Bargain Town, May 6^th 1832.
My dear Sister,
Your very kind letter of the 29^th Ult- came to
hand last evening. You may suppose it was very welcome when
I tell you that untill now I did not ^know^ who was to be our
new Sister I am very much indebted for your letter because
it contains so much that is interesting to me that I should
never have heard. You know there is no one at
Florida who
has time to write, well I hope Washington has got a good
wife & one who will be a comfort to Ma, don’t you think
our Mother almost perfect, I think she is the most patient
& amiable woman I ever saw. I am delighted that you have
made her a visit it will do her good. She is so cut off from
society. Polydore & Locke have a great deal of affliction I think
some one of them sick always, do you know whether he has
made a profession of Religion? he talked of doing so
when I was at home – but I fear he has not stability
to adhere to his best resolutions. Has Pa connected him-
self with the Episcopal church? You see I am availing
my-self of your kind offer to answer my questions.
You know I am deeply interested in all this and but seldom
have an opportunity of enquiring.
What arrangement does G.W.S. make for living – he told
me he should not take a wife into the “Mansion” as
Marcia would say. Of our Brother Jennings I should
not be surprised if he never lives to come home
he has had severe attacks of billious fever sinse
he left here, and with his impaired constitution I
think it must go very hard, the poor little boys seem
already like orphans.
I received your kind letter from Albany – should have
written but thought perhaps it would or best to defer it,
does Mr. Tracy get any better.
Our nearest neighbors have the measles. I am expecting our

little boys to take it every day – it is a favorable season
of the year. Gus is as rugged as a pig and as wild
as an Indian boy, you would not know him he’s grown so
fast. I’m planning a suit for him as soon as the weather gets
warm, it is to be a loose slip & pantalets of Russian
sheeting with a Morocco belt to confine the slip – with
this he may roll in the sand (if I can keep him from
the pump –) & it will be cool – he is so naughty I cannot
keep him decent. Fanny is a fine thrifty child but
rather peevish – we think he will soon out grow Gus.
I have been trying all day to get time to write but surely
is a poor day to write, for everybody goes to meeting –
my nurse left me last week today I had a nice
little girl come to take charge of “Baby” she reminds
me of Sarah Lewis.
By this time you are at home I suppose. You will
enjoy it more than ever. I know how delightful it is to me
to g come home after a long cruise, how did you find all
do write when you get rested. I had fondly anticipated
going to Auburn this spring but – I must be content
here, our mail goes at 5 tomorrow & it is now bed time
I have not written half I intended, Mahlonsays I must
make his respects to Henryand say he rec'^d last evening an
address and paper from him.
I sent a little box to N^o 6 Spruce St. You will send for
it – inNew York.
give my love to all kiss the little boys & tell Henry I shall
drink his health as usual on the 16^th
Your most affectionately
Cornelia
Mahlons love to you
Excuse all blunders
I’ve weak eyes.

Mrs Francis A. Seward
Auburn
Cayuga Co
New York
Bargain Town N.J. May 7 L. C. Canfield
6 May 1832