Florida May 1840
My dear W^m Henry
Now that the most arduous com-
plicated and perplexing rounds of official life
and public duty that ever was performed
by man is about being brought to a close, I
have ventured to occupy a few moments of
your time in reading this line I now address
to you. It would have given us exquisite
pleasure to visit your dear family
residence during the present year but
ill health, afflicting sickness, [hole] ,
debility, and emaciation, too [hole]
appear in public is my apology for not
attempting to put in [hole] able an object
often indeed when fine [hole] and a
momentary improvement of simptoms
invigorated our spirits we have commenced
the effort but invariably before getting under
way afflicting disease would admonish
us that our retired cottage far removed from
the busy scenes of life was the only place for
full indisposition — Having therefore
relinquished all hopes of visiting Albany
the next important question is shall we
have the pleasure of seeing yourself and
dear family in Florida before your return West

It is desirable for me also to draw your
attention one moment to a business
subject within your recollection viz. the suit of
SSS vs Wood & Wood before the Chancellor
This cause took a singurar & most unexpected
turn before N.C. Ruggles – You recomended
an appeal which was taken since which I
have never heard a word from it except that
S.Stephens Esq was spoken to for the purpose of
attending to it — will you or through the
a[ tt ] ention of Mr Blatchford have the goodness
[ to ] [ in ] quire into the state of this long long deferred
Suit too it is of some consequence to me
yourself I have had the most
confidence in our success – But the
little assis [hole] you rendered convinced me
that our ally H.G. Mcane entirely incompet-
tent to conduct this suit — I have Hencefore
forborn ever to mention the case to them
in the hope that you would keep M^r
Stevens advised in the suit — Shall I
have the satisfaction of hearing from
yourself M^r Secretary Blachfor or Counsellor
Stevens as early as possible in this matter
Our new contest in the state & in the
Union appears far more favorable than
it did at the time of Gov Harrison's nomination
May God prosper as in this cause so vital to the
Union

Our dear little Caroline is with us – she is
a sweet child and we think much above
most of her age in mental attainments
she & GWS children go to the Academy – an
excellent school at present — Will you not
indulge us with bringing all your children
down with you Probably the last time they
will ever see their grand sires .
Writing has become very
laborious for me — To mend the matter
I upset my Ink but you must take it
as it is I cannot copy — We shall
look for you down before you re-
turn to Auburn Write as when we
may Expect you
Affectionately
Yours Saml S Seward

Florida
11 May 1840
William Henry Seward
Governor of the State New York
Albany
hSaml S Seward
May 11. 1840