Inventory of the Floyd-Johnston-Preston Papers, 1753-1940
A Collection in the
Manuscripts and Rare Books Department
Collection Number Mss. Acc.
2002.37
![[logo]](http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/logos/wm.jpg)
Earl Gregg Swem Library, College of William and Mary
Special CollectionsEarl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8794
USA
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Email: spcoll@wm.edu
URL: http://swem.wm.edu/scrc/
© 2003 By the College of William and Mary
Processed by: Special Collections Staff
Administrative Information
Restrictions on Access
Collection is open to all researchers.
Publication Rights/Restrictions on Use
Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Director of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Preferred Citation
Floyd-Johnston-Preston Papers, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acquisition Information
Purchase, 2002.
Scope and Content Information
Letters and papers of the Floyd, Johnston, and Preston families, as well as newspaper articles principally concerning Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Judge Robert William Hughes. The central figures in the collection include Gen. John Preston, his brother Gen. Francis Preston, Gen J.E. Johnston (1807-1891), his niece, Eliza Hughes (1825-1908), and Harriet Lane, niece of President Buchanan. The collection also contains the correspondence of or papers relating to Congressman Charles C. Johnston (1795-1832), Judge R.W. Hughes (1821-1901), Baron Alex de Humboldt, and Governor/ Secretary of War John B. Floyd (1806-1863). Spanning 154 years (1753-1907), this collection contains references to the Mexican War and the Civil War and also touches on the issues of Indians and slavery.
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Wash[ington]
- Fran[cis]
- Gen[era]l
- Pres[ton Johnston]
- Wash[ingt]on
Contents List
Folder 1
Deed for 113 acres of Col. James Patton's
land in Augusta County transferred to Robert Kirkham,
sealed and delivered in presence of James Patton.
21 March 1753.
2 pp. D.
Folder 2
John Dixon, Williamsburg, to Col. William
Preston, Fincastle County. Settling books of late
partnership; owed money by Preston.
5 May 1776.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 3
Hugh Preston and Wm. [William] Preston to
W.M. Foster, Montgomery. Survey of 200 acres of land in
Montgomery County for William Foster.
17 October 1782.
1 p. D.
Folder 4
John Breckenridge, Richmond, to Francis
Preston, Hanover. Next meet at Botetourt; will introduce
new relation; invite Sally and Francis to Botetourt;
need Col. Cabell in order to appoint diem felicium; want
certificates from Pelham but cannot reach him; also
includes newspaper clipping concerning John D. Blair.
9 June 1785.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 5
[John] Preston to Francis Preston. Preston
only officer present; "Indians hovering near my lines";
W. Breckenridge's family at Smithfield; On Bluestone a
man fired on by three Indians; W. Crockett then Preston
search for Indians; Indians retired to the Henides?;
hard to surprise; assembly called early; prepare to
leave before expected; sent Jim home to put horses in
order; instruct brother to take care of horses; send
book Vattel's Law of Nations; did not send sugar; also
includes a morning report of Lieut. Crockett's
detachment of Capt. Preston's company.
26 July 1792.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 6
[John] Preston, Morris boatyard, to Francis
Preston, Greenbriar [Va., now W. Va.]. Arrived at
Colstee?; boats delayed; projects disagreeable voyage
due to low tide; regained deserters for reward;
deserters confined; General Wayne moved down river;
Wayne killed Indians on the Miami with bayonets; Wayne
desires 15 or 20 hundred militia for battle; unlikely as
militia unwilling to serve under him; Indians enjoy
peace this spring and summer; Indians "live in dread in
their small forts in the most wretched manner".
15 April 1793.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 7
[John] Preston to "Dear Brother" [Francis
Preston]. Not heard from family since leaving
Smithfield; expected Jeamy who was delayed in seeking
money at home; dispirited but hope to soon return to
good state of health; Francis fears a relapse; wants to
be kept abreast of family's welfare; urges Francis to
think first of his health; offer loan; prevented from
going to Philadelphia in winter so won't see Francis;
requests names of merchants to whom Francis is indebted;
lottery.
29 November 1794.
4 pp. ALS.
Folder 8
Eliza Madison, Smithfield, to Mrs. Sarah B.
Preston, Philadelphia. Congratulate on birth of son;
serpent of faction threatens brother's election;
opponent on circuit in G. Briar of Paris; opponent has
agents in different counties throughout district;
brother has a chance to mortify his enemies; "those that
appear to be his well wishers appear distressed at the
head"; can't come visit but willing to meet in
Rockbridge of Botetourt; young ladies have French tutor;
request Vistoe's? French Grammar.
