Washington September 17^th. 1837.
My dear Jennings,
It is a blessed and bright Sunday morning. I
am relieved from the solicitude that has preyed upon me
since I left home. My friends and acquaintances have
left me alone, and I am at liberty to write with more
coolness than has marked my hurried letters heretofore,
but at the same time I must make short letters because
I am to write several letters this morning.
1^st. The arrangement as to the $50,000 is after this man-
ner. I receive the certificates of the American Trust Co.
for $650,000, payable in London. The Bank of the United
States (this is confidential) are on the first of next month
to send an Agent to reside in Europe – they will take the cer-
tificates to sell on commission and will advance the
$50,000. I meet the Prest. of the Trust Co. & the BK of the
U.S. in Philada on Wednesday next to settle the form of the
transaction, and then proceed to New York where the
certificates will be issued – and delivered.
2^nd. I am to explain the reasons for the tenor of my late
letters to you. There is evidently a contraction of the currency
to continue for several months. The times are to grow more
difficult. I think there is some risk that our measures
of collection may be misunderstood and therefore be regard-
ed as oppressive. Supposing that an impression has been
made sufficiently extensive, that we are to have our annual
payments, I think it best to be very cautious how we give
occasion to complaints of harshness and severity. But
you are to recollect my absence denies me of the means

of judging upon this matter. I wish not to be severe and I wish
moreover not to be esteemed more severe than I am. You
will exercise therefore a discretion leaning towards for-
bearance, and especially being generous in the settlement
of the mortgage foreclosures.
3^d I wait with much solicitude to hear the news
of your efforts to arrange the matter with the Lumber-
man's Bank.
I have found many friends here and made
some interesting acquaintances, especially that of Mr Clay & that of Mr Calhoun. I am to drive tomorrow
with the former[ . ] There is a possibility that the bill to
postpone the distribution of the fourth instalment of the
deposites which passed the Senate the day before yesterday
will pass the house of Representatives – although this is by
no means certain. This law however will not operate
to our prejudice at home, as the state will pay the
amount.
It is probable that a bill will pass Congress
authorizing the issue of Treasury notes to 12 millions of
dollars. This will relieve the Country very much, as the
notes will go into circulation.
I think no other law will pass Congress.
Mr Calhoun has made a towards the ad-
ministration, but will carry not more than two mem-
bers of Congress with him. His purpose however is not
yet clearly understood and I am inclined to believe
he will fall back into the opposition when he finds that
the administration with his aid will not be strong e-
nough or bold enough to carry out its locofoco project[ . ]

Will you address your next letter to Albany care of J. L Rathbone – and after that to Auburn.
I leave here tomorrow at five – but suppose I shall be
detained at New York until some time next week.
My love to Marcia and Kindest regards to
all the family – with expressions of warm remembrances
of all my friends at Westfield.
Yours affectionately
WH.Seward
B.J.Seward Esq.

Benjamin J. Seward Esq.
At the Land Office
Westfield
Chautauqua Co.
N. York
WASHINGTON CITY D.C. SEP 17 September 17. 1837