Allen Otho Binckley to John Henry Binckley, September 5, 1843

Cleveland and Ohio City, 1851. From: A History of the City of Cleveland (1896)

[Allen Otho Binckley (age about sixteen) at Cleveland, Ohio, to John Henry Binckley at Somerset, Perry County, Ohio, September 5, 1843. Postmarked te same date, Ohio City. Original manuscript in the John Milton Binckley Papers, 1816-1943. Library of Congress Manuscript Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. This is my rough transcription. Additional paragraph breaks added for easier reading.

Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy, Sally Young and Sue Davis for their ongoing research collaboration; specifically to William for providing a scan of the original document.]

                                                       Cleveland Sept 5th 1843

Dear Father and Mother

I received your kind and affectionate letter Dated August the 7th and 8th a week ago yesterday and would of answered if before, but [I] had no opportunity of going to the City through the week. I did almost begin to think that you did not intend to Answer me but the Appearance of your good and affectionate letter Banished all such silly though[t]s. 

I am very sorry to learn that [you] have been visited with that distressing Malady that has taken its Rounds almost throughout the States. I myself did not escape without a small Call. I was not able to . . . . back or sheet for some time though my health has been very good since. In speaking of going West I don't think I shall go any farther West than I am at already. It is my intention to not stop here any longer than Possible.

I am determined to come home this fall if it can be accomplished by any means however. Come I will if god spares my life. I think I shall be able to Come in the course of next month if I have good luck.

My motto is "Homeward Bound By Sea or By land." I think that my Course is pretty near through with at least all the Lakes. I think "A Sailor's Life at Sea, don't Suit Me." -- I have tried it and it won't "Gibe no Way I can Rig it" the next course I tak[e] will be for home and won't stop on the Passage.

I could not help spreading my provision "Scuttle" on a kind of good and easy way to think that Father thought of my getting "spliced" in the place that I have Been filling in the Past year or two that is something that never troubled my Ship what would do with a Better half I would have as much use with a ship's top my head as I would the . . . it means something that will . . . do me any good. But they tell me that I am a curious Child any way and if I had not Written Something that gave me Reason to think So you would not of thought of it.

I can't take care of myself What I do with a Wife well suppose I was to get married, what then. Why the answer of the Business is this if I was to get a wife I would have to get one that would take care of me . I could not take care of her. I would have to as "Lover McNeill" done, get some old "Widday." But it is an ill wind that Blows . . . Body Good -- as the Capt. said When his vessel went ashore I will go to . . . with you as . . . want me to go . . . 

Get a few Clothes more than what I have got and then for now. I think you will be Better Satisfied in the Southern Country than in this, you spoke some about my Bad Writing. This place is . . . the Ink along you must Excuse my Sailoring . . .

I hope to be with you shortly.

My Best Respects to . . .
My love to you and My Brothers.
Write soon good by[e] your Son
To his Father & Mother A. O. Binckley 

[Allen Otho Binckley (circa 1826-1876).
John Henry Binckley (1788-1849).
Charlotte Stocker Binkcley (1788-1877).]

Allen Otho Binckley to John Henry Binckley, July 14, 1840

US Census, Ruhrfisch (2006): Stark County, Ohio, including Canton (Wiki Commons)

[Allen Otho Binckley at Canton, Ohio, to John Henry Binckley at Somerset, Ohio, July 14, 1840. Original manuscript in the John Milton Binckley Papers, 1816-1943. Library of Congress Manuscript Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. This is my rough transcription. Additional paragraph breaks added for easier reading.

Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy, Sally Young and Sue Davis for their ongoing research collaboration; specifically to William for providing a scan of the original document.]

                                                                   Canton July 14th 1840

Dear Father and Mother

I embrace the opportunity of sending you a letter in answer to some questions that you asked me concerning what churches we had here in this place and whether I went to your church or not.

But I will tell you we have a German and English Lutheran Church, a Methodist and Presbyterian.

I have, never, to tell you the truth, went to your Church since I have been in the Place. My Master is a Presbyterian and says I must go to there [their] Church for my Uncle said I must go to their Church Every Sunday and set with them in their Pew, I told Mrs. Saxton that it was you requested me to go to your Church sometimes for you said that you would like to have me go to the Church that you belonged [to].

