Teusday night —
My dear Henry — I arose this morning with an aching head and burning
and swollen feet — O the delights of dancing all night — A strange day
it has been for the first of January raining, raining, raining all the
morning — James Richards having announced to me the evening previous
the determination of the young gentlemen to make New Years calls
we arranged matters accordingly — Goodwin, Morgan, Fifield, Lockhart
Bird, S Warden and Duremier called they said many had given it
up on account of the rain — Clary says I must tell you that you are
all out about unmarried ladies recieving more attention than married —
but this is her version of matters — Mrs Hills spent the evening with
us was about as exquisite as usual — the night is delightful the moon
is shining brightly but I am too much fatigued to enjoy it and must
to bed — I sent a letter this morning good night dearest —
Wednesday night — Last night after I went to bed and had fallen asleep Clary
came in and brought me your letter of Sunday morning — Of course I was
up in as short time and suceeded in getting my eyes sufficiently opened
to read it — You do not appear in your usual spirits which I very much
regret but hope ere this you are yourself again — Your account of Forests
playing interested me much and I even found myself wishing that
I might have witnessed his performance notwithstanding my repugnance
to tragedy — Poor Weed how much his situation grieves me — The ways
of Providence are indeed past finding out but where we cannot "unriddle we
must learn to trust" — I do not feel quite reconciled to the 3^d story rooms
yet but I will not increase your despondency by my complaints —
I am still more sorry about the inmates of the dwelling — It is extremely
irksome to me to associate with people who are indifferent to me it is more
than irksome it is painful to have daily, hourly intercourse with those who
are absolutely disagreeable — and I do not well see how this is to be avoided —
I am perhaps too fastidious but the truth is I had set my heart upon being
with the Tracy's or Cary's and I am not much disposed to be satisfied with

any one else — Do not infer from this that I wish you to sacrifice your own feelings
to mine — to go to Congress Hall — indeed I do not, but is there no other course
When does J. C. Spencer stop? — I will say more on this subject know believing
you knowing that you will do every thing in your power to make me comfortable
and happy — I was considerably alarmed about Fred last night he coughed
so hoarse and breathed so laboriously — thought I would send for the Dr so
soon as daylight appeared — I had no one to talk with about the dear little fellow
so I imagined all manner of evil an finally wept myself to sleep —
When daylight did actually appear he awoke and appeared better — he has
played about, as usual today — his respiration is more difficult this
evening but I hope nothing serious — Old Mrs Fields has spent the day with
us and Marth Isack Mrs Isaack and Henry Miller Mrs Moffatt Mrs Horner
and Compston the afternoon and evening — Mrs Field's was very sorry that
she did not see you at all when you were last home I promised her that
you would surely call when next you came —
Thursday Morning 4 oclock — My dear Henry I am a watcher by the side
of our dear little Fred — he awoke about 3 this morning with that horrid
hoarse cough and breathing so peculiar to the croup — I got up instantly
and gave him a large portion of antimonial wine — this having no effect
I dispatched Peter for Dr Humphreys — he came in a few moments
which to me seemed hours and gave him another emetick — this
after twice repeating produced vomiting and a cessation of rattling
in the throat but for one hour every breath he drew entered my heart —
If you were only home — but this may not be — The Dr when he came in
said immediately in a very consolatory manner — "he is a very sick
child — has got the croup — the worst kind and fairly seated —
I have given him a portion of calomel and the family have all gone to bed —
his breathing is still difficult though much less so than previous to the
operation of the emitick —
Thursday night 9oclock — Our precious one is much better and the Dr
says if he gets through the night without a return of the croup symptoms
he will tomorrow be out of danger — he is lying in his cradle by my side
breathing low and freely — you may imagine how much my heart is lightened —
I wish you could see the little fellow take medicine he does so readily
and without a murmur —

G. Sackett came last evening and has put up for two or three days — Willard
also has been here two or three days, they take turns sleeping with Pa
I believe. George Wood has been here this afternoon and had a long talk
with Maria about Deb — I have had no conversation with Maria since
but from Clary's account should think the consultation was not of the
most satisfactory kind to either Party — I have seen no one as I have
been up in my room with Frederick all of the day — I am very weary
tonight and so free from anxiety that I think I can sleep soundly
Pa, Sackett, Moffatt and Willard are all in the basement drinking
punch — The night is as warm as april — I shall send this letter
tomorrow if Fred continues improving —
Friday afternoon — This morning I recieved your letter and the
beautiful Boa by Mr Howe — I am glad you spent your New Years
more pleasantly than you anticipated I was much entertained
by the account of your calls — Frederick is quite well again, this morning
was dressed and is playing about as usual — Grandma says he is
undoubtedly the best child in the world — there is something so peculiar
in the disposition of our children — she could never make hers take
any medicine or make them obey her in any way without a great
noise — I have not seen Lazette since the Ball should go up
today but the walking is intolerable, we have today sat without
any fire the weather is so warm — Augustus was much pleased with
the mention made of him in your letter — he said "I know that Ma and I
am very happy all the time" — He continues to go to school —
his cough has abated but little since you left — Fred says I must
tell Pa about his being very sick — I close this letter now that it may
go to the office this evening — Sackett and Willard have gone home
Your own Frances

hFor Mrs Tracy —
My dear Aunty. I intended last eve-
ning to come up and spend the evening
with you and Aunty Cary but your grace-
less husband came down to my room
and abused me out of patience with
myself and him and I staid home
rather than carry a vexed spirit to
annoy you — I hope you'll teach him
to behave better and keep better
pens —
Your dutiful
nephew
William H. Seward
Albany —
AUBURN, NY
JAN 5