e Sunday Feb 3^d 1844
My dear Son,
Aunty and Frances left us yesterday
morning I have felt very lonely since they left
they were here one month – Frances is much improved
both in mind and manners – she has become
discreet and considerate and is a very agreeable
companion – The house was quite a place of resort
for young people during her stay – Your Father
came home last Tuesday evening having been absent
one month – I have no letter from you since
I wrote last – I wish very much that I could
have one hours talk with you – Your report
for the month of Dec. came last week giving
you 23 marks for that month making 79 in
the whole – Now my dear child I wish you
to write to me unreservedly on this subject –
I cannot believe with principles formed as yours
have been that you will persevere willingly in

doing that which you believe to be wrong – I therefore
conclude that your marks must be the result
of thoughtlessness or want of task in conforming
to all the minute regulations of the institution –
You will perceive that a report like that of the
of the two last months if continued will make
the whole amount of your marks exceed 200
in the year – If you still wish to remain then let
me advise you to make a conscientious effort
for the next month to conform to the rules – should
you then fail I think you will not doubt the
expediency of resigning your warrant in preference
to awaiting a dismissal – In the mean time do
not fail to write to me fully and freely explaining
the difficulties of your situation, I shall then be better
qualified to advise you what course to pursue —
So long as you persevere in doing right you may
be assured of the sympathy, affection and encouragement
of all your friends so I beseech you not to yield
to despondency – Above all things do not fail to
seek that assistance from your heavenly Father

which he never fails to grant to those who
ask him – Without this our best intentions often prove
unavailing – Your Father is just going to attend
the funeral of old Mr Andrews – you will remember
Eliza and Sarah – Sarah has buried two children all
she had, with scarlet fever – The family are in much
affliction — Our family are all well once more –
Fred is at school again – Clarence has become a
member of the bucket company and Friday evening
attended a ball on that account – he borrowed
a red flann[ el ] shirt and torn pants f that bein[ g ]
the uniform for the occasion – As his ticket
admitted himself and 2 ladies he proposed inviting some
one to go with but I informed him that he was
rather too young for such exploits so he went
alone – came home at 4 oclock A.M. !! —
Aunt Clara is well – sends much love, with all
the others – Last week was exceedingly cold the
thermometer was lower for many days in succession
than it has been in years – Once more let me
urge you to write without reserve to me who always
loves you dearly — Your Mother –

Augustus H. Seward
At the U.S. Military Academy
West Point
Auburn N.Y.
FEB 4