This was a typewritten copy of letter in George W. Seward’s handwriting. It was enclosed in a letter from George W. Seward to children of W.H. Seward, dated August 4, 1873. We do not have the original of 18190311WHS_MJS, but we do have the original of 18730804GWS_WSJ. Putnam Co, March 11^th 1819
Dear Madam
The regret which I feel induces me at this time to write
to you well knowing that a Mother who has ever treated me with
the utmost tenderness and affection when in the line of duty
and who had ever viewed with painful solicitude my aberations
from that true course will receive some consolation from a son
under my present circumstances –
The letter in which this is enclosed will inform you of
my present situation and intentions - - Knowing that your maternal
breast is distressed by my unexpected absence permit me to
assure you that I have taken all necessary means in my power
to shorten my length of residence in this place. It is more
than probable (I think) that I shall be at home by the 25^th of
June at least. But if on the contrary Madam I must inevitably
be detained in this Country (which I pray may not be the case)
let me assure you that the first moment which shall free me
from an engagement which though rashly and precipitantly made
is on my honor not the less binding, I shall return to greet my
Parents or my Friends.
Suspense I know to all is dreadful - - But the horror of sus-
pense on my part shall be dissipated in some measure by hope
let not your susciptible feelings be distressed. Your son is
in a situation which is [unanimously] called the best in Georgia.
Health is as common a quest in this Settlement as in any in
Georgia it being removed about 200 Miles from the sickly
pestilential camps and burning sands of Savannah. Georgia is
proverbially hospitable, yet this People on my arrival hailed
me with a more than Southern welcome and still continue to
treat me with a politeness and respect, which would were I
relieved from my anxiety about Home reconcile me to be a willing
resident in this Land of Strangers. Let me therefore entreat
you by the affection you bear to your children by the regard
you have to your own happiness to console yourself for never
yet I hope have I lost your confidence and by that confidence
I assure you that as soon as possible you may expect that
speed returns
My love and respects I send to Grand Mama. The love she
has ever showed me the interest she has ever felt in my concerns
convinces me that my departure has inflicted a deep wound on
her tenderly susceptible heart. This short paragraph is not
alone intended for her let her know the rest letter and be
assured that she holds still a place in the breast of
Your dutiful and
Affectionate Son
William H. Seward

Mrs Mary Seward