Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 29.djvu/55

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Memoir of Jane C. Johwxnn. 41

To EDWIN SELVAGE, Color Bearer, and the ist Maryland Regiment:

Gentlemen, This emblem of your courage and State pride, I have received. The trust that you have reposed in me shall be sa- credly guarded, and only to the same organization, with officers and men, will I ever yield it.

I take this means of assuring you all that, as I have been with you in the trials you have undergone in the South, so will I ever be, and no member of the First Maryland Regiment will ever want a friend while I live.

Mrs. BRADLEY T. JOHNSON.

When the Maryland Line was assembled at Hanover Junction under command of Colonel Bradley T. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson spent the winter of 1863-64 with them. She called for volunteers from the command, and with them built a commodious and beautiful church. The roof was of tent flies, and there was a big fireplace at each side, but they had gallery and choir loft, and services every Sunday.

She went to Richmond and procured from Bishop McGill, Roman Catholic Bishop of Virginia, the service of a priest, who regularly celebrated Holy Mass once a month, a large per cent, of the com- mand being Roman Catholics from southern Maryland, and the other Sundays services were held by the chaplain of the Line. One night the Glee Club came over to serenade her. Marylanders are a bright and joyous race and they always had a Glee Club, and she came out among them, and said: " Boys, you are the very men I want. You'd make a first-class choir for my church," and they did, and the choir of the Maryland line had a great reputation all around Hanover, and as far off as Richmond. People from the country and the city would come to see and hear the services in Mrs. Johnson's church.

After the war General and Mrs. Johnson resided in Richmond from 1866 to 1879, where she was active and jealous in charitable work. She was President for years of the Hospital for Women, which accomplished good work among unfortunate women.

In 1879 they returned to Maryland and took up their residence in Baltimore. There she at once took position in works of benevolence and charity. She became President of the Hospital for the Women of Maryland, and was efficient in establishing that institution on a firm and prosperous basis.