[Frances Steptoe Johnston at Botetourt Springs, Virginia, to
Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie near Rose Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, April 19,
1822. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough,
annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra
paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]
Botetourt
Springs April 19th 1822
My Dear Aunt
I am very sorry that I have delayed so long to write to you and
should be glad to be excused but I know my negligence is unpardonable and
therefore I shall not pretend to frame any causes.
We have the disheartening news to inform you, that Sister Lucy
is not coming this Spring and has put off her visit till the fall she has
disappointed us very much for we were expecting her every day untill [until]
papa got her letter but my dear Aunt that need not be any reason why you should
not come be assured that you will be heartily welcome to the Botetourt Springs
if you will condescend to favour them with your presence.
I suppose you have heard of the improvements that papa has made
lately. Brother Edward & Mr. Moore (our teacher) are now engaged in taking
views of it to send to Washington, Charleston, Richmond &c. I suspect its
fame will be spread far & near.
I believe I have never written to you since we began to learn
French he commenced Telemachus a few weeks ago and are now reading the 2d book.
I think it is a very agreeable and useful study; we are very much pleased with
our present teacher he is a very clever man but unluckily he is very unhealthy.
You cannot think what a large family there is here 23 is the
number of white persons every day to eat and what a quantity they must consume
in a year. I believe Cousin Nancy is beginning to be afraid that the bacon will
not hold out although there was 15000 wt.
I expect there will be a great many people here next summer and
in a few years it is probable that this place will be as much resorted to as
any in the State or perhaps in the United States speaking not so much of the
water as of the accommodations and conveniences.
I have drawn a map of the United States lately and am now
employed in drawing one of Europe. Mr. Moore says it is the best way to learn
Geography and indeed I think so myself for it gives me a perfect idea of all
the places and their situations.
Papa is going to save Sister’s piano brought up shortly and he
has engaged a lady in Lynchburg to teach us music. I expect she will be up
about the middle of next Month.
James is going to spend his vacation with us. I am anxiously and
impatiently waiting his arrival which I hope will not be far off it seems an
age since I saw him though he only went away in November he is on great leave
down there and from his continually being in company I expect he will be much
more polished in his manners than we.
I think nothing would be half as pleasant to me as to be with my
dear friends once more but I fear the time is far distant: what a length of
time has it been since I had that pleasure! And I have a great desire to go to
Sandusky once more at least if it was only for an hour. I long to walk over the
gardens and survey the scenes of my happiest days again but I am sure I never
shall and I must content myself.
It is now late at night and I am obliged to conclude with the
love of the whole family to yourself and Mr. Massie & Thomas and believe me
my dear Aunt your ever affectionate niece.
Frances S. Johnston
P.S. Cousin Nancy says do pray do not disappoint her in not
coming for she has met with one disappointment already and a second will be too
bad.
Once more Adieu
F.S.J.
[My Dear Aunt = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was
married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe
(1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of
Texas here.
Frances Steptoe Johnston (1807-after 1850), making her about
fifteen years old when she wrote this letter, quite precocious.
Sister Lucy = Lucy Hopkins Johnston Ambler (1800-1888), married
to Thomas Marshall Ambler (1791-1825).
Papa = Charles Johnston (1768-1833).
Brother Edward = Edward Pickett Johnston (1798-1893) is a bit of
a mystery. He later married (in 1830 or 1832) Anne Smith Chilton (1810 or
1812-1893).
Mr. Moore = Not sure who this is.
Telemachus = In Greek mythology, son of Odysseus and Penelope.
Cousin Nancy = Not sure who this is.
Brother James = James Steptoe Johnston (1808-1895)
Thomas = Thomas James Massie (1817-1877)
Sandusky = Charles Johnston estate from 1808 to 1819, in Lynchburg. For much more, see this link.]
Sandusky = Charles Johnston estate from 1808 to 1819, in Lynchburg. For much more, see this link.]
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
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