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2 any one bearing his name, had, in so short a life, given so much to the literature of the world, for my father was a man
of great literary attainments, and numbered among his personal friends and correspondents, names, now historical. Henry Clay,
Clement Vallandingham of Ohio, a man known to the people, probably before you opened your eyes upon this sublunary sphere.
The people of Alex., Va. made my father mayor of the city although, that was no great honor it was the highest office in their
gift, and they gave it gladly. My Husband also, served the same people, in the same capacity, and as a physician of high
standing for 35 years, he gave much to the public in his literary efforts, some of which, I will sometime, mail you. When
3 I read the article sent, I in fancy wandered with you, through what had heretofore seemed to me a pathless region, similar
to nothing I could fancy, except Iceland or Greenland; contries, where the southern sun shines, but never renders desirable
as a home. I regret, more than I can tell, that I did not write to you, when I first felt impelled to do so, for then you
would, perhaps, have called to see us, when you visited our city last year. But, regrets are vain, looking back is useless,
for we all know, only too well, that last years nests contain no birds. I have a cousin, whose name is yours, and when I think
how different his life has been from yours, I ask myself the question, which has enjoyed life the more? You, giving your
6 some ancestor, perhaps her father, one of the rarest natures, I have ever known. With her, there is no parleying with
what will the world say ? but she asks is it right ? and there must be an incontrovertible yes before she will even consent
to consider a question. If you have time to spare, to reply to this, perhaps, tiresome epistle, I hope you will itnroduce
me to your family, and thus enable me to bring before my mind's eye, your surroundings. and daily life. Your life must be
full of pleasant hardships, if you will allow the expression, and your literary efforts, go to prove how little vacation you
allow yourself. I have read many articles from your pen, and congratulate you, upon, yours, being the pen of a ready writer.
Hoping sometime to welcome you to our city and home, I am etc Mrs. Lydia Muir Johnson 01843