Auburn Dec 8^th 1836
My Dearest Henry, I am almost ashamed to say that
those unanswered letters from you are lying upon my table
you are very very kind to write to me so often and
at a time too when you are overwhelmed with business.
I do hope you will not injure your health by over-
exertion. This morning while Fred and I lay composedly
in bed talking about the wooden horse in which the Greecian
warriors secreted themselves, Maria came in great haste
and announced the arrival of Mr Cary and Walter.
I dressed myself with all possible expedition
but was a few minutes too late the stage
was waiting for them and they had returned
to the American accompanied by Pa. It appears
they are on their way to Washington. Mrs C. was
at the American and they were all as usual
in a remarkable hurry. I was very sorry I
could not see Aunty two minutes. I have all
along intended to write for her to come and spend some
time with me not supposing that their trip to
Washington was to be made so early in the season.
I cannot not now account for the motive of
in using so much despatch but suppose that
"The less cause there is for all this flurry
The greater is the pleasure in arriving
At the chief end of travel — which is driving" .
Pa said they were upset in the stage last night
but as none of them were injured in the incident
only serves to enhance the pleasure of the journey.
I hope we shall see more of them when they
return. Aunty sent Cornelia two beautiful pairs
of little socks which Maria puts on her feet
and exhibits to all who come along.

I am very glad you have written to poor B – he must
feel the want of sympathy sadly. Do not think of
sending the ponies to me I should not probably use
them half a dozen times all winter and they are
of some real use to you - the ground here is bare
again and the weather not unpleasantly cold.
Tell dear Gus that I received his letter last Monday
it was a very good letter and gratified me
much. I will send his skates if I have an
opportunity but it seems to be doubtful about
Mr Rutherford's going. I have been talking with
Pa about him - he has gone home on a visit having
received his Grandfathers permission to do so the
time of his return is uncertain and Pa thinks
it very uncertain whether he goes to Chautauqua at
all. Do get some one to assist you if possible.
I am afraid your health will suffer from confinement
and labour. Tell Augustus that Frederick commenced
a letter to him last Sunday but it does not seem
to progress very fast. John Hulbert is going to the
Owasco to attend a school kept by Mr Fish the
former teacher in the Academy - this information is for
Augustus he was a school mate of his at one time[ . ]
Marcia called yesterday. Divers reports are
in circulation about Lansing and Fellows tis said
they have attempted to swindle their creditors in
New York Marvin and Seymour are also censured
for a similar transaction in the sale of village
lots. I have been told that William Stone was one of the
purchasers but I cannot say that any of my
information is from the most authentic sources.
Marvin and Seymour have both gone to the south
to spend the Winter. Lansing and Fellows are not
here where they are seems somewhat doubtful some
say in jail at New York some say in New Jersey

[right Margin] Pa thinks its useless to keep a fire in the hall I have no
place to see company except in the south room whichThis sentence continues on page 3 margin

Friday morning - I finished yesterday a letter which
I commenced a week ago to Frances Tuthill
and wrote the 2 first pages of this, by that time my
eye sight failed me. Lazette came in and sat the
remainder of the day - she had just received a letter
from Worden saying he should come out immediately.
This morning Frances has been over to announce his
arrival. She did not know any thing of his intentions
respecting their winter residence. The weather continues
pleasant I feel quite inclined to go out but
my breast is still sore and at times very painful.
Wednesday morning Mrs Miller's Ann came over early
and desired a private interview with Pa - he received
an invitation to dine there in company with Miss Almira Bennet! He went, they were the only guests -
Clary was invited over to tea but only called. Do you
think Almira has a fancy for a second courtship. I
do not know what Maria's views are on this subject but
Pa's invitation was such a wonderful secret that I
should think she had some design in it. Peter who
was a little slighted as he thought in not being
made a confidant says he looked in at the window
and saw them all in the green house admiring
the plants - this was certainly new amusement for
one of the party. There are the Duncans at Mrs Chases's who regret very much that you are away from
home as they wish to be patronized by all literary men
and were commended to your good wishes by all your
friends at Canandagua. Mr Duncan is lecturing on Phrenology.
Mrs Duncan. is his step sister and wife! daughter of professor
Barber - then they have with them a little girl who is half
sister to both, is not this an interesting trio. Professor Sweet is also here and lamenting your absence he
lectures on Elocution with what success I am unable
to say - that address will answer my purpose - your own
My love to Augustus —
Frances —
This is a continuation from page 2 margin
[left Margin] the hall stove renders comfortable at present is it not more
economical than keeping a fire in the North room?

William H. Seward
Westfield
Chautauque County
Auburn Dec. 10 N.Y.
F.A. Seward
Dec 10, 1836