Saturday morning
My dearest Henry, Augustus Seward came a
few hours in advance of your letter – he informed
me that you were in Albany but too much
fatigued to take an early breakfast with him –
he left yesterday morning for Owego where he is
to join his father and spend a few days –
Jennings left here Tuesday morning purposing to
return next Monday – I have heard but once
from Blatchford – by a letter from Lazette–
he will probably come along to day if you
have written to recall him – Mrs Lucas spent
last evening with me – told me a great many things
which I cannot write – Jennings did not go to
see her as he was at a loss what to say about
the Chautauque land without having some
conversation with you –
With regard to the alterations in the house at
Albany I have no particular direction to
give – I am quite willing the grate in the
North room should remain as it is – my only object
in having it removed was to dispose of an ill looking
grate and by putting up a fire board to be able

to substitute a stove - but I did not reccollect
at the time the difference in the expense of wood
and coal – it had better remain as it is –
Let the paper for that room be light of colour
your taste is better than mine in the selection.
I should like much to have a cistern we found
it exceedingly inconvenient without one last Winter.
I was sick, dearest, the morning you left
not sad – I do not distrust your affection
the gloomy fancies with which I have so often
tormented both y both you and myself
have been dispelled by the return of health,
that great promoter of cheerfulness – God
grant that they return no more –
I have but a moment to write – Pa is
going to Syracuse– I send my letter by
him to the Rail road – all well —
Your own Frances –

William H. Seward
Albany
hFrances A. Seward
July 25. 1840.