Letter from Benjamin Jennings Seward to William Henry Seward, December 4, 1840

  • Posted on: 5 October 2017
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Letter from Benjamin Jennings Seward to William Henry Seward, December 4, 1840
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transcriber

Transcriber:spp:msr

student editor

Transcriber:spp:obm

Distributor:Seward Family Digital Archive

Institution:University of Rochester

Repository:Rare Books and Special Collections

Date:1840-12-04

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Letter from Benjamin Jennings Seward to William Henry Seward, December 4, 1840

action: sent

sender: Benjamin Seward
Birth: 1793-08-23  Death: 1841-02-24

location: Westfield, NY

receiver: William Seward
Birth: 1801-05-16  Death: 1872-10-10

location: Albany, NY

transcription: msr 

revision: tap 2017-06-30

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Page 1

Office Life & Trust
4 Dec. 1840
Dear Henry
Finding nothing suitable in
Newark, I returned fully prepared to give a
casting vote in time to start a carriage off
at once: but to this M Blatchford
Birth: 1820-03-09 Death: 1893-07-07
objected.
We had seen a stately, old fashioned, noble
looking full coach at $1,000—[ surrary ]
x

Alternate Text

Alternate Text: surrey
Coache's
at 600 & $450 Barouches at about $500 and
a landau at $800. The full coach it
was determined was too formidable—so also
was the Landau—the coaches were the
ordinary, best hack— & quite too common—the
Barouches, rather light & short, in appearance
of what seemed requisite. All things considered
it seemed to be the best impression that the
landau came nearest the mark—but the
price was too high—We secured the price
to $850—for carriage and $80 harness—
upon which it seemed to me that the $100
this would be over your estimate, must be
waived:— when Mr Blatchford determined that
he was not sufficiently apprized of your
opinion of the public taste, to say that
the landau would answer: & accordingly
determined yesterday morning that he
Page 2

would address you for advise. Sitting
in Mrs B.
Birth: 1798-07-24 Death: 1857-12-23
upper room, copying my pa-
pers through the day, I was surprized to
learn at dinner that Mr B had been
so exceedingly occupied as not to write
to you as he had intended—& then it
was too late for last evenings boat.
This morning the thermometer is at 21
and on leaving home, I determined to send
you the landau at a venture—but the
weather is now clear and milder—and
I conclude to write. Better reflection
deters me from assuming the responsibility
of selecting for you—especially so since
this was not required of me—and Mr B.
fears in regard to my decision.
We can obtain a Barouche—wide of
pannel—stately—high seat for driver
will finished & genteel—every way suit-
able for your family
x Birth: 1839-06-18  Death: 1920-04-29  Birth: 1830-07-08  Death: 1915-04-25  Birth: 1826-10-01  Death: 1876-09-11  Birth: 1805-09-24  Death: 1865-06-21 
in Auburn—but
the landau—being equally free from
ornament or moulding—having greater
width of pannel—opening both way
in the top—having the advantage of side
lights in the doors—& looking, I think
more respectable for the purpose wanted
I should prefer. Will you write &
tell us what to do
Mr Blatchford left for Phila last
even'g—to return tomorrow (Saturday)
Page 3

Mr Duer
Birth: 1782-10-07 Death: 1858-08-08
is much better—but palle
looks as if he had come out of a fit of
sickness: moans & sighs as heretofore.
He says he expects to effect a loan from
Mr King
Birth: 1795 Death: 1867-07-09
& Co (sum not spoken) which will
entirely relieve the Co & settle the question
as to their going on. If affected, there may
be a necessity for a modification of the Trust
powers relating to the Chautauqua Estate.
The two interviews I have had with Mr
Duer gives me no insight into
the success I shall have in my
attempt to give Mr D the infor-
mation he desires—or the execution
of [ the ]
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Supplied

Reason: gap
papers with which I came.
I hear no news—I am hopped
upon at every turn, with regrets that
you were guilty of so great a mistake
in regard to the Com. schools of the city—& it
surprizes me to see of what little avail it
is to give assurance that you had no hand
in these proceedings—and meant to advance
no sentiment beyond an equal toleration.
I hope your next message may hold
a language which, while it makes no
seeming allusion to the controversy may
yet assure the public mind that free
toleration is all you intended.
The Lord guide you into all wisdom needful
wisdom, in your responsible duties
Your affectionate, grateful brother
B.J. Seward.
Over
Page 4

P.S. The Banks in Phil passed last evening
a resolution determined upon receiving on the 1 Jan.
H. Seward Esq
Albany
Single
NEW YORK
DEC 4
x

Stamp

Type: postmark
Hand Shiftx

Samuel Blatchford

Birth: 1820-03-09 Death: 1893-07-07
B.J. Seward
Dec 4. 1840