Florida Jany 18^th 1835
My Dear Brother
It is not without extreme relu ^c^ tance
that I now trouble you, butt I know that I am
dealing with an generous Brother and that I may
freely open my trouble to you. I have thought
that I would endeavor to get along with them
without loading my friends – but from the man-
ner I am now situated I feel that it is not
at least improper to say something.
One year ago I purchased a number of Cows
and last fall a lot of Steers, intending to have paid
or at least partly paid for them last fall and
this coming Spring I have a note in the Bank
of $320 for the Steers and notes of $20 and an 100
in some held by some men in the Village, besides
some other debts amounting in all about $150
more. Some of these are through my own impru-
dence, and some to a better reason – too a num-
ber of causes may be attributed my present
embarrisment, last summer Father prom-
ised me the loan of 100 which I never received &
which has caused non-plus, the crops and butter
season was not as good as usual, we fell short
in making butter by as much as one quarter
and for two seasons, we had not the usual advan-
tage in the Spring and none made near asthe
quantity they usually did from the season

We had expected to have raised some $120 or 130
from pork, but failed because t apples and potatoes
which we expected to have fatted them on was
almost entirely cut off and dwindld down to
50. Next my journey to Auburn, payment
of debts there, newspapers accounts and the
expenses which I bore in the election, (and
which from circumstances I felt I could not
with credit pass by) has prevented me from
satisfying them, together with my own skillful-
ness in business. But where there not a more
potent reason I would not trouble you, but
a hue and cry is raised as too my integrity
and honesty. It is said, and resaid that
I have broke, that my property is put out off
my hands, that Father and I are uniting
to defraud our ^my^ creditors – the breaking of
Polydore falls upon my Shoulders with great
force – and you know that we have enemies
to whom the very name of Seward is synom-
imous with everything hateful and criminal
story and slanders without a particle of authority
are promulgaded untill those who even ^both^ know
believe, this infection has taken hold on some of
my creditors, they are advised to sue and one
has promised to do so.
I intend to sell off all my stock which
I can spare in some time in February

could I raise the money immediately I
might get along – but the usual course is
six months credit, but I intend to raise
money on the notes if possible
But I have thought if I could loan
a sum which would render the creditors
easy and satisfied a while longer Iuntill I
could have the present season to turn myself
it would save a sacrifice of property.
I could not apply to any ourfriend with
more freedom and confidence than you and in
asking your assistance I would not unless
it were imperative. but I think that I could
with $200 get along – stop in some measu[ re ]
the gross falsehoods
poured forth without
mixture, and make my debts
easy. If after what I have here said you
think me worthy of you assistance, no less
would I feel grateful than now I feel oppressed
and borne down – should you, feel disposed to do so
but I cannot ask it – nor you must not do it
unless you feel free and easy and can do it
without prejudice to yourself. As I have
asked time to make ^concoct^ means I hope that you
will give me an answer as soon as possible
let that answer be either pro or con —
Tempe and the Babe are doing well
Yours Affectionately
Geo W Seward

William H Seward Esqr
Auburn —
GOSHEN N.Y. JAN. 20
G W. Seward
Jan 18, 1835