Peggy Bradfute to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, December 26, 1817

[Peggy Bradfute [at or near New London, Virginia], to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, December 26, 1817. 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.]

                                                                December 26 1817

Dear Sarah
               
I have been in every store in town & cannot get your dress, the description you want I have sent you two samples to see if you like them if so by the first chance you can get one; no other colour a plenty of black.

Maria Gray has just returned from Richmond & says [?]nton crepes are all the rage; & made like the one you saw Mrs. Morgan with at the springs the yellow full at top.

I have gotten for you 3 yards & a half of India look[?] cambrick [cambric]; they say it is superior to any thing of the cambrick [cambric] for last that ever was in this place; if it does not suit he has obligated himself; to take it back William that and the box of cotton is two dolars [dollars].

Nancy Byrd request[s] me to write you she would take pleasure in visiting you; but dislikes to put you to the trouble of sending for her; she says her mother talkes [talks] of going down the country the 15 of next month & then they will let you know if they can come.

I am sorry to say it will be out of my power to leave home this [in] this cold weather; on account of my health to go so far thoug[h] I assure you it would give me great pleasure to sit by you[r] hospitable fire side.

[M]y respects to Mr. Massie & tell him I was sorry when he was last in town; that he could not spare a few minutes to see wheather [whether] I was alive or not; my respects to your Mama & kiss dear little Tom for me I hope you have had a chance to spend your month as your Brother Robert is a pretty good hand; I was extremely glad to hear that you had entirely recovered for to more than I can boast of a Robert is now with us & is certainly married; is proposing to live in New London with his wife.

[H]ave you had a merry Christmas if not I wish you a happy new year except [accept] my best wishes for your future health & happiness & you express your sorrow at troubling me know [no] trouble I assure a pleasure to wait on my Friends if I can please them which I presume I do or they would not try mea[?].

                                    Peggy Bradfute

[E]xcuse blunders in has[te] by candle light.


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

Peggy Bradfute = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), a daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816). Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) was one of her sisters. Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), one of Peggy's brothers, 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).

Maria Gray = not sure who this is. A seamstress, apparently, also mentioned in other letters.

Mrs. Morgan = not sure who this is. 

William = possibly William Massie (1795-1862), but she could mean William Steptoe (1791-1860) or another William. 

Nancy Byrd = Nancy Anne Byrd (1784-); married James T. Wright on January 27, 1821. 

Your mama = Sarah Cocke Massie (1760-1838), Sally's mother-in-law.

Dear little Tom = Thomas James Massie (March 23, 1817-1877).]

Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870), unmarried at the time. 

Robert Bradfute (circa 1794-1861), one of Peggy's brothers.]

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

Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, circa August 18, 1817

[Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston at New London, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, circa August 18, 1817, "by Col. Watts." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

My dear Sally

I have just met this morning with Col. Watts at Church who told me he would set out tomorrow for the West, and expecting he would see you at the Springs on his way determined to write a few lines to you.

I am now at Mr. Ward's, having dined here with a good many of my old friends. 

I saw Papa and Lucy at Church who told me that little Tom was well. I saw him myself on Wednesday and was delighted to find him much improved. I believe when you return you will scarcely know him.

I received your letter dated Staunton and was surprised that you said nothing respecting your health, about which I was so anxious, but finding a letter here to day from you to Lucy I opened it in order to get some information on the subject.

I was not surprised that the warm Bathing had the effect you describe, it was precisely what it produced on me, only that it also gave me cold. 

You must excuse this short letter and the mistakes you find in it, as I am sitting in a room full of Ladies and about 20 children, but it being a good opportunity I could not resist the inclination I had of writing, were it only a line.

My love to Miss Peggy and Mr. Massie believe me affectionately yours
                                             Eliza P. Johnston

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

Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

Colonel Watts = no doubt related in some way to Elizabeth Breckenridge Watts (1794-1862), who married General Edward Watts (1779-1859) of “Oaklands” in 1810. Watts family correspondence can be found at the University of Virginia Special Collections here. Additional primary sources, such as "Deed between Henry S. Langhorne and Frances, his wife, and Edward Watts for the sale of a tract of land in Botetourt County" (April 1828) can be found here.

Mr. Ward = Not sure who this is. 

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Lucy = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who had married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856) on June 15, 1814.

Little Tom = Thomas James Massie (March 23, 1817-1877).

Peggy = 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.]   

Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, August 17, 1817

[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." 

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.

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).

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.]   

Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, July 24, 1817

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn at New London, Virginia, to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Rose Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, July 24, 1817. 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.]

                                                                   July 1817
Dear Sally

Expecting you were anxious to hear how little Tom was coming on I concluded to write you if it was but one line, he is very well and has been ever since you left him and still continues to fatten -- by the time this reaches you I suppose you will be about setting of[f] to the Springs.

Write us soon how you are and how Miss Peggy is. 

Harry L was expected at the Forest to day but Dick does not expect he will call on us without being invited. [H]e came up to Ross's sale at the Iron Works to buy Negroes I suspect; if so we may conclude he has given out the idea of coming to Lynchburg. 

Sally says she wants to hear from her children.

My love to Miss P. and tell her I wish her success also to Mr. Massie and believe me to be 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. 

Little Tom =  Thomas James Massie (March 23, 1817-1877). 

Miss Peggy = 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.

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

Ross's sale at the Iron Works = David Ross (circa 1737-May 4, 1817) estate, owner of Oxford Iron Works. See Charles B. Dew, "David Ross and the Oxford Iron Works: A Study of Industrial Slavery in the Early Nineteenth-Century South." William and Mary Quarterly, Volume 31, Number 2 (April 1974), pages 189-224. 

Dick = probably Richard Henry Lee Steptoe (1786-1818/1819).

Sally = Another Sally, not sure who this is.]

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

Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, July 26, 1817

Sandusky, Lynchburg, Virginia. November 2008 by Pubdog via Wikimedia Commons

[Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston at Sandusky, Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia, July 26, 1817, "by George." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

                                                 Sandusky   July 26 1817

You will be surprised my dear Sally that Uncle George has been so detained. The dress which you requested Lucy Johnston to get for you was not got, owing to her not understanding the directions given for that purpose -- you write her to get you a cloth dress, which she could not believe was your intention to have said, and not knowing what to do, determined to get none. I had one brought up, which I intended sending you, but upon reflection thought you might not choose such a colour, it being a red colour, I therefore thought best to get one, and make the old man wait one day to have it made. I went this morning to town for that purpose, I could find nothing but Canton Crepe and Bombazine, and as you had one of the former I chose the latter, it is a very nice one, I think, I directed Maria Gray to make it by mine which Mr. Johnston brought from Richmond.

I have not been to Papa's since you left us, as I had no horses. I sent [?]up on Wednesday. [T]hey sent me word that little Tom was very well, and that Sally was extremely attentive to him. I expect to go up and see him tomorrow or the next day and take with me the rose-water.

I send you the Smelling Bottle, which you may want during your trip, also your Fan.

[Y]ou must certainly write us from Staunton, visit my friend Mrs. Payton while there and present me affectionately to her.

my love to Peggy, and Mr. Massie, and believe me my dear Sally your truly affectionate sister
                                          Eliza P. Johnston

N.B. The Bacon was all received and is I think very nice. I shall make much of the old hams, intending them altogether for my own Tooth.

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

Elizabeth "Eliza" Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

Uncle George = also mentioned in other letters, most probably George Callaway (1785-1822), a son of James Callaway (1736-1809) by his second wife, Elizabeth Early Callaway (1759-1796). However, "Papa" James Steptoe (1750-1826), Eliza and Sally's father, also had a brother George Steptoe, born in 1748 but, according to vague family trees on Ancestry.com, died in 1802 -- a doctor, apparently.

Lucy = Lucy Hopkins Johnston (1800-1888).

Mr. Johnston = Charles Johnston (1769-1833).

Maria Gray = not sure who this is.

Little Tom = presumably Thomas James Massie (March 23, 1817-1877) and Sally, his mother, recipient of the letter.

Mrs. Payton = or Peyton. Not sure who this is.

Peggy = 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.]   

Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, May 17, 1817

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at or near Bedford County, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia, May 17, 1817, "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.]

Dear Sister,                                                                    May 17, 1817

Grace has declined going down fearing perhaps she may be taken with the measles at your house they are in Lynchburg and she has never avoided them. I got you the things you wanted the catgut is very coarse but could not get any that was finer. 

2½ yds shirting 2-6  =  6.3

Catgut 2 ½ 1.6          =  3.9

Bolt fonting[?] 3.0    =  3.0

                                     13.0

[W]ill you be so good as to send me by Brother W. how long lemon peel should be kept in water and what quantity of sugar should be put to it when preserved if you should not come up yourself. 

                                                                       L. Penn


[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. 

Grace = probably Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855), daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) and sister of  Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833) 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. 

