Life & Trust Office N.Y.
22 Jany. 1841
My dear Brother
Your remark in Mr Blatch- fords letter “that you do not hear from
me” not only prompted me to write, but
to offer apology for past silence. I love
to write - but in the excessiveness of your
occupations, I have feared to trouble
you. My triumphs with Mr Duer
have been so few that they have re-
quired little report - you know all,
and in regard to the politicks of the
city I am so strongly influenced with
the belief that your reasons ^sources^ of in-
information are ample & more authentic
than mine, that I am deterred from
writing. This feeling prevented me
from addressing you while in Washington,

[left Margin] Mr Duer received little encouragement or comfort in
Washington

If you have time to read I will
even now, remark upon one or two things
in Washington. Mr Granger shows great
anxiety. Fillmore is devoted - not so much
to him - as to the West, where his own
hopes lie. The unity & strength of which
he believes to require Mr Grangers appoint-
ment. The delegation, as a general thing
understand you to be somewhat indifferent
& with indifference in their own part ac-
cede to the proposition: and Mr Granger
stands well with others (I heard it said)
Clay, Webster &c, & if any thing is done
for N.Y. it will be for Mr Granger.
I ventured the opinion in Fillmore’s
hearing, no where else, that from what I
know of Harrison’s ambition to have more
of talents around him, it would
be doubtful whether Granger would renew
an offer: & the day following Fillmore
sent Morgan to me to advise caution.
He need not have sent: but it showed
feverishness.
On every occasion where Southern sen-
timent could be obtained, I brought up
the Virginia correspondence: and am of
the opinion that you have lost nothing
won among Southerners in this matter.

I believe the South wish the state of V.-
to become quiet and I think too there
is an impression every where away the
intelligent & that your doctrine is the true
one & must be submitted to.
I have been more than pleased, in
Baltimore, in Phil& Trenton in each
of which I made a little stay, to hear
the sentiment that you are reputed to be
the only man in the state who
would have kept the state out
of the hands of the old regency
or can now keep your party in
[ the ] ascendant. I will not say
[ how ] happy it has made me to
see that you are appreciated abroad
nor how solictious I am that no
untowared occurrence may retard your usefulness-.
I was absent just two weeks - one of
which, was while Mr Duer was absent also.
I am, now, while writing waiting for a third
appointed meeting of the board on my business
without hope, almost, that it will be held
without another & more urgent call. Except
the week I refer to, I have not lost a day
or an hour in this affair from inattention on
my part. - Never doubt my attention to your
interests, and business. I shall force my affairs
along in a very few days - spend a short time
in Florida - and be with you. someday
with

3 OClock a meeting was actually held -
Mr Duers decision in Chautaugua relating to
the terms upon which our mortgages should be
received, was ratified, and the mortgages are
received. But the meeting had other business &
grew impatient, so that the propositions relating
to the business of Cook & all and others, it was
determined should be referred to the Finance
Committee for another day. No objection was made
to your proposition.
I hope your health will continue to improve
and you may have leisure for me for an hour
I have much to say which cannot be written.
Your unworthy grateful happy brother B.J.S.
Wm H Seward Esq
Albany
N.Y.
New York Jun 22
B.J. Seward
Jan 22. 1841