Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, December 28, 1816

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at or near Bedford County, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia, December 28, 1816, "by Bill." 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.]

                                                                 December 28, 1816

Dear Sally

Bill is now a waiting and [I] can write you but a few lines, I send you by him the silk jacket which Bob gave you it should have been sent before but was entirely forgotten. 

Brother William's wife is very low she was taken the other night with a shortness of breath, which alarmed Brother W-- very much, he said yesterday it was impossible she would live longer than two months and that he should not be at all surprised to see [her] dead any hour, you may imagine what his situation must be, he really appears to be almost deranged.

Brother James is very unwell he has a much worse cough than Nancy ever had complains of pains in the breast and side and Brother George received a very severe fall the other day, sprained his ancle [ankle] & it is not certain but that it may be cut of[f] he is very much frightened times are truly distressing with us.

Mrs. Clark is much better tis thought she will recover I have not time or I would write you more your butter was very exceptable [acceptable] indeed write me soon and let me know how young Massie comes on. I hear you begin to look very portly.  

Mr. Penn has at last purchased land three miles this side of Liberty and within three miles of Brother George's it is said to be a very fine tract of Land. 

[M]y love to Mr. Massie and believe me to be your affectionate Sister
                                                                                  Lucinda

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814. Their Bedford County, Virginia, estate was (or would be) named "St. Helena." 

Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814. "Portly:" their son Thomas James Massie (1817-1877) would be born on March 23, 1817.

Bill = courier, not sure who this is.

Bob = probably Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1810). 

Brother William = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860), married to Anne Nancy Brown Steptoe (March 4, 1792-April 5, 1817) since February 7, 1815. Their son, Edward Jenner Steptoe (1815-1865), was born on November 7, 1815. 

Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827), married to Catherine Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858) since 1808.  

Brother George = George Steptoe (1785-1862), married to Maria Anne Thomas Steptoe (1792-1872) since 1810.

Mrs. Clark = not sure who this is.]

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

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, October 1, 1816

Sandusky, Lynchburg: Nov 2008 By Pubdog. Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

[Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston at Sandusky, Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia], Nelson County, Virginia, April 19, 1816, "favored by Dr. Massie." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.

                                                       Sandusky October 1 1816

I have only time my dear Sally to write you a line by Doc. Massie to inform you of our safe return from the Springs and to acquaint you that Sally Grymes is with us, she will probably remain 10 days longer, and as you intend coming up this month, I wish you would hurry yourself a little, and come before she leaves us, she is very anxious to see you.

If Mr. Massie finds it inconvenient to leave his Tobacco so long tell him he cane come up with you and return home again to finish it.

                                                                    yours affectionately
                                                                         Eliza P. Johnston 

[Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) had married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" "Eliza" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820), married Charles Johnston (1769-1833) over New Year's, 1806/1807. 

Dr. Massie = Dr. Thomas Massie II (1783-1864).

Sally Grymes = Sarah "Sally" Robinson Steptoe Grymes (born circa 1780/1784], who had married Philip Grymes (born circa 1774) in 1804. She later married William Burke.] 

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

Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, July 4, 1816

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne at New Canton, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, near] Rose’s Mill, Nelson County, Virginia, February 9, 1816. 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.]

                                         New Canton  July 4th 1816
My dear Sally

Some time has elapsed since I have had the satisfaction of hearing from you, from what cause is it Sally? [Y]ou appear to have entirely forgotten me, think not that it gives me no unhappiness; but I will not dwell too long on that subject.

You will see where I am from the date of this letter. I came to a great Ball but was taken very sick so much so that I was obliged to leave the room; indeed I think I am much better employed in writing to you, I was not wiling [willing] to go to the Barbecue as they call it; but Mary Deane insisted on my taking charge of her, don't you think I am a sweet honey for that office[?] 

I have seen Jane Harrison to day she is a very considerable bell[e] she is very handsome and has two beaus waiting on her Wm Randolph and Edwin Turpin poor Edwin shews age as much as any young man you know. 

I have seen Lucy Trent once since I came down you never saw any person so much delighted to see anything as she was to see me, she has two children.

I saw Mrs. Copeland and Billy to day they are very much broken indeed; it is very remarkable that those tales have never been heard of, but by few, and those few, believe them not.