3? February 1795.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 9
John Preston for estate of John Buchanan to
W. Anderson. Bond for title.
2 January 1796.
1 p. D.
Folder 10
[John] Preston, Hanover, Mrs. Smith's, to
Francis Preston. Heading to Philadelphia from Richmond;
decide to return home; send stage copies of several
surveys; in order to dispose of the acreage in Mrs.
Mirret's? name he desires the right of inspection and
ability to reject if necessary; directions for sale of
plots by Francis will come in W. Taylor's letter; send
100 dollars of collected debt money to Preston;
unsuccessful at hiring Negroes; advertised and attended
Henrico and Hanover court; "seen number hired, but not
one person was willing to let their Negroes go so far as
you wanted although the terms suited them"; abandoned
idea; better to buy; will attempt to purchase on credit
in Goochland, Louisa, and Fluvanna counties; have
"cleverman" buy the Negro; request Billy be sent to
Virginia.
10 January 1796.
4 pp. ALS.
Folder 11
Unsigned, Philadelphia, to "Dear Brother".
Mr. Lennard quit and hired new man; cannot sell land
entrusted to him but will continue to try; ask brother
to collect 1000 dollar debt owed him by Evans; hold onto
land; doesn't know if Mr. Price the register has
disposed of certificates; ask if again a candidate for
senate; opposition Smyth attended Congress; Smyth
merciless; treaty rescued by president; proposal to
present all information before treaty comes before
Congress; resolution opposed on grounds it is
unnecessary and unconstitutional; invades executive's
rights; papers the property of Senate.
21 March 1796.
4 pp. AL.
Folder 12
[John] Preston to Francis Preston. Accept
invitation to visit; mother will also come and travel to
Sweet Springs for health; congratulate on birth of
second son; likely will be brought up in military school
and instructed in reality of war; mortified he has no
son; wants nephew William to visit him in winter; will
give him a sword; public doubts nephew's courage; he
personally has no doubt will successfully use sword on
proper occasion.
23 July 1798.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 13
JP [John Preston] to "The Honorable Executive
of Virginia". Draft to executor accepting position of
commissioner to provide for opening of road from upper
James River to the Kanawha River.
22 August 1802.
1 p. Df.
Folder 14
Mother Susanna Preston, Smithfield, to
Francis Preston, Taltroorks?. Expect the arrival of
Francis; pay seventy-five pounds cash out of annuity to
Peggy; Johnny and children ill.
25 January 1803.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 15
H.C. Hunter to Miss Aglae Dabadie,
Philadelphia, to the care of Mr. John Dabadie. Had Aglae
purchase a shawl; will send money for shawl; possibly
visit, but have four children and forty to fifty in
family; want her certificate for claim of turnpike
shares; also includes typewritten transcript of letter.
29 December 1816.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 16
Peter Johnston, Abingdon- in the county of
Washington, to John Morton, Bordeaux- in the Kingdom of
France, in care of W.C. Preston. Introduce William
Preston; ask for him to receive William; future gloomy;
live among strangers; region being settled by
cold-hearted Pennsylvanian immigrants; "the Rowdy" also
taking over; the Rowdy come from no particular state but
are native; life only supportable because of chases
[horse races] and climate; friends are General Preston's
family; Morton has strong ties to keep him in France.
26 March 1819.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 17
Fran[cis] Preston
to Genl. John Preston, Blacksburg. Want to borrow after
having been paid thirty to fifty thousand dollars; sale
of property to Mr. Coalter; will send to the saltworks
to help in sale; Coalter sold Negroes in South Carolina
and got 500 dollars; can get a good price but don't
pressure too much; "He as an old Augusta man will I
imagine treat the Negroes kindly".
19 July 1820.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 18
Francis Preston, Richmond, to
Gen[era]l John
Preston, Lynchburg. Court case shifting against them;
Marcellus Smith brought forward to prove Preston Smith
authorized to settle treasury business with Mr. Baker;
attorneys seek right to ask how much money John Preston
usually left in the treasury; commonwealth wants bank
books to prove 39,000 cannot have been part of money in
bank which was turned over to Baker; case may go to
appeals; would not communicate plan of foreclosing the
literary fund; $6,200 unaccounted for from literary
fund; was a law in which money could be borrowed from
fund which was made unnecessary with peace; no money
from fund had actually been received; case look brighter
on Thursday; may be acquitted of 39,000.
