Auburn February 4th, 1847.
My very dear Son,
I have read your letters to your mother with deep
regret that my various occupations prevented me from keeping
the duty and enjoying the pleasure of corresponding directly with you –
We I deeply regret the illness which you suffered in December, and
sincerely hope that the fears your mother is inclined to indulge,
of a permanent affection of your health may prove groundless
We are both entirely satisfied that that illness was the cause
of you being unable to pass the semiannual examination. And
thus the failure was a Providential misfortune – Desirous of
your successful retirement from the Academy, only for your own
sake we confidently hope you may be able with renewed
health to make good what has been lost. Not at all con-
cerned about your entrance into the Army at all, but willing
rather that if circumstances permit and it be agreeable to
yourself, you should adopt some occupation of a civic nature
I esteem it of great importance that you learn the rigorous instruc-
tions of the Academy with self confidence and reasonable
credit. Pray tell me whether you need or desire any thing,
Your mother has suffered much poor ill health this winter
but is not now seriously sick, Clarence is quite thin and
looks ill. Frederick writes in good health and spirits.
Your affectionate Father,
William H. Seward
Augustus H. Seward.