I have gotton [gotten] to a very excelent [excellent] neighbourhood. I have two neighbours that I am very partial to Major Deane's family and Mr. Anderson's. Mr. Page lives with Major Deane still Jane has one child and is very lusty.

I have a great many friends in this part of the world. Mr. Langhorne is very much beloved but I do not feel that ease which I have neen accustomed to, I am at present at Mr. Payne's both him and his wife are very amiable people they are good friends of Harry's.

I expect to go to Papa's after harvest, I wish you would meet me there, I am quite anxious to see you, we shall return by Mr. Charles Irvine's and I wish very much to visit you if I have it in my power.

Harry joins me in love to yourself and Mr. Massie.
                                             I am your affectionate sister
                                                             Frances

Do not let me have to jog your memory about writing to me this letter is not as long as I wish but my hand trembles so I can't say half that I wish.                                                    Frances

[Sally = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Frances Callaway “Fanny” Steptoe (1798-1832) was seventeen years old when she wrote this letter. On March 13, 1816, she married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854).

Their father = James Steptoe (1750-1826), whose home base was “Federal Hill.” Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866) later painted his portrait here. See this link. The Federal Hill estate was located very close to New London and also Lynchburg, Virginia; about three miles or so away from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Was in Bedford County, but now it’s in Campbell County. Picture here.

Mary Deane and Major Deane = the Deane family, of Irish descent, was situated in Cartersville. One of their abodes was "the Deanery." Major Thomas B. Deane died in 1824. Francis B. Deane (1770-1860), Francis B. Deane, Jr. (1796-1868), Elizabeth H. Deane (circa 1805-1836) and presumably Mary Deane were all part of the same clan. Dr. Francis Henry Deane (circa 1810-1870) was probably also part of the same crew; he attended over Charles Irving Thornton (1841-1842), who was buried in what is now the Cumberland State Forest, afterwards successfully soliciting for an epitaph from Charles Dickens (1812-1870) to inscribe on the child's tombstone.

Jane Harrison and William Randolph = Jane Cary Harrison (1797-1883) married William Fitzhugh Randolph (1798-1859) in 1817. Their house, built not too long after their wedding, was dubbed "Merven." The land had been purchased from Cary and Sarah Mitchell. 

Poor Edwin = Edwin Durock Turpin (1783-1868). 

Lucy Trent = Lucy Ann Cunningham Trent (d. 1835) married Dr. John Trent (1788-1862) in 1812; they resided at "Trenton," now within the Cumberland State Forest.

Jane and Mr. Page = Jane B. Deane Page, married Henry Page (1785-1845) of Ca Ira, Virginia, in 1813. "One child" = Mary Cary "Polly" Page (1814-1880), who later married George Wilson McPhail (1815-1871). 

Mrs. Copeland and Billy, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Payne, Charles Irvine = unsure who they are at this juncture.]

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

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, April 19, 1816

Sandusky Lynchburg Nov 2008 by Pubdog Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

[Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston at Sandusky, Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia], Nelson County, Virginia, April 19, 1816, by Mrs. Miller & Mrs. Lee. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.

Note on verso: "Introducing the celebrated impostors, Mrs. Miller & Lee . . . They [left] the state before they were found out."]

I have taken the liberty my dear Sally introducing to you two unfortunate women, who are on their return home to the State of Ohio. They came on to this place last winter in great distress, having had their Husbands killed by the Indians, houses burned, and all their property destroyed. 

Left in this situation with large families of children, they set out, from home with a view of visiting a brother which one of them had in North Carolina, to get from him some assistance, but did not succeed in finding him.

They have been twice in this Neighborhood, at Brother James', George's, Grand mama's, & Papa's, all of whom have been very kind to them. They have met with much attention and friendship from every body here, and as I know your charitable and humane disposition, expect you will not let them go on without giving them some assistance. 

We are all well, much love to you and your good man; believe me affectionately yours
                                                                                    Eliza P. Johnston  

[Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) had married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" "Eliza" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820), married Charles Johnston (1769-1833) over New Year's, 1806/1807. 

Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827), married Catherine Mitchell (1780-1858) in 1808.

George = George Steptoe (1785-1862), married Maria Ann Thomas (1792-1872) in 1810.

Grandmama = not sure who this is. 

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).] 

