Thursday Feb 24^the
My Dearest Henry, Freddy and I went yesterday
to spend the afternoon with Mrs Horner fearing to
trust to Peter's unskillful driving Mr Mc Lallen took us
there - in the evening when he came for us he said
Jennings had arrived. I was very glad to see him
we sat up talking until after nine though my head
was aching violently all the time - he told me much
that was interesting about George and Cornelia but
you will see him after he leaves here and hear all.
He seems very zealously engaged in the cause of
education - intends calling a meeting while here
for the promotion of his views. I am afraid he will ^not^
be very successful here the late fire has occasioned
some demands upon the liberality of the people.
He asked me if I thought Mr Lucas would join the
other clergman in any effort they might make.
I was unable to answer the question. I presumed Mr
Lucas was a High Churchman but have never heard
the subject discussed. Jennings seemed to think this
a very important consideration. I could only say
he was a very good man and a sincere christian.
Jennings has gone now to meet some of his freinds
at the American. Pa went yesterday to Seneca
Falls with Capt. Chase. Col Mynderse is failing but
not confined to his bed. Sunday morning. All have
departed for church and I am alone in the house
I should have gone but am hoarding my strength
to go and hear Jennings this evening - he is as
you have often said a wonderful man - seems entirely
devoted to the cause in which he is engaged
he yields to no discouragements - his efforts are untiring

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William Seward

Birth: 1801-05-16 Death: 1872-10-10

F. A. Seward
Feb 24. 1837

unceasing. I have been so much interested in
his conversation that all my leisure time
has been employed in listening to him - so
you may if you please scold him for this hiatus
in my journal - we visited Mrs Miller yesterday
she seemed gratified. I am endeavouring to overcome
the disposition I feel to shrink from all intercourse
with strangers or ordinary acquaintances. Mrs
Ezekiel Williams called at Mrs Horners the day
I was there - a pause in the conversation was
abruptly broken by her saying in no gentle tone
"that (alluding to Frederick) is the little boy who is
brother to the child that died with the small-pox"
No one spoke and I was compelled to bow assentingly
I could not articulate a sentence. The subject
was dropped here as I suppose my changing color
must have indicated that it was any thing but
agreeable to me. It is such things as these dear
Henry that makes my timid spirit shrink within
itself and induces me to avoid society. I
cannot bear t to hear that horrid disease
named by an indifferent person - by one who
does not comprehend my feelings - and yet I
know that this is a morbid sensibility which
ought not to be cherished. I will try to overcome
it. My nerves are still exceedingly weak and
my head aches daily almost hourly, but I think
Jennings will tell you that I am tolerably cheerful
I will write again soon. Jennings leaves early
tomorrow and I must write a few lines to
Marcia - your own Frances -