Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin

Scope and content:

When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

Washington D.C.
June 25 1865

My dear Susan,
Your letter of the 14th inst. was received today & it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary & myself, & also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well & in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.

It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money & clothing.

I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold & a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 & H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well & there remains over & above these claims between 4 & 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank & held by the court.

Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, & a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.

I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.

We are all well & living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you & your brother & in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane
Most affectionately
Yours
W.P. Johnston

PS Mr. Hooe is well & at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey
J.

Subjects:

United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life
Correspondence

Names:

Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916
Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916

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