Robert Callaway Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, June 2, 1826

[Robert Callaway Steptoe at Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia [by Roses Mills, Nelson County,] Virginia, June 2, 1826. 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 have this moment slipt [slipped or stepped] into Mr. Brown’s store & met with Mr. Massie’s wagoner he says you were all well when he left home by him I drop you a line in great hast[e] having never until this day had it in my power to give you the desired information your welcome letter required had I received the information at home or had time I would write you a long letter but expecting to see you in a few weeks must make this note suffice.

Mr. Holt Tom’s overseer tells me here today the funeral of our poor old father will be preached at the Academy the third Sunday in the month by the Rev’d Nicholas Cobbs when I hope you will attend if your health permits then we will talk over the contents of your letter and everything else in the meantime receive the assurance of regard of your Affectionate brother

                                                          Rob. C. Steptoe

[Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870); his wife was Elizabeth Leftwich Steptoe (1800-1840).

Sarah 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 here.

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Rev’d Nicholas Cobbs = Nicholas Hamner Cobbs (1796-1861).]

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