New York, 29 Jany 1832
My Dear Henry,
On recieving your obliging letter I
intended to acknowledge it without delay
but it was omitted until I got so engaged
with my official duties that I have not had
any time I could call my own —
The wreceks on our coast have kept me
busy: particularly that most important one
the George Canning. I have come up here on
account of it. it was the hardest
struggle I ever felt to leave home just at
this time but that very important considera-
tion, our interest, could not be overlooked
I shall leave today at 2 P.M. for Philad
& get back to my family tomorrow eveg
Dear Henry I am deeply concerned to tell
you, that although we have as many
comforts, & sources of happiness as we ever
had, still, since Cornelia returned she
has been much of the time dejected and
unhappy. It is caused she says by a fierce
apprehension, of that which my experience
teaches me is but too apt to come
when most feared. How can I name it

It is no less than a fatal termination of the trial
which she must soon expect to suffer.
These fears appal me, they grow into realities.
What has caused them? Dejections of mind in
consequence of the treatment she received at her
Fathers

x

Samuel Seward

Birth: 1768-12-05 Death: 1849-08-24

. I am not complaining of that treatment, nor
do I wish to assign the motives, but I am sure it
was different from what Cornelia hoped for, & turned
her desponding. What is the remedy to remove the
cause, & give his mind a new destraction, this your
Father could do by a letter containing one single
token of kindness & love, If I could be allowed
at this moment to have what I wished for it would
be that, above all things else, I pray you in God's name
bring it about. It will cost nothing, and even if
Judge Seward feels it due to himself to pursue
the same general line course in regard to Cornelia
I can only say with deep sorrow & regret the most
painful, be it so, but for this time, & for this
important purpose, will he not for a moment
relent? —
Cornelia will not own the cause but I know if
she is ignorant of my purpose of writing to this effect
She must remain so, the expedient which I
propose, is of a temporary kind at least it is all
I can hope for, if even for that.

I could write without end.
Ive 2 hours I must be on my way home, I have
I hope made my self intelligable, O that you
may realize the importance of this matter —
Write to us often. Your letters alway make
Cornelia very happy. She loves you so much
Make my true regards to Mrs S. and know
me always as yours with true affection & respect
M.D. Canfield
W. H Seward Esq

Free
M.D. Canfield P.M.
BargainTown N.J.
Hon W. H. Seward
— Senate
Albany N.Y.
New York
Jan 29
Free
hM. D Canfield
29 Jan 1832