Johnston's store(s). A clickable version of the full map can be found here, at NOVA NUMISMATICS. ]

Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel: Notes on Family (1870+), Part III

Algernon Sidney Johnston by Harvey Mitchell (c/o Peter Johnston Binkley)

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel: Notes on Family (1870+), Part III. My rough transcription. Additional paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.
 
Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy, Sally Young and Sue Davis for their ongoing research collaboration; specifically to William for providing scans of the original documents, and in turn many thanks to Peter Johnston Binckley and Patricia D'Arcy "Trish" Binckley (1951-2007), at the source.]

[Pages 15-18 missing or unscanned from originals. This picks up at page 19, in mid-sentence.]

. . . loved with unceasing devotion. He it was to whom I was indebted for most of the mental culture that I possess – he took infinite pains to mould [mold] my mind, to lead me to seek knowledge, & to cultivate in me a pure taste, a high appreciation of the beautiful. He was a fine linguist, & taught me himself French, Spanish, & Italian; besides completing my course of instruction in Latin. 

He never had a child, & claimed me, after I lost my mother, as his own. We passed many years together, as well after my marriage as before it, and our intercourse was that of bosom friends. None of my family appreciated me as highly, or loved me as well as he did.  

In return, I could not fail to love & admire him, and our being divided (though only, I am sure, outwardly) is a sorrow that will end only with life.

He and Sydney, the next brother, removed to Columbia, So. Ca. about a year after Mother died. Our beloved kinsman, Wm. C. Preston, resided in that City, & by his persuasion my brothers were induced to seek a home there. They first engaged in book=selling: (both had been brought up to mercantile business) but, after a few years, Edward became a tutor in South Carolina College & Sydney became editor of a paper.

I spent some of the pleasantest days of my youth with them in Columbia, at that time a delightful place.

Algernon Sydney, the sixth son, was remarkable in childhood for his uncommon beauty, and his gentle, winning ways – he would spend whole days drawing pictures in the sand, or sitting quiet by Mother’s side. He was devoted to reading – never to severe studies but to poetry, words of imagination, and those pertaining to art. His nature was highly political. Yet he learned to be extremely practical, and was the best man of business in the family. 

Though generally sedate in demeanor, he had a vein of drollery & exquisite humor which made him a most amusing companion. No man ever had more real, attached friends – for no man ever had a warmer, nobler heart, or more tender sympathies. With a disposition singularly fitted for domestic happiness, he was so unfortunate as never to make for himself family ties. Love was a necessity of his nature – his large affections required an object. He had several attachments, three engagements.

The first was broken by the faithlessness of the girl, who was induced to forsake Sydney, after an engagement of two years’ duration, for an inferior man, whose worldly prospects appeared more inviting. His second love affair was terminated by the interference of the young lady’s parents, who chose a richer suitor for their daughter. The last was the great, the absorbing passion of a man in middle life, and endured as long as he lived. Its object was a most . . . sweet & lovely woman. Sue Smyth, a distant relation, but most intimate friend of mine. She had the purity, the simplicity of a child, with an excellent mind and good education.

A more unselfish being I never knew. From the time she was just grown, she devoted herself to the good of others: working assiduously as a teacher to aid in supporting her younger brother & sisters. With a faultless figure, & a charming face, manners full of graceful frankness & innocent vivacity, Sue was a most lovable woman, & Sydney, becoming enamored at first sight, loved her with a fond passion to the end of his days. She died about the time they were to have been married, & Sydney never got over the loss.

I remember now a passage in one of the last letters he wrote me in which he quietly, but so touchingly spoke of his feelings. “Time may change my feelings – but now, I would not give the little handful of dust that was her heart, for all the world contains.”

Time did not change him – but he sought to bring his spirit into harmony with how to become, like her, a Christian: & God was merciful, & gave to that living heart Himself for an object.

Sydney died suddenly, about eight years after Sue. In token of their warm affection, his kinsmen, William & John Preston erected a monument over his remains in the Cemetery of the Episcopal Church in Columbia. He lies beside our youngest brother, Benjamin, who died about twenty years before.

[Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel (1811-1892).
Edward William Johnston (1799-1867).
Harvey Mitchell/Michel (1799-1866).
Algernon Sidney "Syd" Johnston (1801-1852).

One of the early engagements was, apparently, to either Sarah Radford Preston (1806-1848) or Sarah "Sally" Buchanan Preston (1802-1879). The former married Henry Morton Bowyer (1802-1893) in 1827; the latter married John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863) in 1830. 

Sue Smyth (d. circa 1844). Probably related to Alexander Smyth (1765-1830) and Nancy Binkley Smyth (circa 1770-1832), and probably the Susan Smyth mentioned in an 1839 letter written by Edward William Johnston, when she was a student departing from his school in Virginia. 
William Campbell Preston (1794-1860). 
John Preston = John Smith Preston (1809-1881).
Benjamin Franklin Johnston (1808-1834).]

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.] 

Wade Hampton III to Robert William Hughes, October 11, 1852

Algernon Sidney Johnston by Harvey Mitchell (Source: Peter Binckley)

[Wade Hampton III at Columbia, South Carolina, to Robert William Hughes at [Richmond, Virginia], October 11, 1852. Folder 24, Floyd-Johnston-Preston Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

Columbia Oct. 11^th 1852

My Dear Sir

Upon my arrival on the 9^th I rec’d your letter of the 4^th, asking for information as to the death of Mr. Johnston. Much to my regret I was absent when it occurred, & can give you only a few particulars.

He was taken sick but no one had the slightest fear of the result, & all supposed the attack to be merely some slight derangement which would soon pass off.

My father went up to Columbia, to bring him here to his house & Johnston promised to come the next day. On that day however when the carriage went for him he postponed the visit for a day or two.

Several of his friends were with him that night & he insisted that they should all go home, saying he would be well in the morning.

In the night his servant heard him groaning & going to his bedside (about 12 o’clock I think) found him speechless. Several of his friends were immediately summoned, but he never spoke again, dying about 2 A.M.

The Dr. supposes that there was inflammation of the bowels which caused his sudden death.

Every respect which affection & esteem could prompt was paid to his memory, & the town, where he was perhaps more universally beloved than other citizen, honored his remains by a public internment.

I, as one who loved him as a brother, have ordered a tombstone erected over his grave. Several of my family wish to join in its erection, as he was dear to all of us.

There was no one out of my immediate family whose loss I would have mourned as much as his. Indeed he was of my household, & was worthy of the love & esteem I bore him.

I will see to having all his affairs arranged at present, & will do all I can towards their final settlement.

                    With my love to Eliza, I am

                         Yrs very Resp’y

                          W. Hampton Jr.

R. W. Hughes Esq.

[Wade Hampton III (1818-1902) had married Margaret Buchanan Frances Preston (1818-January 27, 1852) in 1838 at Abingdon, Virginia.

Robert William Hughes (1821-1901) had married Eliza Mary Johnston (1825-1909) in 1850 at the Governor’s Mansion, Richmond, Virginia.

Mr. Johnston = Algernon Sidney Johnston (October 17, 1801-September 22, 1852).

My father = Wade Hampton II (1791-1858).]

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

Algernon Sidney Johnston to Eliza Mary Johnston, August 1846

[Algernon Sidney Johnston at Columbia, South Carolina, to Eliza Mary Johnston at [probably Abingdon, Richmond, or Washington City], August 1848. Box 24, Folder 1, 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 transcription. Extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]         
                                                  
                                                     Columbia August 1846

Dear Cousin Eliza

It would puzzle Mnemosyne and her nine daughters (of course a lady who learnt mythology and every thing else at Dr. Marks’ knows who they are) to tell how often I have intended to write to you. But at length here I am, engaged in that laudable undertaking. I believe you to be a good girl, besides which, there subsisted between your father and myself an affection even more than fraternal. A large portion of that affection his daughter would have inherited, even with less merit of her own than I hope and think she has. I should be sorry, therefore, to see our acquaintance cease, and make this effort to prevent it.

