[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at New London, Virginia,] to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie at Sweet Springs, Virginia, August 17, 1817, care of Mr. Reid. 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.]
August 17, 1817
Dear Sally
We are all at a loss to account for your silence and cannot think but what you have written and the letter miscarried knowing so well as you do how anxious we are to hear from you.
I have been to the Academy to day to hear from the Reverend Mr. Dashiell preach he gave us a most delightfull [delightful] sermon he is the young man whom Miller has got as a teacher at the Academy and if they can raise him a sallary [salary] of one thousand Dollars will come on immediately.
Sister Betsey was to have been here this morning on her way to Church had she have come should have carried Tom with her as Papa's says to shew his fine cap and hat as I had dressed up the one which N. B. had made him very nicely you may judge whether he has grown much or not when that cap just fits him.
Tis unnecessary to say any thing to you about writing my love to Miss P and Mr. Massie and remain your affectionate Sister Lucinda
[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814. Their Bedford County, Virginia, estate was (or would be) named "St. Helena."
Miss P = probably Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) and sister of Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) and Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), the last who had married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg.]
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
August 17, 1817
Dear Sally
We are all at a loss to account for your silence and cannot think but what you have written and the letter miscarried knowing so well as you do how anxious we are to hear from you.
I have been to the Academy to day to hear from the Reverend Mr. Dashiell preach he gave us a most delightfull [delightful] sermon he is the young man whom Miller has got as a teacher at the Academy and if they can raise him a sallary [salary] of one thousand Dollars will come on immediately.
Sister Betsey was to have been here this morning on her way to Church had she have come should have carried Tom with her as Papa's says to shew his fine cap and hat as I had dressed up the one which N. B. had made him very nicely you may judge whether he has grown much or not when that cap just fits him.
Tis unnecessary to say any thing to you about writing my love to Miss P and Mr. Massie and remain your affectionate Sister Lucinda
[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814. Their Bedford County, Virginia, estate was (or would be) named "St. Helena."
Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.
Mr. Reid = one of the Reids living around New London, no doubt.
Mr. Reid = one of the Reids living around New London, no doubt.
Academy - New London Academy.
Reverend Mr. Dashiell = Alfred Dashiell. Not sure of his vital dates.
Miller = not sure who this is.
$1,000 in 1817 = about $17,500 in 2017.
Sister Betsy = Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey/Betsy" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).
Tom = Thomas James Massie (March 23, 1817-1877).
Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).
Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).
N.B. = Not sure who this is. Perhaps a Bradfute.
Miss P = probably Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) and sister of Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) and Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), the last who had married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg.]
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
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