Unionville, Dec’ 30th, 1846.
Dear Uncle,
I am compelled to address you upon
a subject which occasions me much disquietude.
When at your house, on my way from New
York to Chautauque immediately after my Father's de-
cease, I had a conversation with you about the
disposal of his affairs & the settlement of his estate.
You then stated that there were probably but few and
small claims against him – that I might safely pay
the whole of small demands when presented – that if
his effects fell short of satisfying creditors you would
assume the balance. The same things, in substance,
were repeated in subsequent conversations.
In view of all this, & at your suggestion I ap-
plied for & took out Letters of Administration – collec-
ted monies & paid debts, supposing that the whole
business would be easily & speedily adjusted; when to
my surprise & yours Mr R. M. Blatchford presented
a claim of $800., to meet which alone would nearly
require all the effects of the estate. – I became
afterwards embarrassed in my own pecuniary affairs –
was compelled to leave Westfield – and located, for
the time being at Florida . On the 20 Nov’ 1843, at
your suggestion as he said, Mr Blatchford requested
me to place the whole business of the estate in the
hands of Mr Patterson, as a personal friend & a
man of responsibility. The requisite papers

were accordingly sent to Auburn to be forwarded to
Chautauque, & reached their destination only a few
months since
I have paid out nearly $700. in settling various claims:
there remain yet to be paid about $200 besides Mr Blatch-
fords demands – while there are some Notes & other property
which will partially liquidate these debts.
I have always relied upon Mr Blatchford’s personal friend-
ship for you to procure a delay in the settlement of
his claims: & doubtless it has been on this ground
alone that he has suffered the matter to remain so
long quiet.
By the mail which carries this I write to Mr
Patterson to send you an account of the present
position of this business: & my object in writing now
is to enquire if you will look over that account
when it shall be received, & then inform me whether
you cannot assist in closing the estate. If you
will be willing to assume the payment of the amount
which the estate may fall short of meeting, I will
give you a note for the Sum thus advanced & will
make it a point of honor to pay the interest upon
it semi-annually until the note itself is cancelled.
As I am not entirely ignorant of your own pecuniary
difficulties, it causes me much pain to make this request:
but my reputation & consequently my means of usefulness are
involved in the matter, & I am constrained to take the step.
Respectfully,
Your Affectionate Nephew,
August Seward.
Hon’ W. H. Seward.

Honorable W. H. Seward.
hAugustus Seward
Dec 30^th 1846