An interesting incident of any kind is rare in this quarter at this season. I’ll tell you what happened to me this evening, for want of something better. It was a balmy evening and gorgeous sunset, such as are unknown in your hyperborean clime, so I thought I’d fetch me a walk down towards the river. There was bit the least speck or wrinkle on the whole face of the hemisphere, which was all of one clear pure deep azure; so that I at once perceived the fallacy of the doctrine of the old philosopher, that the sky is composed of three elements. I then fell to consider what a rare prerogative the optic virtue of the eye hath, much more the intuitive quality of the thought, that the one in a moment can reach heaven, the other go beyond it. Therefore surely that philosopher was but a frantic fool who would have plucked out both his eyes, as a hindrance to his speculations. 

Moreover, as I was in this mood, I began to contemplate the immense magnitude of the universe, and to consider what proposition this poor globe of earth may bear to it. For if those numberless bodies which stick in the vast roof of heaven, though they appear to us as spangles, be some of them thousands of times bigger than the world, surely the astronomers have reason to term this sphere an indivisible point and a thing of no dimension at all, in comparison to the whole creation. I fell then to think that it is no more for God Almighty to fire this world, than for me to plank a road, yea a grain, of powder. 

As I was musing this I spied a swarm of knats [gnats] waving up and down in the air, which I knew to be part of the universe as well as I, and methought it was a grand opinion of old Aristotle, that the heart of these small unseated ephemerons is more noble than the sun, because it hath a sensitive soul in it. I then could not quite fail to think, that the proposition which those animalcule have with me in point of bigness, the same I bear in regard to those glorious spirits which are near the throne of the Almighty. What then, should we think of the grandeur of the Creator himself!

Walking a little further I spied a herd of cattle and horses, which made me think that if these strong animals knew their own strength they would never suffer man to be their master. Then looking upon them quietly grazing up and down, I fell to consider that the flesh which is daily dished upon our tables is merely concocted grass, which is reconcocted in our stomachs, and transmuted to another flesh. 

I fell also to think what advantages these innocent animals have of man, because as nature sends them into the world they find their food dressed, the cloth laid, and the table covered. They find their drink distilled, and their cloaths ready. And though man hath the faculty of reason to make him compensation for the want of these advantages, yet this very reason brings with it a thousand perturbations of mind and perplexities of spirit -- cares, sorrows and anguishes of thought – which those harmless silly creatures are exempted from.

Going on, I sat to repose myself on the trunk of a tree, and I then considered further what advantage that dull vegetable had over these feeding animals, as not to be so dependent upon or beholden to nature, nor to be subject to starving, to diseases, to the inclemency of the weather, and to be far longer lived.

Then I spied a great stone, and sitting a while upon it, I fell to weigh in my mind that that stone was in a happier condition in some respects than either of those animals or vegetables I saw before, in regard that it grows by assimilation, and needs neither grass, nor corn, nor water, nor the warmth of the sun, to maintain its life.

As I directed my pace homeward, I spied a hawk, soaring high in the air, and smoothly gliding up and down the clear region, so far above my head that I began to envy the bird extremely, and repine as his happiness, that he should have the privilege to make a nearer approach to heaven than is allowed to me. And so I came home.

There, you are a learned Lady (I mean for your age) have you ever read anything like that, and if so, when?

I have more to say, but defer it till next time, except that I am always your fond cousin

                                          A.   S. Johnston

[Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852), who lived the second half of his life in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Eliza Mary Johnston (1825-1909), daughter of Charles Clement Johnston and Eliza Madison Preston Johnston. She was Syd's niece, though he prefers to call her cousin. 

Dr. Marks = Elias Marks (1790-1886), head of Columbia Female College, known variously as Barhamsville Academy, Barhamsville Collegiate Institute and South Carolina Female Collegiate Institute.

Mnemosyne = Mother of the Nine Muses (with Zeus).] 

