Martinsburg Dec 25/64
Christmas
My dearest Jenny
Your letter of the 18^th
came Friday. I am rejoyced to hear that the
children keep so well & that you yourself
are feeling better. It seems to me that
you should have another nurse, but of course
do as you think best about it
You say that you do not wish me to give
up the idea of housekeeping in the spring
and that you think it will be just as easy
for me to leave home ^now^ as any time. I have
by no means given it up, but you must
beare in mind that while it is my full intention
to leave the service as soon as I can do so with
credit to myself, yet it is not entirely positive
that it will be this winter. My plan was to put
the McClallen house in such condition that it would
be pleasant for us to occupy next summer or if
anything seems to prevent, it could be rented for enough
more to pay for the improvements put on. Being
owned in the family this could be done and we occupy

it without much expense to me. I do not
however think that it would be wise for us
to rent another house this year. In view of
the heavy loss I have had this fall I feel that
I cannot make my arrangements with too much
prudence during a time which is so unsettled Iand
it is my wish above all things to have my affairs
in such a shape, that if anything should happen
to me you and the children would be independents
but while I am bringing this about I do not
wish you to feel that it is necessary for you to
denie yourself any reasonable comfort or luxury
In regard to leaving home you know my feelings
as well as I do. Mother loves you as dearly as
she does one of her own children and the thought
of our causing her any trouble which she
would not gladly forego for the sake of keeping
us at home does not enter her mind. She is now
fifty six years old and I can never remember the
time that she was not intent upon doing some thing
to promote my comfort or happiness. Are you surprised
therefore that when I think of all these things I
feel regret to leave home just at a time when it is
likely to leave her all alone. Would Father come
home in the Spring as I think now he will it would

be pleasanter for all of us probably if we
have a house of our own and in that case
I think Mother would spend much time with
us, but dear Jenny be content to leave this
matter to me and be sure I will keep your
comfort & happiness uppermost in my mind
Mr Day writes that Rathbone will give up
the house if he can get another one and that
he is now looking for one, so that I think we
stand a pretty good changce to have it
This has been rather a dull Christmas for me
I had several pressing invitations out to dinner
& spend the evening but declined them all on
general principals. George & several of the staff
took dinner yesterday at Kearneyville one of the
Posts in my command. They returned in the evening
having had a fine time. I am just about
starting out to make an inspection of the Hospitals
and see the preparations for Christmas dinner which is to
be served in each for the soldiers
I have been thinking to day if I should stay here
as long as the first of Feby that you could take the
baby & Mary and come down and spend one or
two weeks here very pleasantly. I have a good
house & with some little additions of furniture it could

be made very comfortable. Capt Knowles
would bring his wife down at the same
time what do you think of it
The Medical Director has just time for me so I
will close Good bye & Merry Christmas
Your Will

Mrs W^m H Seward Jr
Auburn
N.Y.
MARTINSBURG N.Y.
26 DEC
hDec 25th 1864