Mary Morris Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, November 28, 1825

[Mary Morris Johnston at Botetourt Springs, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] near Rose Mills, Nelson, Virginia, November 28, 1825. Postmarked Cloverdale, Virginia, December 2, 1825. 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 Nov. 28 1825
My Dear Aunt

I received your letter about a week ago and should have answered it immediately upon its reception to inform you of an event for which I have been so busily preparing as to prevent my stealing a moment to write till now. It will no doubt surprise you very much to hear that Fanny is to be married in a few weeks to Dr. Royall.

It was a circumstance very unexpected to us at least its taking place at so early a period, and it is with great reluctance that I shall part with her so soon.

Papa returned from Richmond about a week ago and by him we heard from all our relations. [H]e told us that Aunt Frances was better and intended to go to Richmond some time this winter: he has promised her to let me go with her which will delight me very much.

Brother Charles has been in Fauquier several weeks and he promised to do his best to bring Sister Lucy back with him but I hardly think she will undertake such a trip very shortly again.

I suppose you will soon be alone as you mentioned that Miss Peggy Bradfute would leave you in a short time. I should like very much to spend some part of the winter with you but it will not be in my power.

I was very much surprised to hear that Miss Betsy Watts was to be married. I don't know what could be the inducement of any person to marry her but I suppose she has a fortune.

Papa tells us that Mr. Langhorne has some idea of buying land in this county. Oh how it would delight me if Aunt Frances would consent to live up here. But she is so violently opposed to it that I am afraid she would never be prevailed on to come.

I am afraid you will not be able to read this scrawl but I can't get a tolerable pen and only half a sheet of paper.

All the family send their love. Give my love to Mr. Massie and Thomas and to Miss Peggy if she is with you and believe me your affectionate niece
                                              Mary M. Johnston 

[Mary Morris Johnston (February 23, 1810-August 18, 1884). She was fifteen years old when she wrote this letter. Daughter of Charles Johnston (1769-1833) and Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

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.

Fanny = Frances “Fanny” Steptoe Johnston (1807-after 1850). She married Dr. James Townes Royall (1797-1860) later that year, on December 27, 1825.

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

Brother Charles = Charles Pickett Johnston (1802-1852), died in Mississippi -- details sketchy. 

Sister Lucy =  Lucy Hopkins Johnston (1800-1888) married Thomas Marshall Ambler (1791-1875) on April 14, 1819. Their main abode was "Morven," Fauquier County, Virginia, from about 1820 on. For a link, see here. Frances Langhorne Ambler (1825-1898) was born on August 8, 1825.  

Miss Peggy Bradfute = Because the Bradfutes keep showing up in letters from this period, here is an additional overview. All years approximate.

Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) from Scotland, married Sarah Irvine (1757-1807).

Their children included: 

Elizabeth Bradfute (1779-1861)
Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831)
Lillias Bradfute (1781-1849)
Archibald Bradfute (1786-1865)
Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (1788-1833)
Grace Bradfute (1792-1855)
Robert "Bob" Bradfute (1794-1861)
James Hamilton Bradfure (1803-1865).

Miss Betsy Watts = possibly Elizabeth R. Watts, who married Joseph W. Scott in Bedford County, Virginia, in 1827.] 

[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, September 11, 1825

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

[Mary Morris Johnston at Botetourt Springs, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Rose Mills, Nelson, Virginia, September 11, 1825. Postmarked Cloverdale, Virginia, September 13, 1825. 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 Sep. 11, 1825

My Dear Aunt,

I was very much gratified a few days ago at receiving a letter from you and doubly so that it was a pleasure so long withheld and am determined by my punctuality this time to encourage you to expect it again.

It gave me the sincerest pleasure to hear that your health had so much improved. Aunt Frances told us when she was here that you looked better than at any time since your marriage and as the best assurance of it, said that you were fatter than I am. 

[S]he returned from the Springs about a week ago but [has] not at all benefited as she thought with regard to her eyes thought her general health was better. She had no expectation when she went of deriving any good to her eyes but had a little hope that the use of the Hot and Cold bath at the Hot Springs would be of some service to them. 

I suppose you did not know that Cousin Frances went with her. Uncle James and Aunt Kitty gave their consent very reluctantly to her going but Mr. Langhorne was determined on it and she came off without the least preparation leaving her Mama to do it all.

We received a letter from Sister a few days ago acquainting us with the birth of another daughter to whom she has given the name of Frances Langhorne.

Brother Edward I believe you have heard had gone to New York and has obtained an advantageous place in a Counting-house there.

I suppose Sarah Massie and Mr. Heath whom you said it was probable would accompany her are with you now.