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

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, April 16, 1816

Sandusky Lynchburg Nov 2008 by Pubdog Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

[Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" Steptoe Johnston at Sandusky, Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia], Nelson County, Virginia, April 16, 1816.  Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers.]

I was very much gratified my dear Sarah at receiving a letter from you, for I had become quite anxious to hear from you. I had hoped and intended to have visited you before this but my health has been and still is so precarious that I cannot speak with any certainty as to the time that it will now be in my power to see you. If you find it convenient to leave home don't . . . for me, but come up. I am extremely anxious to see you.

You want some Celery and Carrot seed I have not one, having sown all I had many weeks ago. It think it too late for Celery.

Martha was delighted with her pretty Necklace. The children all send a deal of you. Lucy sends hers also and says you may expect a letter from her by the first opportunity. 

Sending[?] love to Mr. Massie and believe me yours with true affection
                                                             Eliza P. Johnston  

[Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) had married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Elizabeth Prentiss "Betsey" "Eliza" Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

Martha = Martha Butler Johnston (1814-1836).

Lucy = Lucy Hopkins Johnston (1800-1888).] 

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

Grace Bradfute to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, April 16, 1816

Federal Hill, near New London, Virginia. Virginia Department of Historic Resources

[Grace Bradfute at Lynchburg, Virginia], to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, April 16, 1816, delivered "by Robbin." 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.]

                      Lynchburgh [Lynchburg]          April 16th, 1816

Dear Sarah 

I have not forgotten you but think with pleasure on such an acquaintance and will visit you when Lucinda does should nothing unforeseen happen. Papa is still confined to his bed. 

I have just returned from Federal Hill on a visit of nearly four weeks. I saw Harry and Frances wedded at last and as beaus are very scarce and Tommeys[?] very necessary I will thank you to make interest with that one for me.

[T]ell Mr. Massie I wish he would get me such a husband as he has a Wife as he is such a good hand at chousing [choosing].

Adieu my Dear Sarah. Margaret joins me in love to you and Mr. Massie and I beg that you would not forget the dress I wore from you as I understand there is another one in the stocks excuse all errors as I am in hast[e]
                                                        Grace Bradfute

[Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) had married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Papa = Robert Bradfute (1749-1816), father of Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855), Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833) and Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), who had married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg. 

Alexander Tompkins (1784-1864) acquired Davidson Bradfute's house, in the vicinity of New London, Virginia, after the latter's death, and was Head Cashier at the same bank. Among these folks would have been possible candidates for portraits by Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866). 

Lucinda = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814.

Harry and Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Harry's second wife would be Anne Eliza Scott (1800-1870). 

Tommeys[?] = note that Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880) was sixteen at the time.

Robbin = also spelled Robin. Often used as a courier between family members, but not sure who exactly this was. 

James Steptoe (1750-1826) resided at Federal Hill, New London, Virginia.] 

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

Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, February 15, 1816

[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia, February 15, 1816. 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.]

It has been so long since I wrote a letter that I have almost forgotten how, I fear my letter will be very uninteresting, I hear of nothing all around me but sickness & deaths, except that Frances and Harry Langhorne are to be married the 15 day of March, that I suppose will somewhat astonish you, Harry went to Papa's the other day and told him that Frances and himself had determined with or without consent to get married. Papa finding they had made up their minds was compelled to give up though I believe with a great deal of reluctance he says he thinks Frances the most ungrateful child in the world.

I shall most certainly expect you up. I now end with Frances & H. 

Baldy is staying with us and has hired two negroes of Shorts and expects to make a wonderful crop he is if possible lazier than he use[d] to be, I have never seen Miss Peggy since you were here. Polly & Betsey are now in Lynchburg and expect to bring Gracy and Nancy Byrd up with them, report says Betsy Irvine is to be married to John Scott brother of Doct. Scott's I expect Chas. Scott[?] has some hand in it. Sister Nancy has a son. I suppose you have heard it before as old Uncle George is frequently passing. 

I believe I have written about every thing I can think about if you are in traveling  . . . you must certainly convey my best respects to Mr. Massie and tell him I shall be glad to see him up here if he is not too industrious I am told he scarcely takes time to eat.
                                                                          Your affectionate
                                                                            Sister
                                                                             Lucinda
                                                     
[Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814.

Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Frances and Harry Langhorne = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Harry's second wife would be Anne Eliza Scott (1800-1870). 

