Washington Jan 2^d–1856
My dear Son,
I was glad to be assured
of your safe arrival at Key West
by your letter of the 22^d –
Fred left us this morning after
a visit of a little more than a
week – he came the Saturday before
Christmas – I was sorry he could
not stay longer – Anna remains
she looks sad this morning but
will soon be cheerful again – Fred
stayed over two days longer than
he intended to be with her at
a dinner party here on Monday
and a reception yesterday – The
dinner was given to the Webbs who
were all here including Watson Jr.
Mr & Mrs Fish & Miss Fish, Judge
and Mrs Nelson Mr Chase & Ms

composed the party which I believe
was entirely satisfactory to all –
A French cook (“Professor”) made a
nice dinner without giving me
any trouble – he provided every thing
for the table – I saw the
Miss Webbs in my room after
dinner – they appeared much as
they used to do – seemed very glad
to see me – Louisa is the most
like her mother – Mrs Webb
whom I have also seen, is or
appears more youthful than the
daughters – she is pretty and child
-like in her manners – Yesterday
Father & Fred and Anna staid
at home and received a great
many gentlemen, giving them coffee
and oysters with New Years cakes
a box of which was sent us
from New York – I was not
quite as well as usual & saw

no one – I am better again to day –
I have frequent letters from Aunty
who was recalled to Canandaigua
about two weeks ago – she says Uncle
is slowly recovering from his last
attack of hemmorhage but still
confined to his room – I intend
writing to Frances that we are
ready to see her if she thinks
it proper to leave her father –
Clarence sends me word that he
and Caroline will come when
I am ready – Frances Seward
writes that she will be here
next week – The weather is cold
and unpleasant – we have a
fire in the dining room occasionally
with the exception of the office
the rest of the house is made
comfortable with the furnace –
Aunt Clara was well when I last
heard – she does not find time

to write often – No speaker for the
House yet – Mr Banks keeps about
the same number of votes – every
day we hear that the speaker will
be elected tomorrow – The President
has become weary of the delay
and sent in a message which is
by a majority of persons thought
to be a reply to a certain speech
made in Western N. York last October
I have not read the message –
Of course there has been very little
business transacted in Congress –
Fanny has a little black puppy,
and an occasional visit from
her friend Louisa for amusement
She and Anna send love – Willie
went with Father to Plymouth – both had
a very satisfactory time – were gone
a week – Will it be of any use for me
to send you a paper occasionally? will you
get them? I wish there could be some more
frequent communication – Andy Webb has left
his young wife and gone to Florida where he
is stationed at present – I have not seen his wife

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May God bless a keep you
Mother –