Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, May 5, 1817

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, May 5, 1817, conveyed “by Uncle George.” 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. Internal note, made much later, says "1815" but it's more likely 1817.]

                                                                       May 5, 1817

Dear Sally,

As I know a letter is never unacceptable especially from one of the family, I have determined to write you however short my letter may be; you mentioned in your last to write you all the knews [news] that was stirring. I hear of none except that Crawford has again attempted to get his wife and children to live with him but she most positively refused, I suppose he expected after Mrs. Austen's death that Charlotte would come in for a part of the property, it is I believe the general impression when they first met she appeared to know him but her mind soon became disordered she told him he was a very faebale [feeble] sort of a fellow and if he would pluck the grey hairs out of his head he ought get a young wife that she had a very pretty little Daughter she would give him. 

I am told Miss Esther intends living with Mrs. Watts, I still hear Betsy Irvin[?] is to be married but can't tell when Miss Peggy is  . . and I expect assisting about the wedding cloaths [clothes] tis only my conjecture, poor Charlotte Scott lays at the point of death she has miscarried, expected to have had it next month. Mrs. Clark went down a few days ago to see her and has not returned yet.

I was very near forgetting to write you that Mrs. Johnston had staid [stayed] two or three days with Papa and says she would like to live here very much. I think she must want to take the old gentleman in.

We have broke up housekeeping are staying with Pappa, you may expect Shorts and Tom about the 4th of the month Shorts is in search of Land and if he could get any in your neighborhood that would suit him at 10$ would purchase I expect, I am more outrageous [outraged] at the thoughts of going to Tenesee [Tennessee] than ever, do pray return with Tom.

Uncle George says he does not know how you can contain yourself at home so much, come up and take a look at my fine son. I am sure you would not believe the account you say you hear of him he is the sweetest little fellow you ever saw; Baldy talks of giving a great supper but has no Cook you may guess what sort of an affair it will be.

John Benton is completely deranged also Mrs McClelland. 

[M]y love to Mr. Massie and believe me dear Sally to be your Affectionate Sister Lucinda

you see Mrs. Penn has put a postscript here.

N.B. Have seen a speck in the Sun am stark-staring mad -- more so than Mrs. Crawford. 

[L. Penn = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814.

Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Mrs. Johnston = unclear. Possibly Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820). Mr. Johnston = Charles Johnston (1769-1833).

Miss Peggy = probably Peggy Bradfute.

Charlotte Austin Crawford married Samuel L. Crawford, July 19, 1800, by James Mitchell, Bedford County, Virginia. Note: William C. Mitchell married Lucie M. Crawford on December 15, 1851, also in Bedford.

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826), residing at Federal Hill.

My fine son = James Steptoe Penn (March 20, 1817-1854). 

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).
Shorts = unsure who this is. 
Baldy = unsure who this is.

Uncle George = possibly George Steptoe (1785-1862), who was married to Maria Anne Thomas Steptoe (1792-1872), but he was Lucy’s older brother; their Uncle George Steptoe (1748-1802) had presumably died in 1802, though these vital details are not fully verified.]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]