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826), residing at Federal Hill.

Miss Peggy = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), a daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816). Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) was one of her sisters. Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), one of Peggy's brothers, married Maria (possibly "Polly" in this letter) Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg. Alexander Tompkins (1784-1864) acquired Davidson Bradfute's house, in the vicinity of New London, Virginia, after the latter's death, and was Head Cashier at the same bank. Among these folks would have been possible candidates for portraits by Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866). 
Polly = possibly Maria Byrd Bradfute (above).
Betsey = possibly Elizabeth "Betsey" Prentiss Johnston (1783-1820).
Gracy = See Grace Bradfute (above).
Nancy Byrd = Nancy Anne Byrd (1784-); married James T. Wright on January 27, 1821. 

Betsey Irvine and John Scott = Elizabeth "Betsey" Cowan Irvine (1790-1862) married John Watts Scott (1790-1850) on June 6, 1816. 
Dr. Scott, Charles Scott = brothers of John Watts Scott.
Sister Nancy = not sure who this is. 

Shorts = unsure who this is. 
Baldy = unsure who this is.

Uncle George = possibly George Steptoe (1785-1862), who was married to Maria Anne Thomas Steptoe (1792-1872), but he was Lucy’s older brother; their Uncle George Steptoe (1748-1802) had presumably died in 1802, though these vital details are not fully verified.]

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

Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, February 9, 1816

Jack Reid, from Heiskell, Andrew Jackson and Early Tennessee, Vol. II (1920), page [64/65.]

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe at [Federal Hill] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, near] Rose’s Mill, Nelson County, Virginia, February 9, 1816. Postmarked New London, February 10, 1816. 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.]

                                             Federal Hill  February 9th, 1816

My dear Sally

I will venture once more to write to you by mail but I fear it is quite useless, as you never receive the letters we write to you by the mail, it is so seldom that we have any private opportunity we should write as often as possible if there is a moth without our hearing from you as it always is, Papa says directly I wonder why Sally does not write to us. I should like to know how she comes on in this cold weather.

Oh Sally imagine to yourself the distress that is witnessed in this neighborhood, when I tell you of the many deaths that have taken place in this neighborhood no doubt but what you have heard of the deaths of poor Jack and Maria Reid, what a distressed family that is, a few nights before Maria died she danced at Millers until 10 o'clock at night; it was there she caught her death it is supposed, there are a vast number of people sick; Grandmama has been very ill with the St. Anthony's fire, but is a little better tho, not out of danger; Mrs. Austen has been given out, perhaps dead by this time; Schoolfield says Papa has credit in heaven for saving Old Clark's life, by sending him a little wine.

Nancy White and myself had made a bargin [bargain] to go to Amherst together and from there William was to go on with me to Pharsalia but Papa said it was two [too] cold; or I should have been with you about this time.

Bob intends going to the Ball the 22 with his flame Maria and thence on to see you, he wishes me to go down with him but it will be out of my power to do so. 

I suppose you have heard that Brother Billy has a fine son and can talk of nothing else, he is so proud of it.

Poor Gabriel is in this part of the world again, going about like a stray dog, I expect he will go to see you soon, he is at last going to set himself down with his Mama and look to her for support I suspect.

Sally when are you coming up to see us, I have heard that you were not coming up this spring; I hope it is not so, and your reason is because Mr. Massie is too busy making Tobacco, suppose you come up with Bob whenever you come you will find this neighborhood dull enough I can assure you.

If you get this letter let me know it and I will write oftener by mail you must take the money you get for butter to pay for the postage of my letters; I expect you make as much as will do that.

                                          I am your affectionate sister
                                                      F. C. Steptoe  

[Sally = Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Frances Callaway “Fanny” Steptoe (1798-1832) was seventeen years old when she wrote this letter. On March 13, 1816, she would marry Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854).

Their father = James Steptoe (1750-1826), whose home base was “Federal Hill.” Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866) later painted his portrait here. See this link. The Federal Hill estate was located very close to New London and also Lynchburg, Virginia; about three miles or so away from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Was in Bedford County, but now it’s in Campbell County. Picture here.

Jack and Maria Reid = 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 Reid. Jack Reid was directly related to Nathan Reid (1753-1830), who had married Sophia Thorpe in 1784. Other Reid family members lived around New London and Lynchburg, Virginia. Finally, Jack Reid was working on a biography of Andrew Jackson at the time of his death.  

