Albany 15th January 1832.
My dear Sir,
I have written to Grandmother very particularly concerning
the health of Frances and the children—there are many persons
here who are going soon to Auburn and you might be caused
some uneasiness by hearing of France's illness but it is but a slight
attack of the influenza which no person avoids.
Mr. Walker the member of assembly from Clinton County was
found dead in his bed this morning. He has been in infirm
health during several months past but was in his place yesterday
and retired as well as usual last evening. I was not acquaint-
ed with him.
I send by Mr. Webb the List of lands sold for taxes. I have
had it several days but missed the only opportunities which
offered for sending it. I send also 6th Wendell and 2d Paige.
The engrossing subject of conversation here is the application
of the United States Bank for the renewal of its charter. The
votes upon the reference of it to the Committee of Ways and
Means in the House and to a select Committee in the Senate
are considered as decisive of a majority in favor of the Bank
in both Houses of Congress. The Jackson men here maintain
that the General will put his veto upon it. I do not think
so. If Van Buren succeeds in getting a nomination for Vice President
coextensive with the support of Jackson after the latter shall
have arrested the rechartering of the United States Bank I shall
be egregiously disappointed. If he is to fail in getting a nomina-
tion then it were to be desired by him that Jackson should have
vetoed the bill because it will be easy to rally a strong party upon
the distinct grounds of opposition to the Bank. Gen Jackson
probably cannot by any atrocity shake himself off from the blind

confidence of an infatuated People but most certainly his further and
ultra opposition to the Bank can now be productive of no other
effect as regards himself than to disgust some of his friends
while the approbation of the bill could do him no conceivable
injury.
The question of succession tin the Executive of this state begins
to be interesting. It is now no longer doubtful that Throop is determined
to be a candidate before the Herkimer Convention in any event.
He is supported by Croswell Porter, Knower and the Mechanics and
Farmer's Bank. Opposed to him are believed to be Wright Flagg and
Bronson. In the publication of the Craftsman as a Daily paper
is abundant evidence that Gen. Root will push his pretensions
but he is no longer in favor with the real Van Buren men
whether they be in favor of or opposed to Throop. His support
of the United States Bank is high treason against the
party. That Edward P. Livingston is the favored candi-
date of the Party in New York is now avowed and the
Courier and Enquirer wisely takes bold ground in his favor
and against Throop.
Now of all these candidates he whom we should most prefer
our opponents should nominate is Throop. He has been so
successfully run down by his opponents, that the lukewarm
support of his nomination by any portion of his own party
would I think render very probable Grangers success.
The next most weak nomination should be that of Livings-
ton. He is very much now like Throop as he was when he
last ran—he has no strong claim for talents or services upon
his party nor is he at all a strong man in public estimation.
That nomination which we should have most to fear would
be that of General Root. While he would equally with Throop
or Livingston receive all the support which could be effected

by the application of the machinery of the Party the boldness and
originality of his talents and the prominence of his character
after the party have been goaded by taunts and gibes for
imbecility would give him a most powerful claim upon
those who are inclined to be disgusted-and at this day when
Masonry has so strong a prejudice against Granger it can
not be denied that Root would get very many votes which
would be reluctantly if at all given to Granger. I do not
apprehend however that there can be a union in favor
of Root, the Throop men would greatly prefer going for
Livingston.
Granger is popular in the house and Maynard is confessedly
the man of the greatest influence in the Senate. There seems
to be but one opinion among our friends on the subject
of our nominations, and that is in favor of Granger and
Stevens. We shall probably call our convention at an early
day though different views are entertained as to t[ he ]
expediency of calling it early.
The National Republican nomination excited no intere[ st ]
and I very much doubt whether if we lead off early there
will be an organization of that party.
When may we expect to see you here?
Yours affectionately,
W H Seward
Elijah Miller Esq.

Elijah Miller Esq
Auburn