But she said I must go to theirs for my uncle said so and the reason was that I did not Belong to any. I have not been to any accept [except] the Methodist one and got a scolding for it. George Saxton was along. [T]here is no Episcopal Church in town, there all But one Catholic Church in town or county.

When I am . . . Home . . . I will go to what church I please and not ask Mrs. Saxton.

[T]here was two men severely wounded by the Cannon in the Place as Monday last they were Celebrating the Sub Treasury. Father what do you think of the first Curse of the subtreasury and what will be the last. In Columbis as We hear they were one man killed on the Fourth July by the Cannon. In Millersburgh [H]olmes county on the same day there was one killed.

I hope you will not think half of me for sending so many letters and causing you to pay o much Postage, for it does me so much good to Write home, for I think of home for I have no Place to go to in truth I have no Father ot Mother to go to When anything is Wrong. 

I like my Place very well and feel reconciled for I . . . the Best of Company I go with the Boys and quality of the Canton Boys nothing here at Present.

My sincere love to you and the children. Your affectionate child A. O. Binckley.

P.S. Uncle and the family are all well, if I was to write all I want it would take about 3 sheets.

[pencil note: "This was Allen Binckley, a little boy apprenticed to the editor of a newspaper in Canton . . .] 

[Allen Otho Binckley (circa 1826-1876).
John Henry Binckley (1788-1849).
Charlotte Stocker Binkcley (1788-1877).
Saxton = Family of Johhn Saxton (1792-1871), publisher of The Ohio Repository. George Saxton was no doubt related also to George DeWalt Saxton (1850-1899). According to his entry on Find a Grave: "Brother to the first lady Ida McKinley. George Saxton was murdered in Canton, Ohio, on October 7, 1898. He was approaching the home of his lover, the widowed Eva Althouse, when his former love, Anna George, shot him."]

Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, May 22, 1828

[Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne at Chestnut Hill, Virginia to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Nelson [County, Virginia,] May 22, 1828. Care of "Robbin Daggen[?]." 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.]

                                                 Chestnut Hill  22nd May 1828

Dear Possum
                       
Doc't Steptoe left my house yesterday morning, he intended to have gone on to Nelson for the purpose of accompanying you up, such [is] the badness of the weather & the prospect of a continuance of it, had induced him to return; He requested me to give him the earliest information of Robbin's arrival, & that he would go down immediately he should be informed that the carriage had gone on.

I have sent up to him & expect him here to Breakfast in the morning should he not get down tomorrow night you must not be uneasy; it being possible that his professional durties, may have called him from home.

I assure you, you need not fear the paint at my home, I cannot discover the least smell from it; I shall have a room prepared for you & you must make your . . . election between it & Mrs. Bradfute's.

Bob I understand cannot go down as he expected when he passed here.

I have a rod in soak[?] for you, & as soon as there is meat enough on your stack of bones to stand a good flogging I shall use it.

Fanny sends her love to one & all for myself accept my best wishes.
                                           yours affectionately
                                                         H. S. Langhorne

[added at bottom margin: "Alas, no meat ever came on those dear bones. [S]he succeeded in reaching her brother's Dr. Wm. Steptoe a few days after this & lived only a month or so.  Thos. J. Massie  June 1873."]

 [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-July 28, 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

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

Mrs. Bradfute = Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), one of Peggy Bradfute's brothers, 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).

Bob = Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870).]

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

Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, May 5, 1822

[Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute [at or near New London, Virginia], to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia, [Nelson County,] Virginia, May 5, 1822. 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.]

                                                May 5, 1822

Dear Sarah

Nothing but the high regard I have for you induces me to answer your insulting note; for if I was in reach blows should not compensate for your insolence; however I take it from whence it came.

I am sorry you wear [were] under a mistake about the Promise; don’t you recollect I said if you could get me to promise you mite [might] depend on me; I made a promise if Grace would go with me which she would not consent to for at that time her mind was better employed seeking her Soul’s Salvation; in this I have acquit[t]ed my life as well as her.

