My dear, Sister
I have only time to write a word
– which seems essential – that you may know
what has been said, in order to judge with
more accuracy, may what it may be proper
to say now, if it be necessary to anything.
In sending Dr C children home, I sent
a kind letter – saying that I had found it
difficult in our whole family to effect any
arrangement satisfactory to all – & referred to
Israil for particulars. He when called upon
was unable to give any information as to your
wishes – and the Dr I believe was surprized
disappointed & vexed at the return of the children
– Israil write me, a saucy letter telling me
that letters from me, from Marcia, & from you
all to Dr C assurred him of the cheerful desire
of all that you should take the children. To
this letter I answered Israil that it surprized
me to receive such a letter – as I had never
received anything but kindness from him
before & never wounded his feelings & done
him no harm: & begged him not to write
me again, being in affliction) at least
never to say one word to me about the
return of the children – but made the letter

entirely kind & respectful.
The Dr writes – "that the elements of
unhapiness are let loose upon him – his
feelings are disregarded – he is neglected
&c &c – & among other things demands
to know if Gov Seward declines to take
the children
To this letter I have answered that
whoever has neglected him I have not
– & reasons are given him – that I have
done much to soothe his feeling & show him
the respect & attentions, evidently his due –
– explained the embarressment I was under
in being required to remove his children
– and in regard to their being taken to
Albany, I could only say – had never
said more, that whatever might be right
for others, for myself, I felt no liberty
to impose this or any other burthen upon
you in your present circumstances –
suggesting that if he wished to know more
of your views, it would be proper for me &
ought to be more satisfactory to him to ap-
ply to yourself. But enough of this long
story.
Oh my dear dear Sister – how shall I
sustain myself under my bereavement! Friends
are indeed kind – very kind & sympathizing –
and I can rejoice in the fullest conviction that
my loss is the sure gain of my dear lady
and I solace myself with the conviction

of having contributed, unstintingly to the pro-
motion of her happiness while she was allowed
to be the dear partner of my bosom – and more-
over I am consoled by the assurance that you my
dear Sister, and many, very many kind friends
entertain the sincerest sympathy for me – but
after all there is an aching void by my
side, that I seek in vain to turn away
from! Still, I feel that God is good – & I am
saved from the slightest disposition to murmur.
I find myself a good deal unfitted
for business – you will think me unfit to
write – excuse haste & defects.
With sentiments of the liveliest af-
fection for you dear sister & the deepest
intere[ st ] in your happiness & usefulness
in su[ st ] aining my good brother, I am
your a[ ff ] licted, unworthy brother
B. J. Seward

Mrs Frances A Seward
Care W. H. Seward
Albany
Private.
WESTFIELD N.Y.
Nov 9
hJennings Nov 9^th