Auburn Dec 24^th
My Dear Augustus
It is so near Christmas that
I may wish you a "Merry Christmas" though
from your account of the prospect in your
letter I should judge it not very probable
that my wish will be realized – It was
rather amusing that Major Delafield should
think gymnastic exercises a pleasing recreation
for boys who are drilled as thoroughly as
the cadets but it is a long time since he
was a boy and I fancy he has long forgotten most
of his boyish feelings – in this he is not singu-
lar – exceptions are rare – I am glad you
write in good spirits as I infer from that
that you are in good health – We have
not received the report for November – I suppose
the circumstance of your making 'hash' will not
be specifically mentioned therein –

Fred has not received any answer from George Hills
so we do not know whether he is to come or not –
Clarence is still here – he was much inclined
when he came to go into some store and indeed
prefers it yet but your father has advised him
to continue his studies and I think he has
about concluded to do so – He would much
rather go to some other place but I have no
doubt it is better for him to remain here where
he can be a little restrained in his expenditures.
I do not know how he and Mr Hopkins will
agree – should not be surprised if they should
have some difficulty – Clarence thinks now
he can prepare for college by next July
The weather has been very mild here the
last 8 days – snow all gone and streets
very muddy – Aunt Clara and I went
this morning (on our return from Church) to
see poor Mrs Hotchkiss who has just lost her
oldest daughter – she was sick only one week
not considered dangerous until the day before

she died – Caroline was two months older
than you are – she died calm and resigned
to the will of her heavenly Father – desired to
be affectionately remembered to all her school mates
it is a sad affliction for her mother – she had
just attained an age to be useful in assisting in
the care of her sisters and brothers – report says
that she was reduced by bleeding injudiciously
so that when her fever left her she sank and
could not be restored by stimulants –
Your Father returned from his journey to New York
Boston &c last Wednesday night – he is much
hurried with business and as usual prevented
from executing it by company – Aunt Clara
is not very well – she says she is homesick and
I think will come home again in the Spring – I
am lonely without her – I wish you would write
your next letter to her instead of me – She
thinks and talks much about you – Willie is
expecting St Nic to night – says he thinks he
will hang up both stockings – Fred and I have

made the necessary preparations for filling at least
one – his father brought him a little watering pot
which has been used on all occasions–
Aunty and Frances are to come some time next
week and stay some time – if you were with
us I should be very happy but happiness here must
always have some allay – in a future state
AUBURN, NY
DEC 24
Augustus H. Seward
U.S. Military Academy
West Point

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we may hope it will be more perfect – We must endeavor
to love and serve him who has promised a blessed future
to the obedient and faithful – remembering that our life here
is but preparatory to a longer and better state of existence
Clarence joins us all in love to you – Your affectionate
Mother –