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COMMODORE PHILIP C. JOHNSON.
PORTSMOUTH, N. H., Jan. 28.——Commodore Phillip C. Johnson, commandant of the Navy Yard here, died this morning of Bright's disease.

Commodore Johnson, who was a native of Maine, entered the Navy in 1846, and was present at the bombardment of Vera Cruz and at Tuspan. In 1847 and 1848 he served in the frigate Ohio, of the Pacific Squadron. The next four years he passed at the Naval School and with the Brazil Squadron. He became a passed midshipman in 1852. In 1853 he again served with the Pacific Squadron, and from 1854 to 1859 he was attached to the Coast Survey. He became a lieutenant in 1855. From 1859 to 1861 he was attached to the San Jacinto, then cruising on the coast of Africa. From 1861 to 1863 he commanded the Tennessee, of the Western Gulf Squadron, and was present at the bombardment and passage of Forts Jackson and St. Phillip. He became a lieutenant-commander in 1862. In 1864 he was attached to the Katahdin, of the Western Gulf Squadron. In 1865 and 1866 he was attached to the Naval Academy, and for two years after he served on the Sacramento, then performing special service on the North Pacific Station. He became a commander in 1867, and from 1868 to 1870 was fleet-captain of the South Pacific Squadron. He was made a captain in 1874, after four years' service with the Coast Survey, and from that time until 1876 he served on the South Pacific Station, commanding the Omaha one year and the Richmond two years. In 1877 and 1878 he was stationed at the Mare Island Navy Yard. Later Commodore Johnson had command of the Training Squadron, and was some time signal officer on the duty at the Navy Department. He took command of the Portsmouth Navy Yard in 1884. Had he lived his promotion as rear admiral, to succeed Rear Admiral E. Y. McCauley, retired, would have been announced yesterday.
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Saturday Jan. 29" 1887. Dear Gertrude, had she lived would have been fifty three years old today. Strangely enough I did not think of it until I wrote the date here. I thought of it on my Mothers birth day on the 24". I should have regretted to have the day pass by unremembered. She always remembered my birth day and always celebrated it by some gift to me. I have been very busy getting ready to go to N.Y. on Monday. It has been a rainy, foggy day clearing at sunset when there was a most strange and beautiful effect of brilliant sky, mist and snow. I went down to the mail and received a note from Mr. Wells saying Butter was moving out of the studio and I could take possession. The rent is to be $460 pr. year, nearly twice as much as I now pay, but I am sure it will be more than that advantage to me. The frame for my "Funeral of a Veteran" came yesterday and with it more of the little frames for the small sketches. I have been getting my colors & materials together over at my studio and packing my pictures. Towards evening I sat down to read the Tribune when I saw this notice of the death of dear Phil Johnson. I had not even heard of his illness and the announcement of his death was a great shock to me. Only yesterday as Sara and I drove past Mr. Kellys place I told her how Eastman, Phil and I walked down there from the ferry one hot day, while we were living in my little house, to call on White who was a friend of Phils, and how he allowed us to start back on foot, but Mrs. Kelly sent after us and had us taken back to the ferry in a carriage. I wrote a brief note to Eastman this evening and told him to let me know when he could see me, as I was going down on Monday and presumed he would be in Portsmouth.    

Sunday 30" Have been packing my trunk and making preparations to go to N.Y. tomorrow. I confess I leave with regret. Any change in my daily life now I undertake with difficulty. I have greatly enjoyed the winter here at home and I turn from the peace and quiet of this place with many misgivings. For thirty years I have made this same annual return to the city and to the same rooms. Now I am to change my studio, and undertake a somewhat heavier expense, but I believe it will be best for me. My father has seemed to feel sadly today. I think he regrets my going away and regrets a certain feeling of security and an absence from anything like responsibility while I am at home. Jamie and I am to go in the 7.40 train, he to go to his school.

Monday 31" Tom drove Jamie and me up to the 7.40 train but it was half an hour late. Ned Tomkins and his wife and a lady friend were waiting too and came down with us. It was a fine winter day and had frozen in the night. The river was as smooth glass and ice boats were flitting about in the light breeze. When I reached the Studio Building I got the key of No 15 and soon had the housekeeper and her servants cleaning up the liter [[litter]] left by Butter. I find the walls in very good order and will not have to color them at present. Went over and saw Mary, Marion and Downing. Had my present studio dusted and the bed made and am in the old ways again. Dined at Marys. Bonyer is coming over tomorrow to talk business Sent my list to Buffalo today. Am going to send "Asshokan brook" 20x24 and "on the Yellowstone" small. It is colder and a cold wave has arrived. I feel cheerful and hopeful, perhaps without reason. 

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