There have been comparatively few people here this Summer and contrary to our expectation we have had very little to do in the way of house-keeping. Papa has employed a woman for a few months who attends to it altogether under his directions.

It would give us a great deal of pleasure to see you this fall but I am afraid it will be out of our power to leave home. The happy fortnight we spent in Nelson this spring will be ever vivid in my recollection and an opportunity of returning there will always delight me. 

I wish we could be of your Charlottesville party. 

Fanny desires me to tell you that she will write to you soon.

Give our love to Mr. Massie and Thomas and believe me my dear Aunt your ever affectionate niece
                                                Mary M. Johnston  

[Mary Morris Johnston (February 23, 1810-August 18, 1884). She was fifteen years old when she wrote this letter. Daughter of Charles Johnston (1769-1833) and Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

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.

Aunt Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832), who had married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816.

Cousin Frances = Cousin Frances = Frances Callaway Steptoe (1810-1880), daughter of Uncle James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827) and Aunt Catherine "Kitty" Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858). 

Sister =  Lucy Hopkins Johnston (1800-1888) married Thomas Marshall Ambler (1791-1875) on April 14, 1819. Their main abode was "Morven," Fauquier County, Virginia, from about 1820 on. For a link, see here. Frances Langhorne Ambler (1825-1898) was born on August 8, 1825.  

Brother Edward = Edward Pickett Johnston (1798-?).

Sarah Massie = Sarah Maria Massie (1810-1844). Painting (circa 1825) via Leroy Keller on Ancestry.com. Her birth year is sometimes listed as 1812.

Fanny = Frances “Fanny” Steptoe Johnston (1807-1850). She married Dr. James Townes Royall later that year, on December 27, 1825.] 

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

Frances "Fanny" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, June 1, 1825

[Frances "Fanny" Steptoe Johnston at Liberty, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Rose Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, June 1, 1825. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

                                                   Liberty June 1st, 1825
My dear Aunt,

I have delayed untill [until] now what I should have done before and what you have no doubt expected me to do but I thought the longer I postponed writing the more materials I should accumulate but I believe at best I shall have but a scanty subject. 

We reached Mr. Langhorne's very safely as I suppose you heard we staid [stayed] there about ten days and spent a pretty merry time of it; Papa with Martha and the three boys met us there.

Cousin Frances and myself went to a ball in Lynchburg last [W]ednesday evening. Mary staid [stayed] with Grandpapa as she had no wish to go. We spent our time very agreeably and danced till one o'clock when we went out to Mr. Langhorne's and as we had made an engagement to dine at Mr. Walker's the next day we had to set off as soon as possible to make it good so we were continually on the road.

I believe Aunt Frances intends going to Philadelphia shortly her eyes are pretty much the same. 

Aunt Mary has gone to Prince Edward she says she is determined to make Uncle William live there with her.

Grandpapa is at present in Lynchburg he is as well as usual.

I suppose you are able by this time to walk about your garden. I have often wished myself back there to enjoy your company since you recovered.

We called to see Aunt Maria the other day as we came up she has been very ill but is better.

Tell Mr. Massie that Miss Mary Bard has left Inchburg [Lynchburg] never to return.

We expect to pay Aunt Lucy Penn a visit while we stay here as we have not had it in our power to go yet. 

I suppose you must be very lonesome now unless you are busy gardening.

Cousin Frances says that you must send her a barrel of snow by the first opportunity.

I expect Papa will send for us in five or six days as our time will have expired then.

Aunt Kitty and the girls join me in love to you and the Squire and believe me yours affectionately 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.

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

Langhorne's/Aunt Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832), who had married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818. Other children included Elizabeth Johnston(e) Langhorne (1821-1888) and James Steptoe Langhorne (1822-1905). 

Papa with Martha and the three boys = Papa = Charles Johnston (1769-1833); James Steptoe Johnston (1808-1895), Julius Dandridge Johnston (1811-1851), and Francis Duchouquet Johnston (1814-1833). 

Mary = Mary Morris Johnston (February 23, 1810-August 18, 1884).

Grandpapa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Cousin Frances = Frances Callaway Steptoe (1810-1880), daughter of James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827) and Catherine "Kitty" Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858). 

Aunt Mary = Mary Burleigh Dillon Steptoe (1796-1872), wife of Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862), married since 1822.

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

Mary Bard = not sure who this is.

Aunt Lucy Penn =  Lucinda "Lucy" Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), married to Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856) since 1814. 

Aunt Kitty = Catherine "Kitty" Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858).]

