Sunday Aug. 9^th– 1840
My dear Henry, I did not mean to let a week
pass without writing but it has ere gone by – I received
your letter Friday – Augustus obtained the money from
Mr Beardsley the next day – Morgan was here yesterday
say I must not expect you home immediately – he looks
in better health than I have seen him for a long time
addressed a large meeting at the Log Cabin last
evening – Kit is gaining glory rapidly – I suppose
Jennings mind was relieved by the nomination of
Gerrit Smith by the Abolitionists —
Nothing of particular interest has occurred the
last week – I have had a dentist operating upon
my poor teeth which has made me somewhat
uncomfortable – but I am well, well for the first
time in nearly sixteen years – I feel as if new
life were given me and notwithstanding the increase
of grey hairs at least ten years younger —
Augustus has a vacation of three weeks – The

closing exercises of the school which even at the
Methodist Church – then was a large audience – the
boys performed their parts very well much to
the credit and satisfaction of their teacher Mr
Hopkins who made me a visit yesterday —
Freddy seems to have won his heart – he regretted that
he would not be under his care the next term.
Poor Fred it is fortunate that he has some ambition
and does apply himself when he attends school
his feeble health keeps him at home more than
half the time – I have persuaded Augustus to
give me an hour every day for the study of history
he complies somewhat reluctantly – would much
rather be engaged in shooting birds, swimming
or fishing – he went on Friday with McClallen
to Montezuma they returned with a quantity
of ducks and an immense crane which has
attracted very general attention among the boys
of the neighbourhood — Pa was absent
three days last week attending the commencement at

Geneva — I have a long letter from Lazette – She
was quite ill again last week – She has an excellent
opportunity to spend the Winter in Texas and says
She shall go if you and I think it advisable.
A daughter of Helen Ann Wood of Bath married
about a year ago Dr Moore formerly of Bath but
for four or five years a resident in Texas - at present
a member of their Congress - his wife remained here
after their marriage on account of the ill health of her
mother - her husband is to come for her this fall and Helen ann
who has been to see Lazette wishes very much to have her
accompany them back - she to remain with them through
the winter – I have no doubt the climate would benefit her
as her disease be bronchitis or what it may – she is failing
fast here and unless a favourable change is affected in her
constitution cannot live long - I have suffered much anxiety on
her account for a year past and should now feel unwilling
to have her so far away from me - Worden of course objects to
Frances going - but he is rather too unreasonable to influence any one.
It is late in the evening I have put Willie in bed and
am much obliged to him for allowing me to finish my letter
a favour I did not expect so good night dearest
your own
Frances —

William H. Seward
Albany
AUBURN N.Y.
AUG 10
hMrs W.H. Seward
Aug 9. 1840