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_:
As father was too feeble to write you a longer letter, he requested me
to add a few lines in order to give you the Staunton news. I proceed to
do so briefly and hurriedly. Since you left, the town has been more
lively than usual. One of the excitements has been a flock of wild
pigeons--millions of them--which rested 24 hours in the neighborhood,
and afforded the sportsmen rare fun. Thousands have been killed, and as
much powder and shot used as if we had been repelling a Mexican
invasion.
Another stir has been caused by the Governor's proclamation calling for
troops for the Mexican war. Nearly everybody wants to go, only a few can
be accepted, as Virginia is permitted to furnish only two regiments. The
early bird catches the worm, and V. E. Geiger and Wm. Harman have gone
to work actively to recruit a company. Thirty have already volunteered
to go with them, and the two militia regiments of the county will be
mustered in a few days, at their usual training grounds, that these
gallant young men may speak and thus fill the ranks of their company at
once. Though it is not necessary, speeches will be made at the big
musters to the regiments [we can't do anything in our country without
speaking] by Mr. Michie, Judge Thompson, Geiger, Harman, Harper, and
others. It is believed that hundreds more than are needed will
volunteer. Baldwin's company declined to volunteer as a company. Harper
is to command the new company, at least the command will be tendered to
him, as it is said he is anxious to go to Mexico. His health is very
bad, and he thinks service in Mexico will do him good, besides he is
full of fight.
Another excitement was a fire in Long's grocery, near the Virginia
Hotel. It was soon put out by the crowd, which quickly assembled after
the alarm. As I was returning from the fire, I met the engines, followed
by a hilarious crowd, crying out, at the top of their voices, as if they
were celebrating a political victory.
But to come nearer home. Notwithstanding my father's crippled and
prostrate physical condition, he is, as ever, bent on hospitality, and
we give a dinner party next Wednesday. Invitations have already been
sent out and accepted by Judge Thompson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Michie,
Mr. and Mrs. Castleman, Mrs. Judge Baldwin, Mr. McElroy, Baldwin and
Susan, Emma Terrill, Holcombe, John Dabney, Rosa Boys, and others.
Holcombe is a clever young man from Lynchburg attending law lectures,
said to be worth capturing, so come back and let us see which of you
three can bag the game.
We have been visited by the _Harmonicons_, of Boston, whose performances
have been very successful. One would hardly suppose the peculiarities of
the negro dialect and character could be so accurately reproduced by a
company from the "Hub." All the town ladies attended, among them,
somewhat to my surprise, Rosa Boys and Susan Baldwin.
When Dabney called yesterday and asked when _Mary_ was coming back--I
lashed him into a silent fury and enjoyed the fun, by saying you might
be absent six weeks or two months. He smoked five pipes in gloomy
abstraction, and then left, apparently considerably "cut up," that is
to say, in the dumps.
Sue Tapscott and Mary Eskridge are at Stuarts still. No news of Add.,
but I saw Kate and Martha yesterday for the first time since you left.
Hendren has taken a law office in the old frame building on Augusta
street formerly occupied by the Deaf and Dumb pupils. Charles H.
Lewis[22] has become the owner and editor of a newspaper published in
Martinsburg and will soon leave here to make that town his permanent
home. It is to be hoped that he will now give up poetry and enter on
practical life. Poetry is too unprofitable for a man working for his
daily bread. He will be much missed in Staunton, especially by the nest
of singing birds of which he has always been a warbler of the first
feather.
[22] NOTE.--During the administration of President Grant
appointed Minister Resident to Portugal.
John Harman has returned from Texas and tells many strange stories of
the rangers and life on the border.
Cousin John R. Green has just written, giving us news of our Kentucky
kin, who are generally _in status quo_. He says Bat is leading an idle
life there, is, indeed, so lazy that he can't make love to his
sweetheart, who, though she prefers Bat to other lovers, is about to
accept the offer of another suitor, despairing of Bat's ever getting
enough energy to propose! I have heard of lazy men before, but never one
who filled this description.
I received a letter from B. Gallagher on yesterday. He will make us a
visit within a few weeks. Lieut. Getty[23] has removed his recruiting
quarters to Lynchburg. I am sorry for it, as I have none of the
ridiculous prejudices of some for West-Pointers, and like Getty very
much. He is a sensible, well mannered, highly educated and
companionable man and officer. It is said he is engaged to be married to
Miss Elizabeth Stevenson. I have just complied, in a way, with father's
request.
[23] Afterwards Gen. Geo. W. Getty, U. S. A.
I have only room to say good-bye. With love to Uncle and Aunt Lynn and
all, including, if the word is permissible, Miss Lou Coleman,
I am your affectionate brother,
J. LEWIS PEYTON.
JOHN H. PEYTON TO HIS DAUGHTERS, ANN AND MARY.
Montgomery Hall, Dec. 9th, 1846.
_My Dear Children_:
On consideration I have determined to send Ned and the carriage to
Charlottesville for you. You can return in it more comfortably than in
the stage coach. I leave it to you to decide whether you will make the
journey back in one or take two days for it. If the weather continues
dry and the roads are as good as to-day it will be advisable to make the
journey in one day. It is difficult to count on more than three bright,
dry days at this season. As you return call for a few minutes on my old
friends, the Bowens. I am apprehensive that if you remain longer, though
I well know the hospitality and kindness of your uncle and aunt, that
you will make them _twice glad_--a thing I have never done, and I hope
never will.