I think to serve her Maker was her first duty & then her fellow creatures; she would be highly pleased with myself but seems to have but little disposition to go from home; but is devoted to the Glorious cause she has embarked in.

Oh my beloved Friend you may imagine the pleasure it has given your unworthy friend, better than I can describe to have my Sister engaged hand & heart pressing toward the Haven of eternal rest.

When shall I enjoy the happiness of seeing you & yours experience that happy change; without which there is know [no] happiness beyond the grave. Grace says she never knew what happiness was until [until] she enjoyed it in the pardon of her sins.

Dear Sarah your repeated & warm solicitations for us to visit you, induces me to say is my wish & Graces; you know I am like a bird of Passage ever on the wind; whear [where] I fare best generally stay longest; the terms on which you get our company is paying dear for it . . .

You ought to know good company can’t be gotten every day, however I don’t choose any body to enjoy mine without a full reward; as it is in such great demand; I fear I shall have to be divided for some of the N Londoners [New London, Virginia] can hardly exist without me; I took a flying trip up to the Sacraments I could hardly get back so anxious for my good company I saw all our Friends wear [were] well & your Father & Lucy was to see us on Monday last, he said he had not been so happy for seven years; in the greatest glee I ever saw; we all wear [were] delighted to see him for it was almost [almost] like seeing my own Father; while I am writing the tears are inflaming my eyes; I hardly know how I am writing excuse all & every defect.

Tom is now in town I hear he intends to visit you shortly.

Poor Fanny is gown [going] over the River to live; much against her will I have never been to see her since my return home after a trip of 7 months.

[E]very Body that knows me wants to know wherean [where] my home is. Mrs. Read asked is Lynchburg was not my home & I said I was so seldom their [there] I was not so sure wheather [whether] it was my abode or not.

Give my respects to Mr. Massie tell him I am satisfyed [satisfied] he don’t wish to see me in his House; as he did not think it worth while to call & see weather [whether] [or] not we wear [were] dead or alive; but sent me a message & nothing but con[s]cious innocence made me think of it with indif[f]erence. I can assure him I think as much of my word; as of most people’s Oaths; in future you must touch lightly & have Christian charity think there was some good reason; tell him not to curse me for he says what he pleases & so shall I without offence.

I know you will hail me welcome [welcome] & he is submissive & I shall be satisfied; Grace sends her love & says you must have preaching for her every sabath [Sabbath] & she will stay several weeks; you must let me hear from you again before July & Lucy talks of going to see you but the horses is so busy you may calculate in my; going if nothing happens to prevent yours affectionately in hast[e]

                                          Peggy Bradfute

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

Peggy Bradfute = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), a daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816), a Scottish emigrant, and Sarah Irvine Bradfute (died about 1807). Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) was one of her sisters. Some of her writing seems like phonetic Scottish English (such as “wear” for “were”).  

Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), one of Peggy's brothers, 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).

Your Father & Lucy = James Steptoe (1750-1826) and Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814. Their Bedford County, Virginia, estate was named "St. Helena." (James lived at Federal Hill). 

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Fanny = Not sure to which Fanny she is referring.

Mrs. Read = probably one of the Reads/Reids living around New Bedford, Virginia.

[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.]  

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.]   

Peggy Bradfute to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie, December 27, 1815

[Peggy Bradfute [at or near New London, Virginia], to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, December 27, 1815. 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 27th, 1815

my dear Sarah I have purchased for you the last bargain I could find in this place, I could have got you some Curtain dimity which you might have preferred but it was very coarse & narrow & the same price of what I have sent you; I hope my choice will please you; I could have got cambrick much cheaper; I believe the dimity will last us long again & think much the handsomest.

I will take a pleasure at any time in geting [getting] things for you if you can rely on my inferior judgment & tast[e]. I expect you must think I have but little if the sight of old John could restore me; I think the sight of you in your solitary mantion [mansion] would have a much more salutary effect than any bean in this place; I shan't spare you when do you intend to commission me to make choice for little william or margaret for your comfort as well as Mr. Massie's with pleasure will I visit you when ever an opportunity offers if my Father's healt[h] will permit.

Grace sends her best love to you both & says she is determined on coming to see you. 

