Teusday night, 5^th
My Dear Henry, We are once more alone, the Jacobuses departed this morning
before daylight, in the Aurora stage, intending to cross the lake at that
place, the wind has blown hard all day. I hope we shall not hear
that they are drowened for the next news, a couple of wonderful insipid
beings, shall not want to see them again in four years, they desired to
be particularly remembered to you so I will tell you now I am sure I shall
never think of it again. Yesterday Maria, Debby and George were here
to tea. George did not speak at all and Debby said very little to the
purpose but she can talk forever about nothing. Poor Debby I am afraid she
is not long for this world, she has a cancer at least the Dr’s so pronounced
it which is daily becoming more painful. She grows thin, but
retains all her sprightliness, was childishly pleased with the idea of
having George purchase that piece of land of Pa south of the garden
which he says he would do could he sell and build another house.
It never appears to occur to Debby that cancers sometimes terminate fatally.
Clary and Mrs Jacobus went up to see Lazette but returned before tea.
To day Peter has been wonderfully engaged about town meeting, but is
much less talkative than usual to night, somewhat disappointed.
Of course all these proceedings are communicated to you by those who
understand them much better than myself. It has been cold and
unpleasant all day. Edward brought me the 2^d volume of “Byron”
with which I am so much charmed that I found it almost im-
possible to lay it down this evening when my eyes refused any
longer to distinguish the characters. Every one in the house has gone
to bed but myself and Fred is getting quite uneasy about my
long tarrying, so good night dear one. Tomorrow I shall look for
another letter, how vexed I am about that naughty resolution of the
aAssembly not to adjourn until the 26^th.

Wednesday night. This morning Maria and Debby came for Augustus to
go up and spend the day with them which he was very happy
to do. Heard this morning of the death of Josiah Bissel, died at
Seneca Falls, remains to be taken to Rochester. Horace is here ill,
they are afraid to communicate to him the intelligence of his brothers
death. I saw him riding this afternoon with Mrs. Hills. Mrs Hills does
not go out to Seneca Falls. This afternoon being delightful Clary and
I went up to call on Mrs Fredenbergh, found her at home with a very
homely sister who is staying with her, called at Hamiltons, all
out, called at Bartletts saw Frances and Sarah, appeared very
much as they used to do before their conversion, did I tell you
Fitch was among the converts? Edward said he appointed a prayer
meeting last Sunday at Church. Vandervere is also one of them,
called at John Richardsons. Mrs Richardson rather crazy I should judge
from her appearance, pretty girls though, called at Hulberts, men
there digging round and pulling down the old poplar treliss, saw
Sally, Marcia, and Mrs Hulbert. Cummings is to be married to night to
Miss Hart of Rochester, they did not say any thing on that subject however,
came back and went up to Judge Richardsons, found Serene and Elouisa
Munger there spending the afternoon in a sociable or rather unsociable
way, came on to George Woods. Gus ran to meet us, staid there to tea,
very nice time. Augustus very happy, rode with Luke to the barn, went
over to see the colt and various other amusements. Debby appeared
to be perfectly in her element while playing with him, came home
soon after tea on account of Fred, found him asleep, had been exceedingly
nice all the afternoon, did not find any letter from you as I expected,
think it will come tomorrow night, read some in the newspaper some in
Byron, am pretty tired and pretty sleepy, fire all gone out in the
stove, south wind blowing most portentiously, rain of course tomorrow.
If there is any thing I do dislike it is that dreadful melancholy sighing
of the wind through the bell, am going to sleep, good night.

Thursday night. I received your letter of Saturday this morning. dont you
think it came yesterday afternoon and Pa carried it in his pocket until
after breakfast this morning, forgetting that he had it, notwithstanding I had
passed before his eyes at least a dozen times. Well the letter was just
as welcome a little more so than it would ^have^ been had I been obliged
to wait another day as I had concluded to do. Your description of the depar-
ture of the steam boats made me feel quite an inclination to be an eye-
witness of such a scene. I do not remember that I ever but once saw the
departure of a boat from the wharf and that once was when we went
with Mr and Mrs Cornell and I was then too sick to be much interested
or amused by any thing. Bronson has I believe as Finney would say “used up
his conviction” and never advanced further [ that ] the first stage. I do not
believe it is the nature of the animal to complete any thing he is so indolent.
Augustus is still at home, there is no dearth of schools here three or four
advertisements in the last week’s paper of ladies schools but I have not yet
decided upon any. This present time appears to be a general vacation
Bennett who is I think the counterpart of “Donasina” advertises her school
at the “Retreat.” I expect the “Land Beach” has become too common a desig[ nation ]
Well this is a very harmless kind of folly. Mrs. Richardson sent for us again this morning
and maugre a sligh slight shower we put on our cloaks and went this after-
noon. Lazette and Miss Bennett were there before us. Lazette and I exchanged letters
she brought yours for me to read, rather a dull time. It is laughable to hear Mr
Richardson talk with such an affectation of sentiment of the illness of his “dear friend
Judge Powers,” he calls invariably every day to enquire about his health, but I
believe he does not see any more company, continues very low, came home soon
after tea, found the little boys both sound asleep so went over to see Mrs Hills
not much expecting to have that pleasure but determined to show our good intentions.
She had “retired” as we expected. thence we went to see Mrs Horner, she had gone
out but Mr Horner (a remarkable piece of complaisance) went & brought her home
stayed there the remainder of the evening. Mrs Morgan is very ill, has a young son who
has gone into the country to be nursed. Mrs Fitch is also very ill. your own Frances.

William H. Seward
Albany
Auburn N.Y.
Apr. 8
hF.A. Seward 8 Jan. 1831