Sunday July 9th
My dear Augustus,
Your long kind letter which im-
parted much satisfaction to us all, came three or
four days ago – I was sorry not to be able to
answer it earlier – but I have had no time – Abbey
returned Thursday morning or I should have been left
entirely alone – The coloured woman who had been
here until that time left the same day – We are
of course constantly occupied – In addition to this
your Grandpa Seward has been dangerously ill – I
wrote for your Father who was in Utica to come
home he returned last Friday morning – for the last
two day your Grandpa has appeared rather better but
I very much doubt whether he ever returns to Orange
County – This influenza has proved fatal to so many
old persons and persons whose constitutions were impaired
by previous disease indeed those who were in good
health suffer long from its effects – I can hardly

[right Margin] Your Father goes to Utica again this week

venture to hope that you will escape – I am much relieved
to hear that you find your accommodations in camps
more comfortable than I feared – We have had here a number
of hard showers with wind which I think must have
tried the stability of your tents if they extended as
far as West Point – The weather has been much cooler
since last Sunday – Your Aunt Worden and Frances came
out on Thursday they have staid at Clara's so far
on account of Grandpa Sewards sickness – They are
both very well, make many enquiries about you and
send much love – Aunt Clara appears to be pleasantly
situated and I think now will find more time as her
house is about arranged – Mr McClallen is very
much delighted with his new home – Willie goes there
just as often as he can get any one to take him – he
spends his time playing with two turtles which they have
Willie is uncommonly well, his eyes are better than they
have been in six months – The 4^th passed off here
more quietly than I have ever known it to do – I told Fred
that I thought it ten years more the day would
cease t to be kept as a holiday if the enthusiasm

continued to diminish as it has done since my remembrance
Fred exhibited his fire works the evening previous, and the
evening of the 4^th went to the garden with Mr McClallen
most of the noise which I heard was occasioned by the
fire crackers which he and Bill had in the door yard
there was no cannon fired until the dinner and then
not frequently – The trees which your father planted
are mo many of them in a thriving condition, he is still
engaged in adding to the shrubbery and vines. Our
cherries are not ripe – they are rather later than usual.
I have seen a few from Mr Rathbones garden – Mrs Miller
has just returned from a visit to Saratoga – has come h[ ome ]
with the influenza – Ann is sick too which makes a sorry
time – Henry Miller is married to a Miss Baldwin
of Detroit – his family appear much pleased – we received
a packet of wedding cake – Sarah Cary is also married
Walter passed through yesterday on his way to Philadelphia
leaving for us a large quantity of cake and a letter from
his father – Sarah married Mr Verplank to whom
she has been engaged some time – I hear nothing more
of Clarence – intend to write to him to day – All send love
Your affectionate Mother –

I have not yet seen Mrs Dennis – will make your
apology with pleasure when I do –
Augustus H. Seward
At the Military Academy
West Point –
AUBURN N.Y.
JUL 9

[bottom Margin] I wrote last Sunday – you have probably
received the letter before this –

[left Margin] h

Unknown

1 handkerchief
1 pr drawers
1 pr stockings
4 collars
1 shirt
1 towel