Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Thomas Eskridge Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, February 1-2, 1826

[Thomas Eskridge Steptoe [at New London, Virginia, as postmarked on February 2, 1826] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, at [Pharsalia], Rose Mills, Nelson, Virginia, February 1-2, 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.] 

D’r Sally

I was in hopes to have paid you my long promised visit this week at any rate, Dot. [Doctor] Harris intending going with me, but our poor old Father was taken a few days ago with the prevailing influenza and I really thought at one time it was all over with him: he is still quite low but considerably better it is supposed by the doctors. Most of his children are with him and he has all the care and attention which it is in our power to give him. I shall write you again, by the next mail and let you know his situation.

I was very glad to learn from Hector[?] who saw Mr. Massie in Ly’bg [Lynchburg] that you had recovered y’r health. I had gone sometime ago as far as Ly’bg on my way down but heard from D. Brown that you were getting well I put it off to get . . . company. I will see you as soon as I can.

                                          y’s affectionately
                                                T. Steptoe

N.B. I will leave this open till the morning.

[p.s.] Pa rested better last night than he has done yet – he is now in a sound sleep and I hope by the next mail I can let you know that he is convalescent.    TS.
                                                       

[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)

Our poor old Father = James Steptoe (1750-February 9, 1826), residing at Federal Hill.]

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

No comments:

Post a Comment

Commentaires