Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-05-20

few days since, from which am happy to
learn that he ia recovering. hope to meet
Woodville coon, on his way to see his
friends in Culpepper- l hear that Ann'
Mcdowell is at Smithfield with your graud
mother Preston, whose health is much I'M
paired. James Preston writes urging me
to make them visit and to fetch you sno
Susan along. Ballard is a stirring aud
promising lad afterwards VIM. Ballard
Preston, Secretary of the Navy in Pres1-
dent Taylor's Cabinet.]
NV engagements will not admit OF my
writing more. Remember me iffectionate-
" to your mother, to Sister Woodville. to
Sarah, Lynn and all the children. Kiss
Sue for me, and for yourself accept my best
wishes for your health and happiness
Write as often as possible.
Your affectionate husband,
JOHN b. PEYTON
/. NoTE-Bsn was by birth an African
Chief, and became Mr.. Pc. IONS favorite
man servant, Captured on The African
coast in 1907 he was brought to Virginia
with cargo of negroes and sold At the
auction Mr.. P, who happened to be on the
Lower James river at the time became bis
purchaser. He was then about twelve
years old, strong, athletic boy, who
grew to be feet 2 inches high, and was
as black as ink. He was named Ben Pot
ter, probably after one of his captors. The
interpreter gave an interesting account OF
Ben, and of the Difference and respect PAID
him on the voyage by his fellow captives =
The young negro was 30 much impressed
with the appearance and bearing OF Mr.
Peyton that he begged bim through the
Loo yv1roh fNhIa
he consented to do and Ben continued his
faithful Servant through life. till his (Mr.
Pey on's) death in 1847. Ben was soon
deeply attached to his master, was conhded
in and trusted by Mr. Peyton and his fami-
ly. On leaving home to go the round of
the circuit, Mr.. Peyton always placed his
wife and children under Ben's protection
and never had cause to regret it. He was
sober. industrious and honest-every way
WORTHY of the trust reposed in him. Thir-
tv.odd years later when Mr.. P. was pros
trated BY paralysis in 1S45, his attached
Servant and friend was ploughing in field
near theMontgomery Hall Mansion. Hear
ing cries of alarm from the family, he aban
doned his team and ran to the house, and
elbowing himself into his Masters room, he
assisted in ministering to him till the ar
rival of the family physician.
From that hour to Mr.. P.'s death 10
1S47, he slept in his room, helped to watch
over him, administered his medicine, drove
him in his Pbaton when his health admit
ted of it and looked after his comfort in
every wsy, and was never over 80 minutes
out of his presence till he died, when he
seemed broken hearted. Mr.. Peyton's ex-
ecutor offered Ben his freedom and life
annuity, which he declined-he preferred
to remain with the old Masters children,
and did so until his death, which occurred
about 1856, the aged, trusty Servant sink
ing into the grave sincere Christian, loved
and respected by all who knew him, and
with the confident hope that be would meet
his old Master and friend among the Saints
above. Among those whose admiration
for the character Of this faithful servant
led them often to speak, of him with pleas
ire was the late Col. John B. Baldwin,
who never, while he lived. allowed Ben, and
;he history of his good and faithful services
which for several years came onder his OBJ
'ervation to go unmeniioned-be forgotten.