Grace Bradfute to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, April 16, 1816

Federal Hill, near New London, Virginia. Virginia Department of Historic Resources

[Grace Bradfute at Lynchburg, Virginia], to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, April 16, 1816, delivered "by Robbin." 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.]

                      Lynchburgh [Lynchburg]          April 16th, 1816

Dear Sarah 

I have not forgotten you but think with pleasure on such an acquaintance and will visit you when Lucinda does should nothing unforeseen happen. Papa is still confined to his bed. 

I have just returned from Federal Hill on a visit of nearly four weeks. I saw Harry and Frances wedded at last and as beaus are very scarce and Tommeys[?] very necessary I will thank you to make interest with that one for me.

[T]ell Mr. Massie I wish he would get me such a husband as he has a Wife as he is such a good hand at chousing [choosing].

Adieu my Dear Sarah. Margaret joins me in love to you and Mr. Massie and I beg that you would not forget the dress I wore from you as I understand there is another one in the stocks excuse all errors as I am in hast[e]
                                                        Grace Bradfute

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

Papa = Robert Bradfute (1749-1816), father of Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855), Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833) and Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), who had married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg. 

Alexander Tompkins (1784-1864) acquired Davidson Bradfute's house, in the vicinity of New London, Virginia, after the latter's death, and was Head Cashier at the same bank. Among these folks would have been possible candidates for portraits by Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866). 

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

Harry and Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Harry's second wife would be Anne Eliza Scott (1800-1870). 

Tommeys[?] = note that Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880) was sixteen at the time.

Robbin = also spelled Robin. Often used as a courier between family members, but not sure who exactly this was. 

James Steptoe (1750-1826) resided at Federal Hill, New London, Virginia.] 

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