29 November 1821.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 19
C. Johnston, Washington City, to My Dear Sir
[John B. Floyd]. Send two notes of $2000; things going
badly in Richmond; agitation due to slavery question;
"blunder of Calhoun in bringing Van Buren back among us
by rejecting him"; Northern party carrying on war with
South; hopes this will unite Southern party in "common
sense of wrong and determination of resistance"; when
struggle starts those like Richie [Van Buren] who betray
party will be put down; "we must shoot all deserters and
spies".
7 March 1832.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 20
C. Johnston, Washington, to daughter [Miss
Eliza Johnston], Abingdon, Virginia. Send a profile of
himself; profile made by a woman without arms; will soon
return home; will write to
Pres[ton
Johnston] who is now student at an academy.
8 April 1832.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 21
James P. Preston, Washington City, to "My
Dear Friend". Announce death of Charles; body found in
creek; he was eating at an inn in Alexandria; heard
steamboat bell and attempted to return to "this place";
supposedly missed the wharf and fell in the water; lost
his life by a "scrupulous endeavor to be at his post in
the performance of his public duty".
18 June 1832.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 22
Samuel Tyler, Norwich, to John H. Tyler,
Richmond, Virginia. William's business injured by
amounts taken from the capital of the store and other
debts; Harriet will take John; good place for him as
Harriet's mode of government strong and uniform;
business slow because so many druggists; Devotion and
Osgood draw away customers; Doctr. Vail is 87 and still
doing business.
11 March 1845.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 23
David Campbell, Abington, to Miss Johnston.
Preamble and resolution from Washington respecting death
of her brother [Preston Johnston]; victories by army
under Genl Scott over Mexican forces; in battle
Lieutenant John Preston fell; son of Charles Johnston
who died in the Potomac River; Eliza only immediate
family left; give condolences; also includes
introductory letter to the preamble and resolution.
29 September 1847.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 24
W. Hampton Jr., Columbia, to "My Dear Sir".
Give the particulars of Mr. Johnston's unexpected death;
Johnston had intended to return home from Columbia but
postponed; friends visit that evening and he sent them
away saying he would be better in the morning; died
around 2 a.m.; doctor believes was inflammation of the
bowels; was well loved; will erect tombstone; give love
to Eliza.
11 October 1852.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 25
J.E. Johnston, Jefferson Barracks, to Mrs.
Hughes. Home only briefly; see grand-niece in
Washington; mistaken in believing her uncles dislike
Gov. Floyd; Gov. Floyd and Beverly were not on speaking
terms, but nothing more; Edward appreciated his
character; "my entire separation from them, and their
uncommunicative dispositions were enough to prevent my
acquiring prejudices from them"; also a newspaper
clipping of the unveiling of Jackson's statue in
Richmond.
15 April 1857.
4 pp. ALS.
Folder 26
Alex de Humboldt, Potsdam in the Regal
Palace, to Hon. John B. Floyd, U.S. Secretary of War.
Introduce Mr. Baldwin Mollhausen; given place on
expedition of the Colorado River under the command of
Lieutenant Ives; expeditions out West admired in Europe;
present a portrait of the author of 'A political Essay
on New Spain"; also includes English translation of the
letter which is written in French and photocopies of
both the original and translation.
8 August 1857.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 27
H. Lane, Executive Mansion, to Mr. Floyd.
Thanks for invitation for the evening; decline because
president wanted to go "sparking" alone on a Saturday
night; mysterious raid upon the soldier's home.
17 December 1859.
4 pp. ALS.
Folder 28
S.S. Fahuestock,
Wash[ingt]on ,
to Mrs. Hughes,
Wash[ington] City D.C. Military associate of
deceased brother [Preston Johnston] who fell in Mexico;
offer Eliza Hughes the colored lithograph Preston had
presented him with earlier.
9 March [18]59.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 29
J.E. Johnston, Washington, to "My dear
Lizzie" [Eliza Hughes]. Promoted to position of general;
appointment proof of governor's [John B. Floyd] ?
friendship; officers of the Q Masters department opposed
appointment to keep generalcy among themselves; governor
acted as advocate; vote on nomination in Senate was 31
to 3- "the latter being the most rabid of the black
republicans"; get to settle down and will become
neighbors due to railroad.
30 June 1860.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 30
The Acceptances of the War Department given
in favor of Russell, Majors, and Waddell: Statement of
Ex-Secretary John B. Floyd.
1861.
PV.
Folder 31
J.E. Johnston to R.W. Hughes. Made purchases
for Hughes and present him the bill; "I am not as flush
as when the U.S. gave me $6000 a year in gold"; the
starters of the National Express Company propose to make
Johnston president; want the reports of the battles of
Williamsburg and Seven Pines; many of his papers lost;
fear publication mentioned is a volume of confederate
reports of battles; "compilers rejected all that I
want"; offered partnership in stock raising.
