Auburn Dec. 17. 1838.
My dear Jennings,
I have needed ubiquity since the election. I intended
to go to Chautauqua, but I could not. Even this hour is stolen
from pressing cares and clamorous demands of every form to
tell you why I did not come, what I mean to do, and what
I think you must do.
I was obliged to go to Albany. I staid the shortest time to
make half the arrangements for such a home as I need,
I came back. Amid interruptions of every five minutes and
lasting sometimes (ring now of the street doorbell) all day and
night, I have prepared the material of my message. I have devoted
to it every hour I had from 8 to 12 until last night. Today
I have written four letters and done no more but answer
calls from home and abroad.
I steal away to Albany the [ mometmoment ] I get my corres=
pondence brought up[ , ] my papers ready and other things ne=
cessary done. There (what a prospect) to recieve my message,
and complete domestic arrangements. I leave Frances at
home, sick all winter, and live, how you may imagine.
What I want you to do is thus.
Remember 1^st. I want to close all my accounts in Chautauqua
2^d. Appoint you agent.
3^d. Apportion all monies received (& expenses) since 20^th Feb.
last. among the properties
4^th Shew each proprietor his account of lands & monies.
5^th. Sell and convey all
6^{th .} Establish the new principles of doing business under the
new arrangement.

When the bustle of the 1^st. of January is over & you have all the papers
perfect for all this as far your knowledge of the affairs of the
office will permit, come to Albany and we will complete
them together. I will then notify our friends to join us there,
and John Duer to come up from New York.
Thus I have said all that is needful, only to bring with
you every question that embarrasses with you and the papers bear-
ing on it. After two or three weeks this excitement and bustle
will wear away. I will have a home for you.
Time is too precious to expend even in grateful acknowl=
edgements of love affection and gratitude to you and to my
dear sister. Let me know from time to time when I may expect
you to the end that I may advise you as to my probable engage-
ments. Commend me to Mrs Thompson Lauretta Clarence and not
forgetting Jane, and the boy.
Say to everybody in Chautauqua that I am poor in lan-
guage to express my gratitude and hope to be with them early in
the Spring.
God bless you all,
W.H.S

Benjamin J. Seward Esq.
Westfield
Chautauqua Co.
Auburn N.Y DEC
December 17. 1838