Frances Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, November 20, 1821

[Frances Steptoe Johnston at Belle-grove, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia] near Roses Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, November 20, 1821. Postmarked Lynchburg, "NOV 30." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

                                                             Belle-grove November 20^th 1821

My Dear Aunt

I thought I would write to you now and let Papa carry the letter as far as Lynchburg as he is going to set off down there tomorrow for the mails are so uncertain that I am almost afraid to write lest my letter should be miscarried.

Papa recieved [received] Mr. Massie's letter the other day and we were very much disappointed at finding that you were not coming up this fall. I am very much afraid that it will not be in our power to go to Nelson when we go down at Christmas for Papa says he has so much business to attend to that he cannot stay long and we are going to move to the Springs in a week or two and every thing will be in such confusion that I am very much afraid we shall not see all of our friends in Bedford.

Papa has sent James down to live with Grandpapa this winter and he is going to school at the . . .

[page missing?]

[left margin cut off:]

. . . wrote me a few days ago that he had ten dollars . . . Martha and myself Papa says he will ruin all his children . . . Leghorn bonnet but he will not consent to it he says have . . . but that is far the reverse so I suppose we shall be obliged . . . long eared bonnets at the Springs next summer where we . . . company.

I suspect there will be a ball at the Springs the . . . I expect it will be quite another sort of one from the other . . . enjoy myself if I go more than I did and what made it . . . very ill and as soon as we heard it our pleasure was . . . for I was miserable for fear he should die and that . . . tale to tell that Mr. Johnston's daughters were at a ball . . . soon got over it.

I have told you all the news that . . . indeed I am ashamed to let you see this scrawl but I can get no knife to mend my pen.

All the family join me in love to you and Mr. Massie and believe me your affectionate niece forever.
                                                      Frances S. Johnston 

[My Dear Aunt = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). For more on Pharsalia, see this link. There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Belle-grove = unclear where this is located, but presumably near Botetourt Springs and not to be confused with other estates in Virginia named Belle Grove.

Frances Steptoe Johnston (1807-after 1850), making her about fourteen when she wrote this letter.

Papa = because of the Panic of 1819, Charles Johnston (1769-1833) had to sell Sandusky in Lynchburg; the Johnstons relocated from Lynchburg to Botetourt Springs in late 1819, early 1820. Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe Johnston (1783-March 28, 1820): the Panic of 1819 and abrupt relocation away from Sandusky seem to have broken her spirit and led to an early death. Botetourt Springs = the main tract was originally named Sulphur Spring.

Grandpapa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

James = James Steptoe Johnston (1808-1895).

Martha = Martha Butler Johnston (1814-1836).]

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

Mary Morris Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, April 27, 1821

Botetourt Springs early 1840s. A digital copy can be found via Hollins University

[Mary Morris Johnston at Botetourt [Springs], Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Near Rose Mills, Nelson, Virginia, April 27, 1821. Postmarked "Biglick [Big Lick, now Roanoke] May 2nd." 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.]

                                                        Botetourt April 27th 1821

My Dear Aunt

You must forgive me my Dear Aunt for not writing to you long before this but I will not attempt to make excuses for I have none. I will only say that I will be more punctual in writing hereafter.

We heard that you were coming up next month and I hope you will not dissapoint [disappoint] for you know how much pleasure it gives us to hear it.

Mr. Ambler wrote the other day the agreeable news that Sister Lucy has a son we have now both niece and nephew.

Mr. Swan has gone away and we have now another teacher Mr. Kidd.

I suppose you have heard that we made a visit to grandpapa and our other aunts in February but we only staid a fortnight. 

The Springs are fitted up very handsomely and Papa expects a good deal of company next summer.

I suppose Thomas can talk quite plain now and is learning very fast. 

I expect you are very lonesome at your place when Mr. Massie goes away as it is so retired.

I have considered till I am worn out to find something to say but cannot succeed. There is not a single bit of news stirring any where about.

Give my love to Mr. M and Tom and believe me your ever affectionate nice.

                                  Mary M. Johnston  

[Mary Morris Johnston (February 23, 1810-August 18, 1884). She was eleven years old when she wrote this letter. Daughter of Charles Johnston and Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe Johnston (who died the previous year) listed below.

Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). Their son Thomas "Tommo" aka "Tom" James Massie (1817-1877) was born on March 23, 1817.There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Papa = because of the Panic of 1819, Charles Johnston (1769-1833) had to sell Sandusky in Lynchburg; the Johnstons relocated from Lynchburg to Botetourt Springs in late 1819, early 1820. Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe Johnston (1783-March 28, 1820): the Panic of 1819 and abrupt relocation away from Sandusky seem to have broken her spirit and led to an early death. Botetourt Springs = the main tract was originally named Sulphur Spring.

Mr. Ambler, Sister Lucy = Thomas Marshall Ambler (1791-1825); Lucy Hopkins Johnston Ambler (1800-1888); John Ambler (April 3, 1821-March 3, 1891); Lucy Letitia Ambler (1820-1853). 

Mr. Swan, Mr. Kidd = teachers/tutors. Mr. Kidd is mentioned in at least one other letter in the 1821 series.

Grandpapa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Other aunts would have included = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832), who had married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816; Lucinda "Lucy" Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who had married Robert "Bob" Cowan Penn (1789-1856); Catherine "Kitty" Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858), spouse of James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827).]

[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, February 17, 1821

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Rose Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, February 17, 1821, postmarked Lynchburg "FEB 22." 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.]

                                                                       February 17 1821

Dear Sally

I have been writing to you for the last two months but never until now have accomplished it, and expected before this to have welcomed you to a new Sister, but to our great surprise all proved a phantasm.

Papa talked incessantly of Mary and Billy and now he scarcely mentions her name; I received a letter from Tom yesterday and some of the young men in the neighborhood had been giving him a most laughable account of brother W. they said he talked and laughed in reason and out of reason in short every vestage [vestige] of former self was gone.

We are to have a dancing party at Mrs. Miller['s] the 22 of this month, Mr. Penn has promised to be a manager provided they pay his expenses which Polly Irvine has agreed to do. Donald has returned from Scotland and it is eminently reported Polly and himself are to make a match.

Catherine Reid report says is to be married in the Spring to a widower from Patrick with two children.

I am quite delighted with our new neighbors Mr. Alexander's family upon the short acquaintance I have with them they appear to be very plain genteel people[.]

Miss Peggy has been with me the greater part of the winter she is now at Mr. Langhorne's where she has been for the last week[.]

Kitty Langhorne is very sick expecting every day to increase her family, this will remind you of what you told her some time ago.

Grace is converted and has joined the Methodist it was reported Mrs. Bradfute had also but without foundation I believed.

I saw Francis about a week ago she appeared to be the picture of good health. 

Sister Kitty has been down and staid several days with us whilst Brother James was in Richmond. 

Papa has James Johnston and James Steptoe staying with him they are a great deal of company for him I never saw him in better spirits nor look better than he does except he is not quite as fat[.]

Miss Peggy and myself have been talking of going down to see you this spring and will if I can make it out but don't look til you see us.

Mr. Johnston['s] children will certainly be down in the Spring I expect at which time we shall expect to see you.

I must now conclude as it grows late the family is all well except myself I have been very unwell for several days and am sometimes afraid I shall have another spell of sickness let us hear from you soon --
     and believe me your truly Affectionate Sister
                                               L. Penn 

[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.

Mary and Billy (aka brother W.) = Mary Burleigh Dillon (1796-1872) and Dr. William "Billy" Steptoe (1791-1860). It appears they were formally married on October 14, 1822. Who knows what shenanigans were going on amidst the current "phantasm." Billy's first wife, Ann "Nancy" Brown (1792-1817) had died in 1817; they had married in 1815. 

Mrs. Miller = not sure who this is, but she's mentioned in other letters from around this time.

Polly Irvine = possibly Mary B. Irvine, who married Dr. Paul C. Cabell in 1823.

Donald = not sure who this is.

Catherine Reid = probably related to 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. Jack Reid was working on a biography of Andrew Jackson at the time of his death.  

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

Miss Peggy, Grace = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) and her sister Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855). Their brother Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831) married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and he 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).

Mr. Langhorne = Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854). 

Kitty Langhorne = Catherine "Kitty" Callaway Langhorne (1792-1871), married to William Callaway Langhorne (1783-1858) since 1811. Their son George Callaway Langhorne was born on March 2, 1821 (or 1822). 

Francis = not sure who this is. Possibly Lucy's sister Frances "Fanny" Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832). 

Sister Kitty, Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827) and Catherine "Kitty" Mitchell Steptoe (circa 1780-1858).

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

James Johnston = not sure who this is. <Update 9/25/2017: James Steptoe Johnston (1808-1895)>

James Steptoe = not sure who this is -- confusing because this is the same name as Lucy's father. 