[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, March 11, 1825

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

[Mary Morris Johnston at Botetourt Springs, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Rose Mills, Nelson, Virginia, March 11, 1825. Postmarked Clover Dale [Cloverdale], Virginia, March 16, 1825. 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 Springs March 11th 1825
My Dear Aunt

I am very sensible of the correctness of your reproof of my negligence in performing a duty so pleasing to me and which ought to be punctually observed, but if you will pardon this instance of neglect I will endeavor to wipe of[f] the appellation of lazy.

I hope we will have the pleasure of visiting our relations this Summer; for besides the pleasure we derive from seeing our friends it is a period when home at all other times so agreeable loses its charms from the continued bustle and crowd of company and the frequent inconveniences of all kinds which we undergo.

I am truly sorry to hear that Aunt Frances' eyes are no better I am afraid she will never recover her sight. [W]hat an afflicting circumstance! I supposed she was utterly unable to undergo the fatigue attending the preparation for a large company.

We understand there is to be a wedding at Uncle James' in Liberty. Charlotte Mitchell is to be married to a son of Col. Harvey's of this county. I suppose Aunt Kitty will give her a splendid entertainment.

Tell Thomas that Francis says if he does not study very hard he will outstrip him in learning and that he will write to him shortly, however in learning Francis has the advantage as his teacher is very strict and requires great attention to study.

Fanny and I take lectures from him on Chymestry [Chemistry], a study with which we are very much pleased.

As I have written every thing I can think of I must conclude tho' if I had the materials I would fill the whole sheet.

With the love of all the family to yours I remain my dear Aunt your ever affectionate niece
                                          Mary M. Johnston 

[Mary Morris Johnston (February 23, 1810-August 18, 1884). She had just recently turned fifteen years old when she wrote this letter. Daughter of Charles Johnston (1769-1833) and Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

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.

Aunt Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832), who had married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816.

Uncle James  = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827), married to Aunt Kitty = Catherine "Kitty" Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858). 

Charlotte Mitchell and Mr. Harvey = Mary Charlotte Mitchell married John M. Harvey officially on March 30, 1825, by the Reverend Mr. William Shields Reid (1778-1853) of the First (Presbyterian) Church of Lynchburg. Was Mary Charlotte Mitchell a younger sister of Catherine Mitchell Steptoe, a cousin or a niece? 

Francis = Francis Duchouquet Johnston (circa 1813-1833).

Fanny = Frances “Fanny” Steptoe Johnston (1807-1850). She married Dr. James Townes Royall later that year, on December 27, 1825.] 

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

Henry "Harry" and Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, February 17, 1825

[Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne and Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne at Oakly [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, February 17, 1825. "By Robben." 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.]

                                                 Oakley 17th Feb 1825
Dear Sally

I am requested by Frances to thank you for the Depemen[?] sent by Robbin & to say that she had procured from the old Dutchman a cluster some which he has promised to deposit at Mr. Bowers[?] in the morning.

I will ransack the Town in the morning & if there is to be had a multiflora Rose you shall get it.

Fanny says if she could write at all she would . . . write more lengthily than you have done & that she wishes to hear from yr. own mouth how yr. health is.

The fair Eve has at length taken the forbidden fruit, she dined with us to day, & if we are to judge from appearance does not seem to think that there is any very great sin in the matter.

Miss Charlet [Charlotte] Mitchell is to be married to Mr. Harvey on the 8th of next month, I understand great preparations are making for a frolick at Liberty you will not be surprised, knowing my great fondness for such sport to learn that I intend making one of the party. I wish you & the Maj'r. could be with me, he to eat the good things, you to laugh & I to hug the girls.

Tell Massie I got out of the vile scrape he got me in when he was here, & that drat me if he gets me more in such another if I don't make him do worse than he did when I threw him down at my father's & Eliza Dillon had to have the room in such [?]tancy.

Your niece Frances is one of the greatest Belles about the city & is treated by one half of the Beaux on it, I fear they will turn her head quite topsyturvie [topsy-turvie]. 

Fanny's vision is much as it has been -- the children are all well.

Present our regard to Mr. Massie & for yr. self accept the best wishes of yr. brother HSL 

[p.s.] The Old Dutchman says the roses need to put in 6 inches in the ground and slant them a little.

                                  FL

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818.

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

Robin = Often used as a courier between family members, but not sure who exactly this was. Perhaps a servant, enslaved or free.

The fair Eve = not sure who this is. 

Charlotte Mitchell and Mr. Harvey = Mary Charlotte Mitchell married John M. Harvey officially on March 30, 1825, by the Reverend Mr. William Shields Reid (1778-1853) of the First (Presbyterian) Church of Lynchburg. 

