[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne at Oakly [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, June 10, 1824. 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.]
Oakly June 10th 1824
My dear Sally
The Doctor came out this morning and I promised if he would come out this evening I would have a letter to send you, I have nothing interesting to tell; but do not wish to disappoint him, for he seems anxious to let you hear all the news in these parts.
I went up to Papa's last Sunday and went on to the Academy to hear Cousin Sophy Reid's funeral sermon, Patsy and Nathan were much more distressed than any of the family. Papa listened with uncommon attention and evidently felt a great deal.
I went to see Mrs. Irvine while I was up the old Lady is very much distressed at the idea of leaving the place; she says she thinks it will almost kill her to give it up.
Polly looks very large, tho her face is as fair and as delicate as I ever saw it.
I hope Sally the measles will not prevent your coming up one day later you need not to fear them at all, I did not pretend to keep my children from them, I consider it a trifling complaint with the least care, do hurry on for we are extremely anxious to see you.
I should like to go down and come with you up mostly to be company for you on the road, but in this unhappy world we have but few of our wishes gratified.
I have not seen Lucy since I saw you, Papa talks of her constantly, and seems as if he would give worlds to see her; but thinks Mr. Penn dislikes to mix about with the world, and keeps Lucy at home with him; he says he wants yo see you more than ever so I hope with all our anxiety you will hasten the time.
My love to Mr. Massie
Your affectionate sister
Frances Langhorne
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
The Doctor = probably Dr. Thomas Massie II (1783-1864); possibly Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862).
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
Oakly June 10th 1824
My dear Sally
The Doctor came out this morning and I promised if he would come out this evening I would have a letter to send you, I have nothing interesting to tell; but do not wish to disappoint him, for he seems anxious to let you hear all the news in these parts.
I went up to Papa's last Sunday and went on to the Academy to hear Cousin Sophy Reid's funeral sermon, Patsy and Nathan were much more distressed than any of the family. Papa listened with uncommon attention and evidently felt a great deal.
I went to see Mrs. Irvine while I was up the old Lady is very much distressed at the idea of leaving the place; she says she thinks it will almost kill her to give it up.
Polly looks very large, tho her face is as fair and as delicate as I ever saw it.
I hope Sally the measles will not prevent your coming up one day later you need not to fear them at all, I did not pretend to keep my children from them, I consider it a trifling complaint with the least care, do hurry on for we are extremely anxious to see you.
I should like to go down and come with you up mostly to be company for you on the road, but in this unhappy world we have but few of our wishes gratified.
I have not seen Lucy since I saw you, Papa talks of her constantly, and seems as if he would give worlds to see her; but thinks Mr. Penn dislikes to mix about with the world, and keeps Lucy at home with him; he says he wants yo see you more than ever so I hope with all our anxiety you will hasten the time.
My love to Mr. Massie
Your affectionate sister
Frances Langhorne
[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) 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).
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
The Doctor = probably Dr. Thomas Massie II (1783-1864); possibly Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862).
Catherine "Cate" 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 or Sophie/Sophy Reid. Jack Reid was directly related to Nathan Reid (1753-1830), who had married Sophia Thorpe(s) 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.
Patsy and Nathan = not sure who they were.
Mrs. Irvine = possibly Polly Irvine's mother.
Polly = possibly Mary B. Irvine, who married Dr. Paul C. Cabell in 1823.
Lucy and Mr. Penn = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn had married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856) in 1814]
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
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