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

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

Thomas Eskridge Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, December 3, 1821

[Thomas Eskridge Steptoe at Philadelphia to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, at [Pharsalia], Rose Mills, Virginia, December 3, 1821. 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 Sally

I will now devote a few leisure moments to write the first letter of our intended correspondence, from which I anticipate a good deal of pleasure.

I have been here now a month and have not heard a syllable from home. You can easily conceive without my expressing, the anxiety I must feel to hear from you all, situated as I am at this distance from you. I hope you will give me no reason to complain, and as I have now broken the ice, you will use no ceremony in writing as often as your inclination may prompt: and if you do not I know it will be for the want of this, for it can’t be for the want of time or anything else.

Lucy and Frances promised to be very attentive correspondents, but as yet I have not the scratch of a pen from either of them. I mean to write them both to day a letter full of complaint & abuse.

I often think about Papa and his lonely situation; but I hope Mr. Johnston has sent James down to stay with him before now. The recollection of his inform state of health is often a source of unhappiness to me.

I am very much pleased with this place as yet the weather has been unusually pleasant, but it is now snowing, and I suppose the winter has set in for good earnest.

The house I am boarding at is a very genteel one, and all the boarders, of whom there are eleven, are Virginians, and very respectable young men; several of them are from your co[un]ty.

One advantage which this circumstance affords is that our old land-lady knowing our fondness for ham and cornbread spares no pains to have them for us. These are articles very rarely to be seen on the table here.

I hope you did not injure your health when you were in Bedford, by attending old Mrs. Walker’s dinners or any body’s else.  You remember I left you enjoying the round of . . . entertainments when I left home, and knowing your failing on such occasions I could not help expressing my friendly wish about your health.

Remember me to Mr. Massie and little Tom, and believe me to be your aff[ec]t[ionat]e Brother

                              Th. Steptoe

                                                       

[Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe, Jr. (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Th. Steptoe = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880)

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

Frances =  Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816.

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

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

James = James Callaway Steptoe (December 10, 1781-October 24, 1827), married to Catherine Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858); they had at least two children: Frances Callaway Steptoe (1810-1880) and Edward Dillon Steptoe (1811-1854). James served for a time as Clerk of Bedford County, in which capacity he mentored his nephew Robert Crump Mitchell (1807-1872). Or, possibly, James Steptoe Johnston (1808-1895).

Mrs. Walker = in Bedford County, Virginia.

Little Tom = Thomas James Massie (1817-1877).]

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

                                                   

Frances Steptoe Johnston to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, May 15, 1821

[Frances Steptoe Johnston at Botetourt, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia] near Roses Mills, Nelson County, Virginia. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

                                                             Botetourt May 15^th 1821

My Dear Aunt

I have now seated myself to write to you if my time will permit me for we go to school so constantly since Mr. Kidd our new schoolmaster has come that we hardly have time to turn around.

Papa set off to Lynchburg last Thursday and we expect him back Saturday evening and it is so seldom that he stays so long a time we shall be very much pleased to see him when he was down before Aunt Frances told him that you were coming up this month. [If] you do not come before long we shall give you out entirely.

I was very much surprised to hear that Aunt Frances had increased her family since we were down in February but I have not heard whether it was a boy or girl nor what it was called.

We expect uncle Peter and a part of his family here every day on their [their] way to Albermarle to see Aunt Johnston’s mother. I expect that if you come up this month that you will meet them here as they will stay a week.

I suppose that you have not heard that I have a little nephew about six weeks old; Sister says he is very cross and restless; he is called John after Mr. Ambler’s father.

I should write mote if I had more room but if I write so long a letter after it is folded up it would look like two or three letters the paper is so think.

Aunt Johnston is almost distracted to go to the Missouri and when Papa is gone she attempts to exercise complete authority over us.

Cousin Nancy and all the family send their love to you and believe me your ever heart-dear niece

                                                      Frances S. Johnston

P.S. Kiss little Thomas for me untill [until] his mouth is sore

[My Dear Aunt = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). For more on Pharsalia, see this link. There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Frances Steptoe Johnston (1807-after 1850), making her about fourteen when she wrote this letter.

Mr. Kidd = not sure who this is.

Papa = Charles Johnston (1768-1833)

Aunt Frances = possibly Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832), married to Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854).

