Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, April 29, 1826

[Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne at Lynchburg, Virginia to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, April 29, 1826. "Attention of Doct. G. Rose." 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.]

                                                         Lynchburg April 29^th 1826

 Dear Sally

I have received a letter from Mr. Mead informing me that he could not in consequence of previous arrangements preach your father’s funeral. I have sent the letter on to your Brother James in order that he may make some other choice. I have written to him by tomorrow’s mail that you feared the uncertainty of the weather would prevent you being with us on the occasion.

I suppose he will he will have the preaching of the funeral put off untill [until] June, as soon as I hear from him will inform you.

I have had great thoughts of going to Botetourt to live, but am entirely at a loss to know, if ever when, as it will depend, first, on the sale of my land & secondly on the purchase of another tract.

We regret very much you cannot attend the convention, & still hope you may be enabled to do so, as we expect all the talents of the church will be assembled.

Mr. Turner has preached a sermon at the Academy lately & made allusions to your father which has given great offence in the neighborhood – he has been told of it by many & to all he has emphatically denied having intended any allusion to him – from his text which was taken from the parable of the fig tree, & a description of his daughter’s last moments (. . . seriously lost one[?]) which he consigned to everlasting bliss & immortality, he said two of his congregation had died since he last had preached to them, & where have they gone god only knows.

Your Brother William heard the sermon & does not think Mr. Turner intended any thing personal.

Mr. Edmund Reid was the other person supposed to be alluded to.

It would require a volume to tell you all that has been said on the subject; suffice it at present to say that if the old man had intended any allusion to your father that he is sincerely sorry for it, & has been heard to say as much as that he would make any atonement. . . of apology that the relations & friends could make.

Frances sends . . . regards to Mr. Massie & yourself your affectionate

                                          H. L. Langhorne

[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 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

Mr. Mead = minister. Probably the Right Reverend William Meade (1789-1862).

Your father = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827).

Mr. Turner = minister. 

Your Brother William = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862). 

Edmund Reid = not sure who this is.]

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