.MTA5OA.MTY3Ng

From William and Mary Libraries Transcription Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search

This item is currently being transcribed by a volunteer. We look forward to making the full-text of the document available soon.

Greeley has Warm Springs my best Bath Co Va wishes - being July 26th 1872 now the Demo- cratic candi- date.

My dear John,

               We have had

here a visit of three weeks [from?] Brother Peter. In which we did our best to induce him to quit Lee. His spirit of independence was an obstacle however. He would prefer living in Abing- don, on account of his love of you & Nicketti and your children. But won't consent to

(Page 1)

go there without some assu- rance of being able to earn the means of living. He has some cases in the October term of the Federal Court at Abingdon and proposes to see then what chance he may have to obtain business enough to support him. He will not accept help from me. And I would freely work hands and arms off to keep him com- fortable in Abingdon. It is very painful to think of him dying alone - away from any of his own kindred. I have

(page 2)

never until now felt my- self able to do any thing for his permanent comfort. And have been grieved inexpressibly by his determination that I shall do nothing for him. In a letter Lily received yester- day, Nicketti tells her that you think it possible that a small office may be obtained for him. If so, all difficul- ties would be removed. But if not- would it be practicable to give him some little employment the pay of which I might give? That he might

(page 3)

believe himself supported by himself. Do write to me of this.

    Can you tell me if the ar-

chives of the C.S. War Dept. are accessible to such people as my- self? I should like very much to consult some of the military returns.

    I had a very pleasant visit

in Charlottesville from Mr. & Mrs. Holmes - and their young son - who captivated me by the natural manner in which he called me "Uncle Joe" - and his good looks.

    With love to Nicketti

& the children.

            Yours affectionately
                 J. E. Johnston

Hon: John W. Johnston