Part 11
I reached here on my return from Richmond, where I received your letter of the 6th of October. The reports you have heard are true in part and in part false. It is true I had my pockets picked as soon as I reached Richmond, which was between 12 and 1 o'clock on Saturday, but it is not true that I had so large a sum of money with me as rumored. I had only $500 with me, which was stolen, together with my umbrella, tobacco bag, pipe, etc.
It occurred thus: My trunk was in the baggage car of the train, with my overcoat and umbrella strapped on top. The cars were crowded to overflowing, and on reaching Richmond the younger part commenced cheering for "Old Tippecanoe and Tyler too." The station was surrounded by an immense crowd when the train arrived, which cheered lustily by way of welcome to us. About this time the Fredericksburg train arrived, which increased the crowd, the noise and confusion. After leaving the train, I pressed forward to secure my baggage. This I succeeded in doing as to the trunk, which was, however, _minus_ the overcoat and umbrella, and, placed it in charge of Tom Preston,[16] who was traveling with me. I then returned to the cars in search of the lost articles, though it was very difficult to get through the mass of human beings, and when in the densest part of the crowd felt a man pushing me forward from behind and one in front pressing me back. The one in front interfered with my progress so much that I seized him with both hands and dashed him out of the way, at the same time demanding what he meant by his conduct. He apologized humbly, saying it was an accident due to the crowd. Re-entering the cars I heard the conductor crying out "beware of pickpockets." Upon which, feeling my pocket, I discovered that my purse and pocket-book were gone. I have no doubt my pocket was robbed while I was between the two scoundrels outside. Many others fared no better than myself. Next morning a man was arrested while his hands were in a gentleman's pocket. I visited this fellow in jail with Mr. Seymour, and he was very much the size and appearance of the man I thrust out of my way, but I could not identify him fully. He said he was an Englishman and had only been three months in America--was in Baltimore when Mr. Webster came to Virginia, that Mr. W's fame in England was so great that he felt a strong desire to hear him speak, and came on to Richmond for that purpose; that he had no acquaintances in Richmond nor other business there, and had brought no baggage. His extraordinary account satisfied me that he was one of a gang of professional pickpockets from abroad, who had come here to plunder during the excitement of our Presidential election. I have no hope of recovering my money or any part of it, which I much regret as I intended purchasing you a new carriage. We must use the old one a little longer.
[16] Thomas L. Preston, of Abingdon, and brother of Hon. Wm. C. Preston, of South Carolina.
Your sister Sarah arrived here the same day with myself. She looks grave and depressed. The term of the court will be short, so that you may expect my return soon. With love to Susan and the rest of the family,
Your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.
SAME TO SAME.
Richmond, January 8th, 1841.
_My dear wife_:
I send as presents to you and my daughter Mary, two of the most superb cloaks that I have ever seen and such is the opinion of others who have seen them. Yours is grave, elegant and becoming, Mary's is rich, magnificent, dashing and unsurpassed for beauty, and is of the kind now all the rage. She will look beautiful in it.
I carried the old toddy spoon and the broken silver spoons to Mr. Mitchell, and he agreed to let me have in exchange a half dozen silver spoons. He has also agreed to let me have a dozen silver table spoons and a dozen small spoons, and some forks, but I do not know what they will cost.
The Senate after altering the title of the bill for shortening the sessions of the legislature, a bill to reduce the wages of the members of the legislature was introduced and passed unanimously.
Sarah Lewis and Miss Lewis have been visited by all my brother's family and by the Governor and family, and perhaps others.
I hope to send your cloaks by Mr. Valentine, who proposes to leave here on Tuesday in the cars. I have them boxed and ready. They cost heavily, as you will see from the bills in the box, viz: $58.93. Woodville is here, and is with Judge Allen, Judge Baldwin, and myself every day.
I purchased at auction to-day a Pier glass with a Marble top, to occupy the place in front of the mirror in the drawing room, as you requested. It is handsome, and the mirrors below the table I think will fit the place precisely.
The affectionate leave-taking we had on the morning we parted, sank deeply into my heart, and I shall long recollect it. Present me affectionately to my dear children and accept my sincerest regard.
Your affectionate husband, JOHN H, PEYTON.
P. S. Gen'l Baldwin and myself are to visit Miss Deborah this evening. PEYTON.
SAME TO SAME.
Senate Chamber, March 15th, 1841.
