Charles Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, October 27, 1823

Engraving: Saint-Mémin portrait of Charles Johnston, 1808 (National Portrait Gallery)

[Charles Johnston [at Botetourt Springs, Virginia,] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, Near Roses Mills, Nelson, Virginia,] October 27, 1823. 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.] 

                                                               Oct. 27, 1823

My dear Sally

It was my intention to have sent Fanny & Mary to see you this month, but finding it to be out of my power to do this I determined they should meet you at your father’s but in this too I have been obliged to disappoint both them & myself for reasons what I have mentioned to your father.

The object of the present therefore is to beg of you my dear Sally to come up and see us in Botetourt [Springs] – nothing can give us more sincere pleasure than that yourself Mr. Massie & Tom should do it.

I presume you will at any rate go as far as Liberty to see James & Kitty. When there you are only 27 miles from my house, a distance so inconsiderable I [hope] you will not regard it.

I am dear Sally your ever affectionate Brother

                                           Ch. Johnston

[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 "Tom" aka "Tommo" James Massie (1817-1877) was born on March 23, 1817.There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Charles Johnston (1769-1833), residing at Botetourt Springs, Virginia.

Fanny = Frances “Fanny” Steptoe Johnston (1807-after 1850).

Mary = Mary Morris Johnston (1810-1884).

Your father = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

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

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