Uncle Peter = Judge Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831)

Aunt Johnston = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825)

Aunt Johnston’s mother = Lucy Henry Wood (1743-1826)

A little nephew = John Ambler (April 3, 1821-March 3, 1891)

Sister = Lucy Hopkins Johnston Ambler (1800-1888)

Mr. Ambler = Thomas Marshall Ambler (1791-1825)

Mr. Ambler’s father = John Ambler (1762-1836)

Aunt Johnston = Mary above or possibly Anne Owen Nash Johnston (1775-1851) of Lauderdale, Botetourt, widow of Andrew Johnston (1767-1811) or unnamed wife of Edward Johnston (1774-1836).

Cousin Nancy = Not sure who this is.

Little Thomas = Thomas James Massie (1817-1877)]

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

John Henry Wood to James Madison, 1820-1821

[Adapted from: “To James Madison from John H. Wood [at Albermarle, Virginia], 22 December 1820,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified December 28, 2016, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/04-02-02-0157.]

Worthy Sir                                                           

I am induced from many considerations to address you in a manner which may [be] a surprise; but it is cheifly [chiefly] at the instance of my mother, with whom you have been well acquainted. The influencies [influences] to this address it is surperfluous [superfluous] to mention, the contents of this letter can the better tell, but a word to the wise.

I will deem it proper to premise, that the small pecuniary aid I am about to ask, would be most willingly afforded by my mother cou’d it be done without the Sale of a negro to which she is extremely averse, & indeed make it a matter of conscience. I wou’d give ample Security for the loan of a few hundred dollars, say from 2 to 500 for six or twelve months.

The 2 or 500$ wou’d be prefered [preferred] inclosed [enclosed] by the Servant, or in one or two months hence at which time a bond with Sec[u]rity for whatever Sum your goodness wou’d name, wou’d be brought over ready filled up with some known character.

I might tell you of the great value of money in this county, & how the favor wou’d be appreciated by myself and most excellent parent, & that I shou’d regret exceedingly sacrificing of my negroes who are of the valuable kind (Watermen) but this wou’d be entirely unnecessary. My mother has been repeatedly disappointed in receiving no visit from Mrs. Madison (our relation) whenever she came to the county. She entertains a most sincere attackment [sic] for yourself, & the warmest affection for her who was once so kind to her youngest daughter during her visit to her cousin in 1801 in Washington, as also for her repeated kindnesses to Mrs. Stras & daughters in your Presidency. She, My Mother, desires her most affectionate regard to Mrs. Madison & high esteem for yourself in which permit me to unite. With due consideration 

I am Yrs. most respectfully

Jno. H. Wood

[Adapted from: “To James Madison from John H. Wood, 5 January 1821,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified December 28, 2016, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/04-02-02-0169.]

Albemarle Jany 5th. 1821.

Worthy Sir,

Permit me to thank you for your polite and friendly Answer to my letter. My application was certainly predicated on the presupposition that whatever relief you cou’d grant me consistently with engagements & obligations (of which we all are surrounded) wou’d have been done with willingness.

On addresses for pecuniary aid I shou’d always be entirely indisposed to afford any, cou’d I suppose the embarrassmt [embarrassment]  to have originated in extravagance and dissipation. My truant days (thank heaven) are over and gone. It is chiefly the affliction of my unfortunate wife for more than two years that has a little enthrald me for the present, but shou’d I meet tolerable luck this year I expect to be entirely freed from pecuniary wants.

When ruminating on the embarrassm’ts of Life, it is not unfrequent that my mind is Struck with one of the finest pieces of Morallity contained in any paper of the Spectator. Father, says a youth, “thy fortune is a very wretched if there be not another World”—true, son! And what is thine if there be another?

My venerable mother (wou’d that I was worthy to be her son) seems to feel all the respect & veneration due to yr. exalted virtues & talents, & that sincere affection so eminently due to Mrs. Madison, her relation; to whom with yourself, I beg leave to subscribe myself most sincerely

Jno. H. Wood

[James Madison (1751-1836) 

Dolley Payne Todd Madison (1768-1849) 

John Henry Wood (1776-1850) was a son of Valentine Wood (1724-1781) and Lucy Henry Wood (1743-1826); his siblings included Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (1769-1825) and Martha Wood Southall Stras (1768-1834). Martha's daughters: Maria Wood Southall Van Zandt (1787-1862), Lucy Henry Southall Cutts (circa 1790-1868) and Emily Catherine Stras (1803-1872).] 

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