Batavia Dec^r 16^th1829
My Dear Friend,
Your very kind invitation to come to A—
has my warmest thanks. If I was ten years younger
I would be delighted to enjoy your society in the gay
and elivated situation which you now I had almost
^said^ enjoy but I believe you are not quite constituted to
take much pleasure in the bustle of public life
But yours is a proud eminence its elevation may
have charmes even for you.
I hope I shall see you and the little Boys next sum-
mer either here or at Auburn. I have a sorrowful
pleasure in thinking of Freddy. His image is ever
connected in my mind with the last hours of my
own dear one. How I lived through the trials
of that spring I know not – it is now like a
frightfull dream to me – the acuteness of sorrow
has passed but the feelings cannot recover their
buoyancy — your little one I portray in arms
a little helpless beeing but full of smiles and play-
fulness. Augustus of whom you do not speak is I
suppose at Auburn cheering the hours of his grand-
father – grown almost to manhood. There is
Mrs. Worden & Fanny too. I do indeed long to see
you all once more but it cannot be this winter.
When we were last together you were just
returning from Westfield. She who was our

kind entertainer that summer has gone the way
of all living. Mr. J. Seward left after making us
a hasty visit only two days before her death I think
she was still breathing but senseless when he reached
home. Death to her is without doubt great gain
but to her family an irrepairable loss.
Walter and the girls desire me to give love and
thanks for your remembrance of them in your letter.
They are all at home and well. Just now engaged
in dressing the church for Christmas. Mr. C- joins
me in desiring regards to the Governor—believe me
alway your affectionate friend M. B. Cary

Mrs. William H. Seward
Albany
BATAVIA N.Y.
DEC 18