Johnstone, a rice planter, also frequented the community at Flat Rock, NC where he was a supporter of the Church of St. John in the Wilderness. In 1864 he was shot to death by a band of marauders near Flat Rock. An exceptionally fine miniature, it displays Fraser's ability at capturing a likeness and giving a sense of vitality. Only the very starchy white collar detracts from the utter naturalism of the portrait.
The reverse contains a lock of hair. In the account book for the year 1826 is the following entry: "Mr. Andrew Johnson 19 Sept . . . $30." The relatively low fee may be explained by the small size of the ivory, and it was probably sold without its case.
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