[M]y Father has been very unwell all this winter he feels better now to than he has for 3 months he sends his re[gards] to you both & wishes you well.

except [Accept] my warmest love [your]self & good man & every wish for present & eternal happiness.
                                                             Peggy Bradfute

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

Peggy Bradfute = 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 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). 

Unable to hereby identify "old John" or "little william or margaret" without more identifying context.]

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

Robert Callaway Steptoe to Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie, June 1, 1827

Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia. VA Department of Historic Resources**

[Robert Callaway Steptoe at St. James Church, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia by Roses Mills, Nelson County, Virginia, June 1, 1827. 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.]

Dear Sister,

What words can I use what language will be sufficiently expressive of an apology for my seeming neglect, neglect do I say, that word has no meaning when so applyed [applied] and I trust will ever be so as respects you and myself, for I know of nothing that you could do that would produce neglect in me. Then dose [does] the [E]nglish language afford a word that will better apply, let us see how would laziness do, ah, me thinks I hear you say that will better do, laziness I will acknowledge has been the cause but neglect I never will.

My dear Sister the fact is this, last fall all my family went to Liberty upon a visit & during there [their] absence I was much of my time alone. & as usual my thoughts flew to Pharsalia and to you. I then wrote you a long letter perhaps longer than I ever did, but before mail day came around Betsy returned, and it sometimes happens before sealing she sees my letter & after reading it she said to me in a soft & endearing manner perhaps my dear you had better not send it for you know you all don’t think alike at which expression I immediately lost it in the fire and so passed the shadow for the substance, & felt for a long time as if I had done my duty, that is as if I had answered your letter.

Since the receipt of your last I have been a good deal from home, & have had but momentary intervals of leisure. Last Sunday was the day in course for the sacrament at the Academy we went & as usual at those times fell a torrent of rain which caused but few to attend, its administration is put off untill [until] the third Sunday in June.

After staying two days at the Doctr’s we went to see our poor old aunt Lucy, who has been very unwell & really looks much worse.

I am truly sorry to hear you will not come up this summer as our going down will be unpracticable, it took all the saddles, & bridles, & horses, & negroes upon the plantation, to carry us only a few miles the other day. But as soon as we can get a better conveyance I flatter myself Pharsalia will be visiable [visible] as she was a few nights ago from News Hill, from whom I thought I heard the following complaint.

Your Pharsalia in borrowed feathers

Looks gay in all sorts of weather,

Whilst me, poor, neglected fellow

With ground ten times as mellow

Can only show a log pile hoven

With here & there a rugged coven.

I watch you close I eye you keen,

Your foreign growths and ever green,

Admired much and fare are seen.

Your pillars white with shades of green.

Mounds, founts, & sectigan[?] bowers

And all your host of gilded flowers

Sugar tree vale nor askplane[?] bottom

Ha Ha like me can race the wedy blossom.*

His loud laugh waked me & I found myself snug in bed

But not a little shagrined [chagrined] at my disappointment.

*Tobacco

Our oldest son is going to school & walks six miles each day to & from home. Our youngest is also a son & I think the most interesting one we have. I have called him Richard See as a family name.

My way for making vinegar is simply this, to every ten gallons of rain water, add one of spirits & one of molasses out it in a cask & store it away in some dry warm place, if you have old vinegar after it sours a little add them together that it may be fit for use the sooner.

The clocks [clock’s] ossilations [oscillations] vibrates to my ear, & pointing plain to the hour of night whispering says, overseers beds should be ‘tumbled,’ tomorrow’s morn will hail thee with business of its own trespass no longer upon this night’s repose.    

                                         Ever believe me your Affectionate brother

                                                          Rob. C. Steptoe

P.S. Brother George is flattering himself with the belief that his friends will raise by subscription $3.000 which he says will rebuild . . . Factory. I fear he is too sanguine, his Trustees have . . . to his wife & children the old walls.

[Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870); his wife was Elizabeth "Betsy" Leftwich Steptoe (1800-1840).

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.

The Academy = in New London, Virginia.

Poor old Aunt Lucy = Lucy Callaway (1761-1839). 

**Pharsalia image. Link here.

The oldest son, &c. = may have died young. 

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

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