Sunday afternoon -
My dearest Henry,
I yesterday received your Sunday
letter six days after date – my head aches so violently
that I can only write a few lines. Clara has been
very sick with the measels but is now out of
danger unless she should take cold – she sits up
some – she has recovered much more rapidly
than we had any reason to anticipate. I sent for
Mrs Dean and Mrs Benedict but could get nothing
of them – Freddy is still feeble but playing about
as usual – making great calculations on keeping
Easter tomorrow – he has just dismissed his
church. Hyde (formerly with Hills) was buried
yesterday – an inflammation of the brain – it
is thought the depression of his spirits occasioned
by his embarrassed circumstances hastened his
death. You will perceive that I read and
copied one stanza of the pretty poetry you sent
me. It struck me as being particularly beautiful
and expressive. I was happy to have your letter
coincide with mine. I very much doubt whether
Marcia consents to leave Cincinnati for Westfield – however
you promise to come home in three weeks and I think
I shall not allow you to leave me at home again alone.
I will write again soon your own Frances.

F. A. Seward
March 1837