_My Dear Ann_:
I shall leave here, if no accident occurs to prevent, on Thursday next, on my return. I will stop in Charlottesville on Friday to confer with Cochran on business matters, and expect to reach home on Saturday. I regret to leave before the Senate adjourns, as this is a period of interest as to our general legislation, but I have paired with Carter, and I have an engagement at home which is imperative. I feel great anxiety to see you and the dear little stranger who has never seen her father. Would not Virginia be a good name for the child, as I was denied the pleasure of seeing her earlier, in the service of the State. I submit the matter, to you.[17] Farewell till we meet. Love to all.
In haste, your affectionate husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.
[17] The child was named Virginia Frances, and is, in 1894, the widow of Col. Joseph F. Kent, of Wytheville, Va., and the mother of three fine children.
FROM JOHN H. PEYTON TO HIS SON, JOHN LEWIS PEYTON.
Richmond, Dec. 29th, 1841.
_My Dear John_:
Your letter of the 23d of December is before me. It is true that I have been unwell with a cold, but this has not confined me at any time to my room, and I am now much better. As to your plans, it was not my wish or intention that you should resume your studies until after the holidays.
You entirely misunderstood my letter to your mother, if you suppose that I am opposed to your continuing the study of Greek, Latin or French. In my letter to your mother, I was contrasting the benefits to be derived from a study of the languages, ancient and modern, with those to be derived from the Mathematics, in which I gave a decided preference to Mathematics. I did not intend that you should infer that I was opposed to your acquiring the languages. So far from this, I have no idea that a man can have any pretensions to the character of a scholar without a knowledge of them as well Mathematics. It is my wish, therefore, that you should devote yourself to these studies under the care and direction of Mr. Waddell. If you have time to read at home, I wish you to peruse: 1st, Gillie's Greece; 2d, Rollins' Roman History; 3d, Gibbons' Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; 4th, Hume's History of England, and postpone Philosophy and Chemistry for the present. At a later period, I will give you a list of authors you should read, in the order in which they should come, for it is true, as Locke says, to quote him as near as I can from memory, "educations begins the gentleman, but reading, good company, and reflection, must finish him." I may remark here, that in a course of reading, you should pursue method, and in order to make yourself familiar with the literature of a country and people, say our mother country, England, you should confine yourself for a time to the authors of a particular era, such as the Anglo-Saxon period; then the Anglo-Norman period, which will bring you down to about 1350, when the character styled Black-letter, or Old English, was used, and so on. You will find a fund of historic lore in Hall's History of the Houses of York and Lancaster, Hollingshead's Chronicles, Stowe's Chronicles, Camden's Britannia, Lord Bacon's Henry VII., nearly all of which is in my library.
There is one thing, my son, that is indispensable now, and you will find it equally so in all your undertakings through life--and is something in which you are wanting, that is industry and a firm resolution to make yourself master of every study or pursuit in which you engage. Have unity of aim, perseverance, and you must succeed. Most of the miseries and vices of mankind proceed from idleness and a wrong direction given to their energies. I ardently desire your success and the progress you make now will decide whether or not I shall be gratified or disappointed. Address yourself anew to your books, and though from your previous neglect and want of training, you may progress slower than you would wish, and than some would do in your position, I know enough of your parts to feel a perfect conviction that you can reach the goal as certainly as the brightest of your youthful companions. A word more as to your studies. While I consider a knowledge of the languages essential to a gentleman, I regard mathematics as essential to a liberal education, and as, indeed, the most important part of it, mathematics is the perfection of reason, and its peculiar excellence consists in the fact that its principles are demonstratable--especially is this the case in geometry, the most general and important of the mathematical sciences. Every proposition that it lays down is subjected to the most accurate and rigid demonstration. Mathematics is, in fact, the only science whose truths are clearly demonstrated, and whose results are conceded by all rational beings. If you state a proposition in morals, philosophy, in law, politics or religion, which you think correct, you will find few of your listeners willing to acknowledge its truth. You debate the question, but you have no means of deciding who is right. Not so in mathematics. There demonstrations are so clear and conclusive that all rational men yield to them. Hence it has been called the science of certainty. By acquiring mathematics then you acquire a science that you know to be founded upon correct reasoning, and when you are disputing a point of law, politics, theology or morals, you will be enabled to ascertain more certainly those arguments that lead to a correct conclusion, and at the same time with the more ease to discover those that are fallacious and sophistical. He who gives a portion of his time and talents I have somewhere read, to the investigation of mathematical truth, will come to see all other questions with a decided advantage over his opponents. He will be in argument what the ancient Romans were in the field; to them the day of battle was a day of comparative recreation, because they were each accustomed to exercise with arms much heavier than they fought with; and their reviews differed from a real battle in two respects, they encountered more fatigue, but victory was bloodless. Therefore determine to make yourself a mathematician, as well as a linguist--a thorough scholar. The pursuits of knowledge lead not only to happiness but to honor. "Length of days is in her right hand and in her left are riches and honor." Even in the most trifling species of knowledge, in those which can amuse only the passing hour, it is honorable to excel--how much more so to excel in those different branches of science, which are connected with the liberal professions of life, and which tend so much to the dignity and well-being of humanity. Such excellence raises the most obscure to esteem and attention, it opens to the just ambition of youth, some of the most distinguished and respected situations in society; and it places them there with the consoling recollection, that it is by their own industry and labor, under Providence, that they are alone indebted for them.