1 October 1865.
4 pp. ALS.
Folder 32
J.E. Johnston to Mrs. Hughes. Stopped in
Baltimore because of sore throat caused by leaving New
York too early; want to visit Eliza but delayed because
of illness; business in New York was "to raise money for
a Southern company- with Southern property for
security"; found people fearful of investing money in
the South; hope for settlement of affairs at next
session of Congress; when in Selma, hope to dissolve
connection with Alabama railroad company, as it is in
bad condition; also newspaper clipping of the funeral
service of Mrs. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.
22 November 1866.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 33
? Johnston, Abingdon?, to Mrs. P. Hughes?.
Send lock of hair found with your father's [Charles
Johnston] license to practice law.
5 November 1873.
1 pp. ALS.
Folder 34
Henry C. Lay, Bishop of Eaton and T.U.
Dudley, Assistant Bishop of Kentucky, Baltimore, to John
H. Tyler, Richmond, Virginia. Younger of the two
consecrated to the Episcopate; have similar backgrounds-
both belonged to Monumental church, went to University
of Virginia, and attended Virginia seminary; also both
had same Sunday school teacher; fall short of what
should have been, yet owe debt of gratitude for whatever
they have achieved.
2 February 1875.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 35
John H. Taylor, Richmond, to Rt. Rev. Henry
C. Lay D.D., Bishop of Easton and Rt. Rev. Thos. U.
Dudley D.D., Asst. Bishop of Kentucky. Had done nothing
which deserved commendation; see no fruit from seeds
planted, but God answers prayers; stress the catechism
in teaching; thanks for good wishes; also includes
newspaper clippings of the letters and a description of
the Faith Trumbell chapter meeting.
12 February 1875.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 36
Newspaper article from
Harpers New Monthly
Magazine. Party thrown by Secretary Cobb on the
ship Harriet Lane; the president disapproves and decides
to pay for it out of pocket so public property not put
to private use; Cobb paid for it himself.
September 1875.
NwsCl.
Folder 37
J.E. Johnston to Judge Hughes. Against army
bill Burnsides; claims no knowledge of the plan attached
to the military appropriations bill.
11February 1879.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 38
James Barron Hope to Judge R.W. [Robert
William] Hughes, Freemason St. [Norfolk]. Appointment
has made a difference in administration of justice; had
letter from Mr. Washington who has opposition; trust
that it is not formidable and the he will secure a place
with Hope's help.
20 June [18]79.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 39
J.E. Johnston, Washington D.C., to Floyd
[Hughes]. Request a barrel of oysters be sent to 1023
Connecticut Ave.
31 December 1885.
1p. ALS.
Folder 40
J.E. Johnston, Washington D.C., to "My dear
Lizzie" [Eliza Hughes]. Learn that Floyd [Hughes] had a
daughter, making Johnston a great-great-uncle ?; give
congratulations; save name of Preston for a boy; also
included newspaper clipping announcing death of Eliza
Preston Hughes, infant daughter of Floyd and Nannie R.
Hughes, aged 4 months.
29 January 1886.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 41
College of William and Mary to Floyd Hughes.
Invitation to the 200th Charter Day at William and Mary.
1893.
1 p. D.
Folder 42
Mr. P. Breckenridge to Judge Robert W.
Hughes, Norfolk, Va. Written son for extra copies and
will send if they exist; Col. John Mason dead; advise to
write to widow.
11 January 1895.
1 p. TDS.
Folder 43
W.H. Crane, Norfolk, Va., to Floyd Hughes,
Norfolk, Va. Poor health; felt badly after performance
and had to return to room; compliments to the club.
28 January 1895.
1 p. ALS.
Folder 44
J.K. Radford to Mrs. E. M. Hughes, Norfolk,
Va. Tardy in acknowledging letter; obliged for enclosed
documents; have difficulty separating fact with family
tradition; Munford's claim of Sistersville?, West Va.
Being named after Mr. Radford's (I) mother and niece
conflicts with county records; want to trace ancestry of
Mr. Radford; father knew family and stayed in Radford
ancestral home while in England in command of the
Mediterranean squads.
3 June [18]97.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 45
Thos. H. Barnes, Elwood, Nansemond County,
Va., to Tho. H. Cross, Norfolk, Va. Thanks for sending
lecture "Editors of the Past"; Judge Hughes assigned to
give lecture by Press Association; lecture mostly on his
"diamond-pointed pen in his best and balmiest days and
of the great journalists whose lives and characters and
works he has so graphically delineated"; wrote for
Examiner about "Know
Nothing" campaign; now public knows more about the
Examiner and its brilliant
editors.