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

John Preston Johnston to Susan Smith Preston Radford, April 18, 1842

[John Preston Johnston (aka Johnstone) at West Point, New York, to Susan Smith Preston Radford at Greenfield, Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia, April 18, 1842, to Box 26, Folder 13, 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 transcription. Extra paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

My dear Aunt

Yrs of 14^th March was received in due time, and by way of following the good example which you therein set me as to answering letters, I sit down to answer yours just three weeks after the reception, which for me, is quite an improvement in regard to all my correspondents, save Lizzy, to whom I always make a point of writing at least once a fortnight; and though I cannot promise you to be by any means an interesting correspondent, or at all times a very punctual one, yet, if you will only be as faithful in answering my epistles, as you were in the last case, I will trouble you with them as often as I can spare time and raise the energy; & tho’ more do I now wish you to write to me, as I have no longer any one, as Lizzy, in Virginia to give me news of my relations there, & consequently am kept in perfect ignorance of every thing concerning them.

Speaking of Lizzy reminds me that she told in her last (which I received only a day or so ago) that she had written you a long letter; a thing I had been trying to get her to do for some time past, but the truth is, that she is as lazy if not lazier about letter writing than myself, & nothing is more difficult for her to do than to open a correspondence, & you must by no means attribute her not having written sooner, to any want of affection or love for Aunt Sarah or yourself, but simply to her aversion to writing; for would you believe that I have been trying for upwards of two years to induce her to write to Uncle Jo, whom she loves as much as any one in the world, and she never did it until the other day, when suddenly a fit of reason seized upon her, & she wrote to both of you about the same time; and I dare say that if you answer her letter &  impress upon her your anxiety for her to continue writing to you, she will not fail to do it. You must have received her letter before this, but in case you have not I will give you her address, which is

                                    “Care of Dr. E. Marks

                                             Barnhamsville

                                                Near

                                                  Columbia

                                                          S.C.”

She is much pleased with her school & shool [school] notes – when she will come to Virginia, she does not know; she will either come with Cousin Margaret, who will come in shortly to see Cousin Thom. married; or if not then, Uncle Syd will bring her in about the 1^st of June, the latter, more probably, as she does not like to lose so much time as she would have to lose, were she to come with Cousin Mary. In my last to her, I gave her, as you desired me to do, your pressing invitation to come and spend her holiday or a portion of it with you & Aunt Sarah.  

Cousin Eliza still continues silent & I really do not know where she is or any thing about her, I shall write again however to her, & direct to Fincastle, some time this month. I have been much mortified at her not writing to me, but I suppose that the settlement of the Gen’s affairs, moving over to Botetourt, &c., occupy all of her attention & time. If you ever see her I pray you do not fail to give her my best love & beg her to write again to me.

Of cousin Sally McDowell’s separation from her husband, I know nothing more than the mere fact that they have separated, & am not aware of any of the reasons which caused it; it certainly is, as you say, a “horrible affair,” but the marriage in the first place I have always considered a very unfortunate one from what I heard of his character: of course, I take it [for] [gr]anted, that “he is entirely to blame.”

I hope very much that Lizzy or Minnie will soon . . . to write me a letter; nothing would please me more than to get one written in their own hand; & tell Lizzy, that if she will knot me a pair of socks, I will send her the next great big paper that comes out, all covered with pictures as Susan Bowyer’s was.

Carlton comes on finely as usual, & no doubt will continue to get along very well, though as well as myself he does get tired of studying sometimes; in fact, his stay here has raised in him so belligerent a disposition, that he is hot for joining the Texans to invade Mexico, especially if he could get Winston to go out before-hand to see what kind of place it is!! As for myself, I incline rather to entering the service of the Grand Seigneur of Turkey, or of offering myself as Commander in Chief of his forces to the Chief of the Celestial Empire; I have no doubt but that I could cause the British to “clear out” in “Double Quick.”

I see that Wm Radford U.S.N. has been appointed to the command of a sloop of war, & has lately sailed from New Orleans with the American Minister for Mexico; last fall as soon as he was kicked by Miss Bruce he came to New York, & got “ordered for sea” to cure his broken heart, though Uncle Jo, who saw him there, says he didn’t mind it much. I hear, by the way, that they (the Misses B) have been in Washington city for some time, giving more magnificent & grand Levees, than even the President can afford.