Remember me to the family and such persons as may be visiting you.
I am your affectionate father, JOHN H. PEYTON.
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, Washington, 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 ship 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 Saturday to Anthony Robinson's to spend Saturday 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 Massie, is with me, and has been good enough to remain. Eugenia Gatewood is at Henry Massie'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 Massie, 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 passed 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 Saturday. 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 assurance of my sincere and devoted attachment.
Your husband, JOHN H. PEYTON.
SAME TO JOHN LEWIS PEYTON AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VA.
Staunton, Dec. 29, 1842.
_My Dear Son_:
Mr. Kinney has promised to deliver you this letter. Inform me, after enquiry of the Proctor, what sum I must deposit for the next half term. Write so that I may get your letter a few days before leaving home for Richmond. The young Mr. Peyton, who has just entered the University,[19] is a son of Mr. Townsend Dade Peyton, formerly of Loudoun county, Va., then of Frederick, who emigrated to Ohio, and a son of Col. Francis Peyton, of Revolutionary fame. His grandmother was a Miss Dade and a sister of my grandmother on the mother side. He is, therefore, on both the paternal and maternal sides a blood relative of yours. I hope he is a worthy, studious young man and that you may become friends. Be kind and attentive to him and encourage him. I would like to know and to have him at my house. Invite him to spend the entire vacation with you here, and at Jackson river and at William's in Roanoke.
In haste, your affectionate father, JOHN H. PEYTON.
[19] Robert Ludwell Yates Peyton, afterwards a distinguished lawyer State Senator of Missouri, a Colonel in the Confederate army and Senator for the State of Missouri in the Senate of the Confederate States of America. He died from disease contracted before Vicksburg, Miss.
JOHN H. PEYTON TO HIS DAUGHTERS, ANN AND MARY PEYTON.
This letter was written a year after Mr. Peyton was paralyzed and when he was obliged to employ an amanuensis.
Montgomery Hall, Nov. 30th, 1846.
_My Dear children_:
I had the pleasure to receive Ann's letter this evening and was so much pleased with it that I determined to answer it by the post of tomorrow. Ann's letter is characterized by a good style and evinces much warmth of heart. It shows that the pains I have taken with the education of my children has not been bestowed in vain.
I was glad to hear that your aunt Lynn, had treated you with the utmost affection and kindness, and surprised that you have found any difficulty in returning your visits. What has become of Cochran's fine carriage and horses? Had I supposed you would have had any trouble in getting about I should have ordered my horses and carriage to remain in Charlottesville during your visit. Tell Cochran he must provide a way for you to return your visits in the town and at the University. You speak in your letter regretfully of your short stay, but it can't be helped owing to the late period of the year. I am apprehensive of a change in the weather and wish you to return. But an accidental circumstance will prolong your visit for a few days. It is this. John Baldwin[20] goes to Charlottesville tomorrow week to attend court. He will remain only two days and will take charge of you and fetch you back in the stage coach.
[20] The late distinguished Col. John B. Baldwin, who married Mr. Peyton's eldest daughter Susan. Col. Baldwin was Colonel of the 52nd Regiment during the Civil war and member of the Confederate Congress, and was a man of eminent ability.
My health is very much what it was when you left. I received a present yesterday of a saddle of venison weighing 40 pounds from Mr. Callaghan. I intended having it cooked to-day and wish you were here to partake of it.
A young gentleman by the name of Holcombe, from Lynchburg, who brought John a letter of introduction from Mr. Charles L. Mosby, will dine with us.[21]
[21] NOTE.--Wm. H. Holcombe, physician and Swedenborgian writer--a brother of James P. Holcombe--and the author of "Our Children in Heaven," "The other life," etc., etc.
Why has Mary not written me?
Remember me to Cochran, Lynn and the children and to Louisa Coleman.
I am, your affectionate father, JOHN H. PEYTON.
To this letter the following P. S. is appended:
_My Dear Sisters_: