Memoir of John Howe Peyton Part 14

JOHN H. PEYTON TO HIS WIFE.

West Point, June 9th, 1841.

_My Dear Ann_:

I reached here without accident at 10 o'clock, the 7th inst., the day appointed for the meeting of the Board, having traveled 400 miles between Wednesday evening and Monday morning, including Sunday, on which day I rested in New York. Consequently I saw none of our friends in Richmond, Was.h.i.+ngton, Baltimore or Philadelphia. Nor did I call on any in New York. On reaching here on Monday, I was glad to find my old friend, Commodore Stewart, of the Navy, Miss Taggart, and Mr. and Mrs.

Hugh Campbell, of Philadelphia. They were all delighted to see me, but greatly disappointed that I had not brought Susan. There is a large crowd of ladies and gentlemen at the Point attending the examinations.

The Virginia cadets maintain their high character for talents and character at the Academy, which gives me great pleasure.

I have just received a letter from Rowze, pressing me to visit him in Geneva. Whether I shall be able to do so is uncertain, as the examinations will last at least a fortnight. I have not received a line from any member of the family since I left. Pray write. Give my love to all. In haste,

Your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.

P. S.--June 10th. I neglected to post the above. Commodore Stewart has just offered to take John on his s.h.i.+p as his private secretary for a cruise round the globe. I declined, as it would interfere with his education and give him roving habits, which would probably alter the whole course of his life. It was very kind, however, in Stewart, and I thanked him heartily.

J. H. P.

SAME TO SAME.

Richmond, Dec. 13, 1841.

_My Dear Ann_:

Your welcome letter of blank date, but post-marked the 9th instant, was duly received to-day, informing me that you were all well. On Monday last I entered Ann at Mrs. McKenzee's to learn not only reading, writing, arithmetic, and geography, but manners, dancing, &c. She stays with my brother's family, goes to school with Julia A. Peyton, and is apparently very contented, as I see her every other day. I have carried her to see your cousin, Mrs. John Robertson, and Miss Deborah, both of whom received her and treated her affectionately, as if she had been their own daughter. She is to go out on Sat.u.r.day to Anthony Robinson's to spend Sat.u.r.day and Sunday. She has already written to you.

Tell Susan that on this morning I breakfasted, by invitation, with Miss Deborah Couch, where I met Miss Ann Robinson--that after breakfast Miss Robinson went with me to the music store of Wm. Daniel, where I purchased for Susan music to the amount of $3 or $4, embracing all the most choice new songs, waltzes, &c., for the piano and some music for the guitar. Mr. Daniel has promised me to have it bound, with her name upon it, by Thursday evening. If this is done, I will send it up by Points or Worthington Smith, who are here upon Lodge business, and who expect to return on Friday next. We had heard before your letter reached us, of the deplorable accident which befell Mayo Cabell. I hope and trust that his life will be saved to his family.

I am to dine to-day with Dr. Brockenbrough, and so must conclude, with the sincerest good wishes for yourself and family.

Your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.

SAME TO SAME.

Richmond, Jan. 10th, 1842.

_My Dear Ann_:

On yesterday I bought you a Brussels carpet, which cost $220. It is a handsome and most excellent carpet. Also a rug. It will be carefully packed and left with Mr. T. R. Blair, to be forwarded to Staunton. The cadets are here from Lexington, undergoing an examination before the Legislature. Col. Smith is staying at Bernard's, (Gen. Peyton's.) I saw Ann (his daughter) yesterday. She is greatly improved and is getting over, in some degree, her timidity. She begins to dance very well. I visited Dover[18] a fortnight since, and was greatly delighted with the appearance of everything.

[18] An estate of Gen. Bernard Peyton's on the upper James River.

I explained to Mrs. Robertson your wishes as to a mantilla. She has promised to go out with me the first good day I am at leisure, and select one for you. Tell my good daughter Susan, that I have received her letter and will give it prompt answer. Love to all.

Your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.

SAME TO MRS. PEYTON.

Isleham, March 6th, 1844.

_Dear Ann_:

I arrived here in two days; the first night I staid at Blackburn's, the second here, I have not been well since my arrival, but am better to-day. Our nephew, Henry Ma.s.sie, is with me, and has been good enough to remain. Eugenia Gatewood is at Henry Ma.s.sie's, and I feel inclined to go over to see them all. Everything here is as I expected. So far, no maple sugar has been made, owing to the mild weather, but they will begin with it tomorrow, and I hope, to bring back at least, enough to satisfy the children.

I sent to Callaghan's on yesterday hoping to get a letter from James A.

Lewis in regard to my business in his hands on the Kanawha, but was disappointed.

Tell Leonora Stack that nothing has been heard of Mr. Edward White and his family. If she has any intelligence of them let her advise me by letter, addressed to the Warm Springs. Patrick Meddins is building me a new stable. Richardson has not yet removed.

In the division of his father's servants Reuben fell to Tom Ma.s.sie, and as he is married to one of my servants, I proposed to exchange Julius for him. Thomas has not yet decided what he will do.

I do not know when I shall return as I am anxious about my mills on the lower farm and wish to meet Mr. White.

My love to all. Your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.

SAME TO SAME.

Richmond, January 16th, 1842.

_My Dear Ann_:

This will be handed you by Gilbert Guy, a servant of good character, who will fill the departments at Montgomery Hall, formerly filled by George Martin, and better. He is sober and obliging, a fair carpenter, wood cutter, cradler, gardener and coachman. I wish you to employ him about the house as "Jack of all trades." I think he will make himself very useful, and I hope you will be pleased with him. He carries your fine carpet in the boat to Scottsville, to be left with Matthew Blair, who will forward it to Staunton, to the care of Benjamin Crawford. I have never known times as hard as they now are, so you must bear with me for the present as to other purchases.

I am, with sincere affection for you and the children, your husband,

JOHN H. PEYTON.

SAME TO SAME.

Senate Chamber, March 23d, 1842.

_My Dear Ann_:

This is the day on which both houses had resolved to adjourn, but the following bills have got to be pa.s.sed by both houses: the tax bills, appropriation bill, bank bill, and the James river and Kanawha bill.

Consequently we shall be forced to remain in session till Sat.u.r.day.

Immediately after adjournment, Ann and myself will leave here. I have purchased a velvet scarf for you, and another for Susan, at $23 each.

William is here, but will soon return to Roanoke by way of Lynchburg, not Staunton. I hope he will bring his family to see us in the summer.

He promises to do so.

Give my love to Susan, John and the rest of the children, and accept for yourself the a.s.surance of my sincere and devoted attachment.

Your husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.