Grandmama = not sure who this was, given that Fanny had no living grandmothers at the time. 

Mrs. Austen, Schoolfield = not sure who they are.

Nancy White = lived in the vicinity of New London. Possibly a cousin of some kind. 

William = possibly Brother Billy (below).

Bob = probably Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870); Maria = Not sure who this is. He subsequently married Betsy Leftwich (1800-1840), in 1820.  

Brother Billy = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1860), graduate of University of Pennsylvania Medical School  (1807), at the time married to Ann Nancy Brown (1792-April 5, 1817); their child, Edward Jenner Steptoe (November 7, 1815-April 1, 1865), graduated from West Point and served in the military as an adult. Some of his papers are held at the University of Washington. See also: Ron McFarland, Edward J. Steptoe and the Indian Wars: Life on the Frontier, 1815–1865 (Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2016). 

Poor Gabriel = unclear who this is.]

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

                                                                     

Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, circa December 1, 1816

[Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne at Spring-field, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, circa December 1, 1816 [postmarked December 4, 1816]. 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.]

Spring-field

My dear Sally

I can frame no other apology for not writing to you before, but that of laziness, I hope you will be satisfied with such an apology as that when you know it be one of my faults, indeed it has been my intention to write to you every mail since I left Nelson, but that dreadful thing laziness has prevented me from writing.

I have calculated for several weeks spending my [C]hristmas with you but have given out all idea of doing so at present. Mr. Langhorne told me if I wished to go up with Dick I might do so, he has altered his opinion and says he is affraid [afraid] to trust me with him, over the bad roads and it will be entirely out of his power to go with me. Dick has been with us for a fortnight past he has gone to see Elizabeth.

Fitzgerald I believe he talks of nothing but the girls, Mary Deane stayed with me several days when he was here, he was very much pleased with her. I expect Cousin Sally has gone down before this I understood Charles Johnston was to have landed her in Richmond about three weeks ago, I should like to see Miss Wormly very much from Dick’s description of her she must be a fright he says with all her loveliness he was afraid to go in four yards of her, her looks were not as placid as he could wish.

We have looked for Tom until lately but I have given out all hopes of seeing him in this part of the world this winter.

Sally can you tell what Lucy employs herself about I do call myself very lazy but I can’t think I am as much as she is I have not received one line from Papa’s since I came down he is very excusable but Lucy is not she promised to come down to see this this winter but I never hear from them at all I believe it would be better for me not to write and perhaps I might hear from them oftener.

I calculate on a visit from you and Mr. Massie next spring. You stayed much shorter at Papa’s then I expected I do not expect to go up until the spring. Mr. Langhorne has been at me for several weeks to write to you he has gone to Caira this morning he will be surprised when he returns to find I have written at last, My love to Mr. Massie and yourself and believe me to be you affectionate sister

                                                            Frances

[p.s.] Frances has not been so polite as to make my regards to

Yrself & husband – accept them with an earnest wish that you will prevail on Mr. Massie to make his trip to Cumberland sooner than the spring, & stay much longer than he first intended.

     Yours most respectfully H.S.L.

                      Springfield

                         1^st Dec’r 1816

                                   

[Frances Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) would be born on June 30, 1818.

Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Dick = possibly Richard Henry Lee Steptoe (1786-1818).

Elizabeth = possibly Elizabeth “Betsey” Prentiss (aka Prentis) Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820).

Fitzgerald =  Not sure who this is.

Mary Deane = Not sure who this is.

Cousin Sally = Not sure which Sally this is.

Charles Johnston (1768-1833). His second wife, Elizabeth “Betsey” Prentiss (aka Prentis) Steptoe Johnston (1783-1820), would die on February 13, 1820, age thirty-seven, and be buried at the Callaway-Steptoe Cemetery in Bedford County, Virginia. Before the relocation to Botetourt Springs, Sandusky = Charles Johnston estate from 1808 to 1819, in Lynchburg. For much more, see this link.

Miss Wormly = more likely, Wormley.

Tom = probably Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Lucy = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn had married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856) in 1814; their daughter Frances “Fannie” Louisa Penn (1818-1879) would be born on June 21, 1818.]

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Caira = Ca Ira, Cumberland County, Virginia.]

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