Present me kindly to Cochran and Lynn. I am glad they have been so kind
and do not think Lynn ought, in the condition of her health, to give you
the party she speaks of. Remember me to Lou Coleman and tell her to
return with you in the carriage. Baldwin will take charge of her and
your trunks and fetch them back in the stage coach. I have supplied Ned
with money for his journey to and fro, for tolls, feed, &c.
Your affectionate father,
JOHN H. PEYTON.
JOHN L. PEYTON TO HIS MOTHER.
Baltimore, 1848.
_My Dear Mother_:
I reached here to-day on my return from the west, but am so much
fatigued by a continuous journey of 800 miles that I have decided to lay
over Saturday and Sunday for rest and recuperation. It will give me an
opportunity also to see the Hulls, Howards, Williams and other friends.
On Tuesday morning I expect to reach Staunton and will be glad to find
the carriage at the Virginia Hotel to take me home. Tell Sheets to send
my riding horse to Gregory, and have him shod all round. I write in
great haste and will defer any account of my travels until I get back. I
will tell you of the new scenes, the strange people and all the keen
excitement consequent upon my wanderings.
Thank Lizzie for her letter which I received at Niagara, also Gallagher,
for his received at the same place. He says you have had nothing but
rain since he reached Montgomery Hall. I am glad he hasn't had a dry
time and presume from the spirits in which he writes that his suit is
likely to end in success. What says Mary.
I met my cousin, Dr. James McDowell, son of Governor McDowell, of
Lexington, and his western wife, _nee_ Bent, of St. Louis, in Buffalo,
N. Y. He was recently married and from the way he wined and dined (on
Champagne, etc.,) I presume he is on his bridal tour with a pocket full
of money. His wife is an amiable and sensible woman, is not pretty, but
inherited four hundred thousand dollars. This will cover over a
multitude of small deficiencies if she should have any, besides plain
looks. They urged me to go down the St. Lawrence with them, but the
scenery of the 1000 Islands would hardly compensate a third party for
the boring society of a newly married pair. I therefore withstood all
their importunities, and they were so earnest that I began to think they
were tired of each other.
With much love to all the family, believe me my dear mother, your
dutiful and affectionate son,
J. LEWIS PEYTON.
P. S. If I should not arrive on Tuesday send Gilbert in with the
carriage, from day to day, until I do reach Staunton. I expect, however,
certainly to get back on Tuesday.
J. L. P.
FROM WM. MADISON PEYTON TO MRS. JOHN H. PEYTON.
Philadelphia, June 20th, 1847.
_My Dear Cousin_:
I arrived in this place a few hours since and finding from consultation
with my children, that our respective purses are so nearly exhausted as
to make it necessary that we should husband what remains and take the
straight _chute_ for home. I have determined to confide the articles
purchased for you to the care of Lawyer Davidson, of Lexington. Both the
children and myself regret exceedingly our disappointment in the visit
to Staunton, but their and my unexpected long absence from home, and
the extreme anxiety of my wife for our return, leaves us no alternative.
We must select some more appropriate occasion and pay you a special
visit from Elmwood. I have ransacked the whole country for teachers
without success. The young lady recommended by Dr. Nandain, was engaged
by Wyndham Robertson before I reached here. None others unite the
qualifications specified in your memorandum, without requiring a salary
greatly beyond your limit. I have, however, set a good deal of machinery
to work, which will in a short time put me in possession of a great deal
of information on this subject, and enable me to provide you with a good
teacher, at a reasonable price. My children are improving very much
where they are at present, and I regret exceedingly the necessity of
their removal. Sally, (his daughter,) has employed a Dolce Cantati, a
Dolce Digetati, a Danseuse, a chirographist and a "_parlez vous
Francais_" professor--that is, a singing mistress, a pianist, a dancing
mistress, a teacher of penmanship and a teacher of the French
language,--with her fine _he_ and _she_ professors, she enjoyed the
greatest advantages, fullest opportunities for information in the
branches taught by them, and I think she has shown a most commendable
disposition to profit by them. She goes to work as if she expected to
make her living by teaching.
Susan[24] is so absorbed with religion that I think she heeds little
except a professor of Theology in the form of an antiquated spinster,
who daily mounts the tripod, and delivers her oracles to Susan and other
anxious and enquiring spirits. Susan, however, is "a gem of purest ray
serene," and promises to be to her parents a source of just pride and
heartfelt gratulation. I like her religious temper, but would be pained
to see her run wild with her youthful fervor and disfigure by
fanaticism, what would otherwise be so beautiful.
[24] Col. Peyton's eldest daughter, afterwards Mrs. Jos. H. White.
I have purchased for my sisters, Ann, Mary and Lucy, three of the finest
and prettiest breastpins to be found in the Northern cities, and such as
are in vogue at present. They are jewels for a lifetime, being of the
finest and best workmanship. I also send them a pencil and gold pen
each. I will add to this my daguerreotype for my sister Susan, who
honored me by requesting it. To you, I send your granddaughters grouped
with their father. Susan is reading her favorite book, the Bible, to her
attentive father and affectionate sister. The likeness of Sue is
perfect. Sally's doesn't do her justice. Mine looks like an Othello.
Give my love to all the family, and accept for yourself the love of
yours.
Truly and affectionately,
W. M. PEYTON.
* * * * *