Albany February 19^th 1839.
My dear Jennings,
I have received your letter of the 19^th instant.
There are several things of importance to be attended to whether
Mr Duer visits England or not.
1st. To make such arrangements as he wishes and deems pru-
dent in regard to the receipts and remittances.
2^d. To provide for the execution of deeds bonds and mortgages
and contracts at the Land office.
3^d. For carrying to the account of each proprietor in equity
the receipts properly belonging to him as principal and
interest.
4^th. To arrange the manner and circumstances for Mr William Duer to proceed to Chautauque to take the bonds and
mortgages which should be received in extinguishment of the
debt.
These were the purposes for which (shut up and engrossed
as I am here) I thought it best you should visit New York.
They seemed to contemplate all the purposes which pressed
at this moment.
I have to request that you give your undivided atten-
tion to them relying as I do upon his ability and skill in
determining the forms of proceeding of which not being lawyer
you must be uninformed.
It was only in the event that Mr Duer was to be
called abroad that I deemed it important you should
suggest at this time the charge of the improved property

at and near Auburn for Chautauque wild lands.
If he does not decide to go abroad that entire subject may
be left until I shall go to New York when the time opens – as it
does not press upon me. The event of his going abroad will
render it necessary that he should leave a power of substitu-
tion for that purpose. ^(Mr Throop is a very proper person to certify the value of the property at Auburn – but that is to be attended to at Auburn.)^
If this shall be done the business may be completed in his
absence.
I feel most sensibly the misfortune of being confined here so that
I cannot reach New York. Yet I am sure his knowledge of
my occupation will satisfy him that escape is impossible.
If however he decides to go abroad and in view of all the
circumstances shall require it, I will at whatever hazards
repair to New York for a day or two days before his departure
although I scarcely know how I could justify or explain the
matter to a curious and impertinent public.
When you have completed theese arrangements you will
above mentioned to Mr Duer's satisfaction you will please return
here without delay – and be ready to proceed with Mr William
Duer to Chautauque.
Yours affectionately
W. H. Seward
B.J.Seward Esq.

Benjamin J. Seward Esq
Care Am. Life Ins. & Trust Co.
New York
paid W. H. S.
ALBANY N.Y. FEB 20 PAID
February 19, 1839