Brother W. = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860), married to Anne Nancy Brown Steptoe (March 4, 1792-April 5, 1817) since February 7, 1815. Their son, Edward Jenner Steptoe (1815-1865), was born on November 7, 1815. 

Uncle George = also mentioned in other letters, most probably George Callaway (1785-1822), a son of James Callaway by his second wife, Elizabeth Early Callaway (1759-1796).]

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

Lucy Waller Massie to Sally Tate Steptoe Massie, April 15, 1817

[Lucy Waller Massie at "Oakland" [Virginia] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia], April 15, 1817. 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.]

Dear Sister

Your husband left here this morning with the determination of going to the Falling-Spring and in that event he will be absent much longer than either of you expected when you parted. Do let me beg of you to come and spend your time with me while he is gone, indeed it’s his request as well as mine, he desires you will ride the old stump-sucker, and let Cheser[?] plough the mare he got from Mitchel. I shall get Brother to go over for you, and if you do not come I shall be very much disappointed, and know your only excuse can be a want of inclination.

                                                                   Yours LM

Oakland  April 15^th 1817

[Sister = Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828).
Your husband = William Massie ( 1795-1862).
Mitchel = Not sure who this is.
Brother = could be William Macon Waller (1789-1850).
LM = Lucy Waller Massie (1791-1822), married to Dr. Thomas Massie II (1782-1864). 
See William Massie Papers at the University of Texas here.]

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

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

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at or near Bedford County, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia], January 1817. 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.]
                                                                           
                                                                           January 1817

Dear Sally

Things have indeed turned out much more favourable than we had any idea of when I last wrote you, Brother James has nearly entirely recovered and Brother George much better we heard of his being at the factory the other day -- grand mama had another paraletic stroke a few days ago which deprived her of her speech for some time I have never seen her since but hea[r]d Aunt Lucy say that she had a very strange unnatural look she thought; Bob thinks another attack would carry her of[f].

Nancy is still very low but somewhat better than she was when I last wrote you she has been here and staid [stayed] two days with us and appeared very melancholy and dejected as might be expected, old Mrs. Martin whom I suppose you have heard of has been with her for several days for the purpose of talking to her on the su[b]ject of Religion I believe.

I have seen nothing of Di[c]k as yet but have heard of his being at Brother W. . . .  he is afraid of being plagued about Miss Francisco I expect is the reason why he has not been here, Papa diverts himself very much at Dick's saying he intended to mend the breed.

I spent a day at Major Reid's not long since I thought they were as cheerful as ever. [T]hey enquired several times why you did not go to see them when you were up.

Aunt Lucy told me when she was here that a man by the name Perceval[or Percy?] worked at Mr. Johnston's last summer reported it on Stanton that he was engaged to be married to Lucy Johnston and had left her, he was married to Betsy Anderson a week or two ago --if Mr. Johnston was to hear it I expect he would run mad.

Enclosed I send you the pattern a cap and believe me I never thought of it before until it was two [too] late or you shuld have had it before this; but hope you are not in immediate want of it.

I must finish my letter by requesting you will not examine the writing as it is a bitter cold day, an[d] can scarcely keep myself warm. 

                                    I 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. Their son Thomas James Massie (1817-1877) would be born on March 23, 1817.

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

Brother George = George Steptoe (1785-1862), married to Maria Anne Thomas Steptoe (1792-1872) since 1810.

Grand mama = probably Mary Langhorne Turpin (1746-1821), third wife of James Callaway (1736-1809). Also, "Uncle George" mentioned in other letters was probably George Callaway (1785-1822), a son of James Callaway by his second wife, Elizabeth Early Callaway (1759-1796). 

Aunt Lucy = probably Lucy Callaway Brown (1759-1831), a daughter of James Callaway by his first wife, Sarah Tate Callaway (1735-1773).

Bob = probably Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870).

Brother W = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860), who had been married to Anne "Nancy" Brown Steptoe (March 4, 1792-April 5, 1817) since February 7, 1815. Their son, Edward Jenner Steptoe (1815-1865), was born on November 7, 1815. 

Dick = probably Richard Henry Lee Steptoe (1786-1818/1819).

Miss Francisco = a daughter of Peter Francisco (1760-1831), a Portuguese war hero of the American Revolution: Polly Francisco (born 1788) or Susan Brooke Francisco (born 1796). Peter Francisco was married thrice: to Susannah Anderson (1767-1790), Catherine Fauntleroy Brooke (1762-1819), and Mary Grymes West (1814-1887). 

