Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, April 19, 1816

Sandusky Lynchburg Nov 2008 by Pubdog Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

[Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston at Sandusky, Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia], Nelson County, Virginia, April 19, 1816, by Mrs. Miller & Mrs. Lee. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.

Note on verso: "Introducing the celebrated impostors, Mrs. Miller & Lee . . . They [left] the state before they were found out."]

I have taken the liberty my dear Sally introducing to you two unfortunate women, who are on their return home to the State of Ohio. They came on to this place last winter in great distress, having had their Husbands killed by the Indians, houses burned, and all their property destroyed. 

Left in this situation with large families of children, they set out, from home with a view of visiting a brother which one of them had in North Carolina, to get from him some assistance, but did not succeed in finding him.

They have been twice in this Neighborhood, at Brother James', George's, Grand mama's, & Papa's, all of whom have been very kind to them. They have met with much attention and friendship from every body here, and as I know your charitable and humane disposition, expect you will not let them go on without giving them some assistance. 

We are all well, much love to you and your good man; believe me affectionately yours
                                                                                    Eliza P. Johnston  

[Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) had married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" "Eliza" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820), married Charles Johnston (1769-1833) over New Year's, 1806/1807. 

Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827), married Catherine Mitchell (1780-1858) in 1808.

George = George Steptoe (1785-1862), married Maria Ann Thomas (1792-1872) in 1810.

Grandmama = not sure who this is. 

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).] 

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