Do make Uncle Radford write me a letter; I should so like to get one from him, or aunt Sarah, or Uncle Bowyer; & if in no other way, the next let[t]ers I write to Greenfield, shall be directed to Aunt Sarah, for I consider that when I write to one, I write to all, & indeed it is equivalent to it.

Nothing of any interest is now occurring, save that from the last advices there appears a little more hope of War, a very pleasing thing to us.

Give me love most affectionately to Aunt Sarah, & the whole of her family, forget not to remember me also to any of my relations or acquaintances in that pat of the world whom you may from time to time come across. As I have very little spare time, any letters have to be written by snatches & piecemeal, & I doubt whether they are very commendable for accuracy, so you must excuse them.

                                               Yr. nephew

                                                  J. Preston Johnstone

[p.s.] Carlton sends h[is love] to the whole of Greenfield, & so do I; oh [how we] wish we could only have a chance to co[me] see you this summer; but, at any rate, ther[e] is very  little over one year more & then Lt. Johnstone U.S.A. is his own man.   JPJ

[Susan = Susanna (Susan) Smith Preston Radford (1805-1857).

Preston = John Preston Johnston/aka Johnstone (1824-1847), eighteen-year-old cadet at the US Military Academy (Class of 1843).

Lizzy = Eliza Mary Johnston (1825-1909).

Aunt Sarah = Sarah Radford Preston Bowyer (1806-1848)

Uncle Jo = First Lieutenant Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891), US Corps of Topographical Engineers.

Dr. E. Marks = Elias Marks (1790-1886), head of Columbia Female College, known variously as Barhamsville Academy, Barhamsville Collegiate Institute and South Carolina Female Collegiate Institute. Lizzy was a boarding student there at the time.

Cousin Margaret = Margaret Buchanan Frances Preston Hampton (January 13, 1818-January 27, 1852); she had married Wade Hampton III (1818-1902) in Abingdon, Virginia, on October 10, 1838.

Cousin Thom. = Thomas Lewis Preston (1812-1903) married Elizabeth Watts (1822-1843) on September 18, 1842.

Uncle Syd = Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852).

Cousin Mary = this could be one of several people, unless he means Margaret above.

Cousin Eliza Carrington = Elizabeth (Eliza) Henry Preston Carrington 1796-1877).

General Carrington = Edward Codrington Carrington (1790-1855).

Cousin Sally McDowell = Susanna “Susan” Smith Preston McDowell (1800-1847), was married to James McDowell (1795-1851). But how Cousin Sally McDowell fits into the puzzle, I’m not sure.

Lizzy = Elizabeth “Lizzy” Radford (1832-1898).

Minnie = Mary Anne “Minnie” Radford (1833-1878).

Susan Bowyer = one of the Bowyer clan.

Carlton = Richard Carlton Walker Radford (1822-1886), West Point Class of 1845.

Winston = Edmond Winston Radford (1820-1861), who married Ann Maria Norvell on October 2, 1844. He was later killed at the Battle of First Manassas / First Bull Run.

William Radford, U.S.N. (1809-1890). The sloop was the USS Ontario with sixteen guns. Radford had a storied career with the US Navy, siding with the Union during the American Civil War.

Miss Bruce = either Sarah “Sally” Bruce (1822-1882) or Ellen Carter Bruce (1820-1862) of Halifax County, Virginia, daughters of James Bruce (1763-1837), third wealthiest man in the USA at the time of his death. Sally married James Alexander Seddon (1815-1880) on December 23, 1845. Ellen married James Marion Morson (1817-1868) on September 13, 1843.

Uncle Radford = William Moseley Radford (1810-1873), husband of Susanna (Susan) Smith Preston Radford.

Uncle Bowyer = Henry Morton Bowyer (1802-1893), husband of Sarah Radford Preston Bowyer.]

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