Bargain Town Dec 30 38
My dear Parents,
I am deeply indebted to each of you for
a very kind letter duly received, and am come now
at the close of this year to wish you the “compliments of
the Season” and as I trust you have had a “happy
Christmas”, so you may have a happier New Year —
Somehow on these holy days I am more inclined to
remember the home of my childhood, and all the
familiar faces inseparably connected with the ass-
-ociation — and when I assemble a few of our good
neighbors (to help us eat our turkey) on such occasions
I see none but strange faces — on New Years day we
expect a small party how much pleasure it would
afford me if I might anticipate the presence of
our dear Parents —
I was very much gratified with Mamas description
of the celebrations at Florida little Caroline would
have entered quite into the spirit of the festival as
would also her Mama. I am not surprised my dear
Parents that his glad occasion almost renews your
age, it is no small honor to have a son so deservedly
complimented as Henry has been — and I am sure
my dear Papa we all join in your prayer that “his
administration be distinguished for wisdom, stern
integrity and a care for the best interests of his native
State — I was delighted to learn by last mail (in a
letter from Frances Grier) of your comfortable health.
I hope it may be ^long^ continued, I thought often ^of^ your com
-fortable coal fires during the recent cold weather,
tho’ this climate is more mild than yours — today
has been moderate, pleasant being in the open air
without buffalo skins, or much additional clothing
I have recently received kind letters from Henry &
Frances (I regret very much to hear of her indisposition)
from Jennings and Washington, the latter writes more

cheerfully than he has been in the habit of doing
of late years — I hope & pray his experiment of
farming may answer his expectations —
I am gratified to hear of Mary Sewards improvement
in her music, I hope she will become a proficient.
Caroline practiced while she was at Uncles a
good deal. She seems fond of it but I am afraid
she has not much ear. She remembers every body
and every thing she saw during her visit — and
affords me much pleasure in speaking of those
whom I love, she goes to school when the weather
is not too cold, and improves finely —
My little Mary Seward is very well, getting quite
chubby and rosy —
Please remember me kindly to all enquiring
friends _ and excuse this letter as I write in haste.
from your affectionate
Daughter
Cornelia
My very dear Parents —