Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) to Colonel Ewell
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05254 Author/Creator: Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) Place Written: Buffalo Springs, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 June 1865 Pagination: 1 p. ; 18 x 14.7 cm. Order a Copy
Possibly to Richard S. Ewell. Johnston's wife, Lydia Mulligan McLane Johnston, wrote to Ewell two days before. Discusses the travels of other acquaintances in Virginia, including Mr. Paxson. Writes, "...we are here- Mainly in the hope that such an addition to the natural attractions of the place might bring you to join us- The society of another unpardoned rebel like you would make me contented as long as you might choose to stay. If you can't come, which the death of greenbacks may make possible, you must give the feeble indemnity of longer and more frequent letters- a fuller correspondence- than you have ever practiced before." Sends his love to Miss Lizzy (R.S. Ewell was married to Lizinka McKay Campbell Ewell).
Ewell and Johnston were Confederate Generals in the Civil War.
Buff alo Springs, (Virginia)
June 15th, 1865
My dear Colonel,
Mrs. Johnston wrote to you a few days ago by one of the attaches of this establishment going to Richmond, trusting to a mail from that place to Williamsburg. I am just informed by Mr. Paxson, just about to start to Clarksville that Mr. Carlisle, the Dr's son, set off to Williamsburg today so I avail myself of the opportunity to let you know that we are here mainly in the hopes that such an addition to the natural attraction of this place might bring you to join us, the society of another unpardoned rebel like you would make me contented as long as you might choose to stay. If you can't come, which the death of greenbacks may make possible, you must give the feeble indemnity of longer & more frequent letters - a fuller correspondence, than you have ever practiced before. Mr. Paxson desires me to urge you to come - offering you as much use of "John" as you please. ff Miss Lizzy is with you give her our love. Mrs.j. wishes very much to see her.
Yours truly,
J.E. Johnston
Col. Ewell
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.