Eliza Dillon = not sure who this is, but Mary Morris Johnston (1810-1884) would marry Dr. John Gilliam Dillon (1806-1835) in 1832. 

Your niece Frances = Frances “Fanny” Steptoe Johnston (1807-1850). She married Dr. James Townes Royall on December 27, 1825.]

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

Frances "Fanny" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, January 31, 1825

[Frances "Fanny" Steptoe Johnston at Botetourt Springs, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia] near Rose Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, January 31, 1825. Postmarked Clover Dale [Cloverdale], "2 Feby 1825." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

My dear Aunt                             B. Springs  Jan'y 31st 1825

I suspect you think me very negligent in not writing to you oftener. I hope however that you will not attribute it to want of inclination; far from it I assure you; you well know as I have often said before that this neighborhood is too dull to afford me a subject for frequent letters.

Sister Lucy left us about three weeks ago to our great dissapoinment for we expected her to stay with us during the winter. Mr. Ambler came for her much sooner than she calculated on and obliged her to return with him as he said that he could not think of remaining at home alone.

She received your letter a few days before she left here and was very anxious to have gone by the way of your house on her return, but Mr. Ambler having travelled a part of the way he said that it was almost impossible for them to go that road. 

We were very much disappointed in not paying you a visit when we were down but situated as we were it was impossible for I suppose you have heard that we were so unfortunate as to be sick which was along unpleasant circumstance both to our friends and to ourselves.

You may know how little satisfaction we enjoyed from our trip Papa has promised to send us again either in the Spring or Summer and I hope we shall be then compensated. 

I was very glad to hear that your health had so much improved. I hope it may continue so. Another trip to the Springs will completely restore you I have no doubt.

Aunt Frances I am afraid will never recover the use of her eyes. What a serious loss it is to her. I was glad to see her so cheerful she bears it I think with great fortitude which is a great advantage to her. 

Grandpapa was in as good spirits as I ever saw him. We left him quite alone and the poor old gentleman shed tears on our departure.

Martha says she will make an attempt before long to write to you.

All the family join me in love to yourself and family & believe me still your affectionate niece.
                                                          F. 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.

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

Sister Lucy = Lucy Hopkins Johnston Ambler (1800-1888), who had married Thomas Marshall Ambler (1791-1875) on April 14, 1819. Their main abode was "Morven," Fauquier County, Virginia, from about 1820 on. For a link, see here. 

Papa = Charles Johnston (1769-1833) .

Aunt Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832), who had married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818. Other children included Elizabeth Johnston(e) Langhorne (1821-1888) and James Steptoe Langhorne (1822-1905). 

Grandpapa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

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

[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, June 1, 1825

[Thomas Eskridge Steptoe at [or near Lynchburg, Virginia, as postmarked on June 5, 1825] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, at [Virginia], June 1, 1825. 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.] 

D’r Sally

Your letter informing us of your gradual recovery was received a few days ago – it is not necessary for me to assure you that an account of your good health gives us much delight as it can for you to enjoy it – and that you may hereafter possess more of this incalculable blessing than has fallen to you heretofore is my warm and earnest prayer.

The old man has just returned from Lyn[ch]b[ur]g where he has been for several days on business at the Chancery office – this is a great travel for him – and he has as much to talk about the wonders he saw as I am Shorts or Jack Tar both of whom he carried with him. He is quite hearty – he says there is no alteration[?] in Frances’s eyes – she has been satiated[?] lately but has found no benefit as yet from it. She is to be home next Sunday and Lucy is expected also.

Dot’r Billy and his hysterical Lady have gone to P.E. where she says she knows she will die. I told him I would go to the funeral but she didn’t invite me. She says she must be moved down near Ma’s. Some think she is deranged, some again that it is hysterics – but I believe as do many others that it’s nothing but affectations – just because as Dot’r M. would say she thinks it most lady like. She appears to be in as good health as once she was – eats and drinks as much as old Mrs. Walker, yet swears she won’t live the day out. One thing is certain, that she had better be dead, if she don’t quit her foolish ways.

The girls are now at Liberty where they will remain about a week, when their father will send for them. It was a mistake about old Charles’s being sick – he came down and brought all the children. He is still lame with the gout. You wonder why his springs which cure everything don’t him. I expect they would if he would drink their water exclusively but the old fellow seems to prefer the warm waters of Jamaica to all others.

Tell Mr. Bonaparte I wish I had him to read over my letters with “a critical eye” for I am generally too lazy to do it. Give my respects to him & the Dot [Doctor] and believe me to be y’s affectionately

                                                T. 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.

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

The old man = James Steptoe (1750-1826), residing at Federal Hill.

Frances = Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. At the time of this letter, they had four children: John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896), probably “Jack Tar;” William “Wee” Maurice Langhorne (1818-1900), probably “Shorts;” Elizabeth Johnstone Langhorne (1821-1888) and James Steptoe Langhorne (1822-1905).

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

Doctor Billy and his hysterical Lady = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860) had married Mary Burleigh Dillon (1796-1872) in Prince Edward (“P.E.”) County, Virginia, on October 14, 1822.

Old Mrs. Walker = in Bedford County.

Old Charles = Charles Johnston (1769-1833).

Warm waters of Jamaica = rum.

Mr. Bonaparte = a tutor, presumably.]

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

                                                   

Eliza Madison Preston Johnston to Louisa Bowen Johnston, March 6, 1825

[Eliza Madison Preston Johnston at Abingdon to Louisa Smith Bowen Johnston (near Tazewell, Virginia), March 6, 1825. Box 25, Folder 6, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529. This is my rough transcription. Instances of the "long s" in the original have been modernized and paragraph breaks added for easier reading.]

My Dear Sister

I am glad to have so good an opportunity of answering your kind letter which I received by Doct. Tate two days ago.

My husband and Sarah arrived here a week ago after a disagreeable journey. Sarah was very much fatigued and is scarcely recovered yet I wish most sincerely you were with us. Sarah is so lonesome that she scarcely knows what to do with herself and begs that you will if possible come over with Syd. 

I am afraid that it will not be in my power to go over to see you. I have grown so clumsy and Preston is so much in the way that it seems almost impossible for me to leave home. I am sorry you should have burnt your beautiful eyes out and that for no purpose but if we could get hold of the sugar we would shew you that it was a [sic] to very good purpose. We have no news here that is worth the carriage from here to Tazewell but if you will come here we will try to muster up some to amuse you.

All the family join me in love to you and John and are very anxious for you to be with us. 

My affectionate love to your kind parents and tell them that I still have hopes of seeing [them] again before I die although it does seem fated that I shall never get over Clinch [Mountain]. God bless you my dear Sister ad believe me with sincere affection your devoted
                                                    sister E. M. Johnston 

[Eliza Madison Preston Johnston (1803-1828) married Charles Clement Johnston (1795-1832), probably at Greenfield, on December 29, 1822. 
Preston = John Preston Johnston (1824-1847) was born on February 1, 1824. Eliza Mary Johnston (1825-1909) would be born on July 3, 1825.
Louisa Bowen Smith Johnston (1800-1873); John, her son = John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889). Her mother = Eleanor Stuart Tate Bowen (1778-1833). Dr. Tate = probably a sibling of Eleanor.
Peter = Peter Carr Johnston (1793-1877)
Sydney = Algernon Sidney Johnston (1801-1852), often called Sid or Syd. 
Sarah = Sarah Radford Preston (1806-1848)]

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

Mary Valentine Wood Johnston: Death Notice, July 1, 1825

[Death Notice for Mrs. Mary Johnston, Richmond Enquirer, Volume XXII, Issue 16 (July 1, 1825), page 3.]

DIED --- on Tuesday evening last, Mrs. Catherine Trice, Consort of Mr. J. E. Trice.

------- , on Friday the 17th ult. at the residence of her husband, near Abingdon, Mrs. Mary Johnston, wife of Judge Peter Johnston, in the 57th year of her age.

This inestimable lady possessed, in an eminent degree, every virtue which can adorn the female character. As a wife, as a mother, as a mistress, as a friend, as a neighbor, she was the object of esteem to all who knew her, and of warm affection to her intimates. There never was a human being to whom she gave offence: while she rendered kindness to all within her power.

Of an intelligent mind, of a benevolent and affectionate heart, her incessant efforts were directed to the literary and moral improvement of her numerous children, and to the happiness of all around her.

                             Death! e'er thou shall kill many,
                             Good, and kind, and wise, as she,
                             Time will throw a dart at thee . . .

[Mrs. Mary Johnston = Mary Valentine Wood Johnston (May 8, 1769-June 17, 1825), daughter of Valentine Wood (1724-1781) and Lucy Henry (1743-1826), married to Peter Johnston, Jr. (1763-1831).]

[Poetic fragment: adapted from William Browne (1591-1643), "On the Countess Dowager of Pembroke" (circa 1621).

The original lines:

                             Death, ere thou hast slain another,
                             Fair, and learn'd, and good as she,
                             Time shall throw a dart at thee . . .]

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