9 August 1899.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 46
A.G. Preston, Greenfield, to Mrs. Wm.
Preston, Richmond, Va. Had given husband Preston papers;
request that turn them over to cousin Floyd Hughes; want
papers preserved and ancestors researched; also includes
transcript of letter.
8 March 1903.
1 pp. ALS.
Folder 47
Floyd Hughes Jr., Norfolk, Va., to "Dear
Grandma". Reject offer of vacation; has job that pays 2
dollars a day and weather delightful; relax at the
Chesapeake Club and Virginia Beach; does not want to
leave a lady- "have it pretty bad".
3 September 1907.
6 pp. ALS.
Folder 48
Notes of Harriet Lane. List of names with
their position in society; sailed up the Potomac to Mt.
Vernon; picnic by Washington's tomb; visit naval
academy, government house and Fort McHenry where a light
artillery drill was performed; visit Old Point where
observe dress parade then attend a ball; party given by
Secretary Cobb and Mr. Schull on a boat; invitations
very limited; officers give up berths for ladies and men
sleep on deck.
N.D.
4 pp. Ms.
Folder 49
H. Lane to Mrs. Hughes. Want Mrs. Hughes at
the ship when it departs; wise head of the house is not
up yet; does not want to leave in such a storm.
Tuesday.
3 pp. ALS.
Folder 50
H. Lane, Soldier's house, to Mrs. Hughes.
Invitation to dine; president has just returned from
town.
Friday evening.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 50
Harriet R. Lane, Soldier's house, to Mrs.
Hughes. Describe riding habit; Lady Ouseley wants to see
"Tiny"; will decide whether or not to engage her when
reach New York; lady was charming, but the major would
not remain to be "victimized".
Saturday evening.
4 pp. ALS.
Folder 50
H. Lane, Soldier's house, to Mrs. Hughes.
Thanks for gift of food; hope to see at party on
Tuesday; ready to leave wharf on Tuesday; will send fly
poison; flies problematic- "they die by the thousands
with us, but other gallant comrades fly in".
10 July.
3 pp.
Folder 51
Baron Gerolt's acceptance of Mr. And Mrs.
Floyd's dinner invitation for Tuesday January 5th.
30 December.
1 pp. L.
Folder 51
Invitation from Baron Gerolt to Gov. Floyd
for dinner on Tuesday the 26th.
16 January.
1 pp. L.
Folder 52
R.M. Hughes, Norfolk, Va., to Mrs. E.M.
Hughes. "Floyd acquitted himself handsomely in his
maiden jury speech".
n.d.
2 pp. ALS.
Folder 53
Col. Pendleton to W.P. [William Preston].
Public agent to negotiate 'this business'; agent Hardy
appointed; Col. John Taylor will also attend; Taylor had
helped rescind resolution disputing title to land which
left the matter open for present discussion; propose to
pay for Taylor's two journeys.
n.d.,
1 p. AL.
Folder 54
The Tazewell
Republican Vol. 19 No. 6 Tazewell, Va., Thursday,
Feb. 10, 1910.
Folder 55
The Critic Vol. 2 No. 22
Richmond, Virginia, February 10, 1889.
Folder 56
Shipping Illustrated Vol.
XIX No. 239 New York, Saturday, June 1,
1907.
Folder 57
Program for the unveiling of the bust of
Joseph Eggleston Johnston on February 3,
1933
Folder 58
Lecture given by Judge Robert W. Hughes
entitled "Editors of the Past".
22 June 1897.
30 pp. PV.
Folder 59
Letter from Col. R.W. Hughes on the political
situation in Virginia.
29 November 1872.
4 pp. PL.
Folder 60
Article written by Judge Robert W. Hughes
entitled
"An Appeal from the Sectional
to the National Whigs. "10 March 1881.
14 pp. PV.
Folder 61
A copy of a resolution at the meeting of the
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association describing the
life of the deceased Floyd Hughes.
12 February 1940.
3 pp. PD.
Letters of recommendation dated 1910-1911 for
Floyd Hughes regarding his appointment as Collector of
Customs to President William H. Taft; also includes a
draft of Floyd Hughes resignation from the position in
1913 and an acceptance of the resignation dated
1914.
TLs.
Picture of Gen. Joseph E.
Johnston.
Newspaper clippings about Gen. J.E. Johnston
from 1864-1934.
Newspaper clippings about Judge R.W. Hughes
from 1870-1897.