Major Reid's = Major John Reid (1784-January 18, 1816), aide-de-camp to Andrew Jackson, born in or near New London, Virginia, then based in Tennessee; and Maria Frances Thompson Reid (died January 1816?). They apparently had a daughter named Sophia Reid. Jack Reid was directly related to Nathan Reid (1753-1830), who had married Sophia Thorpe in 1784. Other Reid family members lived around New London and Lynchburg, Virginia. Finally, Jack Reid was working on a biography of Andrew Jackson at the time of his death. 

Perceval (or Percy) = not sure who this is at this juncture.
Lucy Johnston = Lucy Hopkins Johnston (1800-1888).
Betsy Anderson = not sure who this is at this juncture. 
Mr. Johnston = Charles Johnston (1769-1833).]

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

Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, January 20, 1817

[Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne at Spring-field [near New Canton and Cartersville], Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Rose Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, January 20, 1817 [postmarked 22 Jan'y]. 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.]

                                                         Spring-field  January 20, 1817

Dear Sally

It has been a long time since I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you. I think . . . a letter but I will not . . . has gone to William's . . . me quite alone, but I expect  . . . long, the girls have been . . . , but I don't know how they . . . perform. 

I suppose you have heard of is purchase in flour, he expects to sell a part of it this trip, and if he makes 500 dollars on the whole he is going to give Mary Deane a party there is no doubt but that he will make more at the present prices but it has given him a little uneasiness, I am very sorry hr has promised Mary the party, for I shall not like the trouble or expense so well.

Mr. Jack Page and his wife intend going up to Charles Irvine's in a few weeks. Mr. Langhorne has partly promised to go also but I think I will prevail on him not to go unless he will carry me to see you, but out horses are not in good order and he does not think he can go as far as your house, which is one day's ride.

I have received one or two letters . . . Mary Ann has a fine daughter she sent me word . . . it could not take after her Mom or Dad for neither of them are very handsome in my opinion.

I received a letter from Papa and Lucy a few days since Lucy informs me sister Nancy is almost at her latter end. 

We shall certainly expect you and Mr. Massie next spring you must come to stay some with us. I have written several letters to day and as I am in the humour I thought I would write to you, as shabby as it is I hope you will think better than none.

Dick was very anxious to go to Richmond when he was down to see cousin Betsey Alexander, he said he would give any thing to stumble on Lucy and call her a stack of Bones I expect she will carry up a regiment of Beaux's. 

Write to me soon write a longer letter than you generaly [generally] do.

Mr. Langhorne says he likes to read your letters but should like it much better if they were longer. 

Give my love to Mr. Massie and accept the same yourself.

                                              I ma your affectionate Sister

                                                                               Frances

                                   

[Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) would be born on June 30, 1818.

Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) 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.

William = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860), married to Anne Nancy Brown Steptoe (March 4, 1792-April 5, 1817) since February 7, 1815. Their son, Edward Jenner Steptoe (1815-1865), was born on November 7, 1815.

Mary Deane and Major Deane = the Deane family, of Irish descent, was situated in Cartersville, Virginia. One of their abodes was "the Deanery." Major Thomas B. Deane died in 1824. Francis B. Deane (1770-1860), Francis B. Deane, Jr. (1796-1868), Elizabeth H. Deane (circa 1805-1836) and presumably Mary Deane were all part of the same clan. Dr. Francis Henry Deane (circa 1810-1870) was probably also part of the same crew; he attended over Charles Irving Thornton (1841-1842), who was buried in what is now the Cumberland State Forest, afterwards successfully soliciting for an epitaph from Charles Dickens (1812-1870) to inscribe on the child's tombstone.

Jack Page = related in some way to Jane and Mr. Page = Jane B. Deane Page, who married Henry Page (1785-1845) of Ca Ira, Virginia, in 1813. "One child" = Mary Cary "Polly" Page (1814-1880), who later married George Wilson McPhail (1815-1871). 

Charles Irvine = not sure who this is at this juncture.

Mary Ann = not sure who this is at this juncture.

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

Lucy = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn had married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856) in 1814; their daughter Frances “Fannie” Louisa Penn (1818-1879) would be born on June 21, 1818.

Sister Nancy = see wife of Dr. William Steptoe above.

Dick = probably Richard Henry Lee Steptoe (1786-1818/1819).

Betsey Alexander = possibly Elizabeth Alexander (1791-1872), who had married John Thomas Wyatt Read (1777-1852) in late 1808.]

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

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.]