Thursday 9^th May
My Dear Henry- I received two letters from you last evening
the first written at Newburgh and the other at Florida on the
afternoon of the same day – We have all waited very impatiently
for your letter hoping it might be the bearer of good tidings
but you give us no encouragement. I suppose it was unreason-
able to expect it – I thought at one time that I should be perfectly
satisfied if you arrived in time to see our dear Mother still alive–
I do hope Cornelia has not been too late – it would so much
increase her grief – Grandma was much affected by the reading
of that part of your letter in which you mentioned that your
mother spoke of her – All are well at home – I received a short
letter from Tracy yesterday making very affectionate mention of you
and expressing much solicitude to hear how you found your friends
parents – desiring me to write immediately which I intend doing
as soon as I hear any thing decisive – Lazette, Clary and
myself took tea with old Mrs Fields yesterday - They were very
agreeable but I was not in spirits to enjoy any thing – I can
tell you very little of what has transpired in the village.
George Wood I am told has gone into your office – how
will this arrangement suit Beardsley?– Did you know any
thing of it before you left home?– Thursday evening – I have
just received your letter of Monday- We all feel somewhat encour-
aged but I as is my wont, fear more than I dare hope – I
can only pray that these flattering symptoms may not prove delusive
and that our much loved mother may be restored to us– Your own
Frances

Frances A Seward
9 May 1833