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| Sarah Maria Massie, circa 1825, first posted by Leroy Keller (via Ancestry) |
Richmond March 24th 1827
Dear Sally,
You have doubtless thought ere this, that I meant to pay you in your own coin by not replying sooner to your letter; but I assure you a spirit of retaliation has not at all actuated me. I have been intending to write for several weeks past, but something or other has prevented me doing so; However I hope you will not judge of me as a correspondent from the specimen I have given, but will promise to be more punctual in future.
You have probably seen Mrs. Waller who has told you all the news, for the members generally carry it all with them, and since their departure the town has been emphatically dull. I believe she was on the whole pleased with her visit here, tho' towards the last was anxious to return home: Eliza Garland was quite admired, but I have not heard that her beaux intend visiting New Glasgow.
I was much pleased to learn that Mr. Massie's health had so much improved & yours also pretty good. The medicine which has relieved him, I tried last summer, before I went up the country, but did not find much beneficial from it, which proves, that our complaints were not exactly of the same character.
[I]f he continues to fatten at the same ratio you mention, I think he will find it difficult to get a horse (even over the mountain) large & strong enough to carry him.
My health I am happy to inform you has continued to be good during the winter. I have had but three attacks since my return home, & those not very severe. I have been able to eat almost any thing with impunity -- my appetite tho' has been quite moderate, not as it was with you last summer almost voracious; so there is not much danger of over eating myself.
I shall ever attribute my recovery (with the blessing of God) to the kind treatment & good medical advice I received among you. I hope I shall ever feel gratified for the same. I often think of the pleasant hours I spent with you & almost wish I could recall them.
How did you manage to keep yourself warm during the severe weather we experienced this winter? [I]t was a difficult nature with the largest fires we could make to be comfortable here & it must have been colder in your country, particularly at your delightful summer habitation. I frequently thought of the Big Mountain, & the keen winds it would send upon you -- if you escaped getting cold then I think you need not fear in future.
I am sorry to tell you that Mr. Heath is still on crutches & I am afraid is likely to be so for some time yet, for I do not perceive that his ankle gains much strength; I hope however time will restore it. [H]is general health is pretty good. My children are all well, but you will be surprised to hear that James does not walk yet.
The Bishop returned home a fortnight since after an absence of nearly five months. [H]e has been detained at the North all that time by a severe illness which liked to have proved fatal. [H]is children & friends were rejoiced to see him again & I feel a hope now, that his health will be reestablished.
Sarah received a letter from her Mama a few weeks ago. I was sorry to hear she had been indisposed, but hope ere this she has recovered. [R]emember me to her, & the Doc't when you see them, & tell her, I think she had better come down in the Spring for Sarah. I should be much pleased to see her.
I do not know how Sarah will make out with the solitude of Nelson, after the gaiety of of this winter, of which she has partaken pretty largely; I do not think she likes the idea of returning home much.
A most horrible transaction took place here a few days since; Samuel Parkhill, for a very slight provocation, threw a man down named Smythers, & cut his throat so much that his life was despaired of some time; but he is considered at present out of danger. Parkhill has made his escape, & it is probable he will not be caught tho' the Governor has offered a reward of $250 for him.
Very great excitement has existed in town, on the subject of religion for the last six months, numbers have been added to the Presbyterian, Baptist & Methodist churches; Mr. Charlton is at present stationed among the latter. [H]e has a large congregation to hear him. I go whenever I can to his church, & take much pleasure in his preaching.
I suppose Mr. Massie will be down this way in the summer to sell his tobacco, & what do you say to accompany him? [N]eed I tell you it will give me real pleasure to see you at my house, & that I will do every thing in my power to make your time agreeable. [D]o think of it, & moreover put it in execution. I know of nothing to keep you at home, particularly as you have such a good housekeeper.
Mr. Heath desires to be remembered to you all. [R]emember me to Mr. Massie & Thomas if he is with you, also the old lady and gentleman, & accept for yourself the assurance of sincere regard from your friend -- E. A. Heath
P.S. Do write to me soon it affords me much pleasure to hear from you. If you have any commission to execute I will attend to it cheerfully.
[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.
Elizabeth Ann Macon Heath (1801-1868), spouse of James Ewell Heath (1792-1862), Virginia state (commonwealth) auditor, author and editor. Associate of Edgar Allan Poe's.
My children = William (1821-1836), Richard (1822-1856) and Ellen Heath (1837-1860). James may have been another son who died young.
Eliza Garland = Eliza Virginia Garland (circa 1811-1841), later married George Kuhn Cabell (1799-1873).
The Bishop = Episcopal Bishop Richard Channing Moore (1762-1841), based at Richmond's Monumental Church, 1814-1841.
My children = William (1821-1836), Richard (1822-1856) and Ellen Heath (1837-1860). James may have been another son who died young.
Eliza Garland = Eliza Virginia Garland (circa 1811-1841), later married George Kuhn Cabell (1799-1873).
The Bishop = Episcopal Bishop Richard Channing Moore (1762-1841), based at Richmond's Monumental Church, 1814-1841.
Sarah and her mama = Sarah Maria Massie (circa 1810-1844), daughter of Dr. Thomas Massie II (1782-1864) and stepdaughter of Sarah Ann Carrington Cabell Massie (1795-1831) since 1826.
Samuel Parkhill and Smythers = Samuel Parkhill and James S. Smithers. Mentioned in newspaper accounts at the time.
The Governor = either William Branch Giles (1762-1830), who assumed office on March 4, 1827; or John Tyler (1790-1862), Virginia governor from 1825 until March 4, 1827.]
[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]
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