No 774 BroadWay N.Y. Dec 20. 1840
Dear Sister Frances
Feeble in strength, and scattered in mind
I know not that I am in a fit mood to address
you a letter. Still I dare not defer it. I came home
half sick last night, and have been in bed most
of this day. And since I have neither cold nor
fatigue—drank nothing, nor indulged at table; the
wonder around me is, what is the matter?
To you dear sister, I may say that the ab-
sorbing exercises of the Thanksgiving day had
something to do with it: an unfeigned & overpowering
gratitude to your good husband for the friendship
shown me in this house—to the Blatchfords for its con-
sequences— super added to one thing more, which in all
honesty I cannot leave out of this category—these
have proved a little too much for me. But Mrs
Blatchfords kind appliances are restoring me; so
that I am able in this close of the Holy Sabbath
day, to spend an hour in sweet converse with
my beloved sister.

I see in the workings of your face, that
you have guessed my malady. Yes—it is a disease of
the heart! Digitalis fails me—but the "sovereign spe-
cific" is at hand. Be not impatient dear sis to know
who and what she is, that hath done this deed! for
on my honor, I am unable to tell you. I never write
poetry-have no pencil for Angelic forms, or may moan
smiles, or roses in full bloom: suffice it that she who
bears the name of our much beloved Mother & ever la-
mented sister, is in mind, cultivated & refined: in
person, lovely beyond her sex: and what is more than
all, she is as I believe, truly pious; and altogether
worthy to be the kinswoman of our house & family.
Positively, I cannot write the name for you,
but if you hear your Mr Saml speak of his cousins
Angelina & her sister, you have my leave to ak
listen an attentively, as you please & find out what
you can, provided you ask no questions.
Pray mention this in very brief to my
good brother. He who does every thing, not only in the
right way, but at the right time also: who was first
in my late bereavement, to send me a letter of condo-
lence; and to seal ever since, his communications
official & unofficial, with an emblem of respect to de-
parted worth, deserves not a seeming neglect, even
in affairs of lesser moment. He shall hear from
me on business, as soon as I find out a word to write.

Will you, dear Sister, be kind enough to
mention this, to Clarence. Assure him for me
that it is done with kind reference to the feelings of
both Augustus and himself. Say, if you think so
that it is all right—& will doubtless result in his
improvement & comfort—none need doubt it. I
would save the dear boy from falling into prejudice
or unhappiness.
The public gazettes, may give you the next
account from me—and next a letter,
from Phila or W. City-whither we
propose to flee ^ for a few days ^ while our blushes
are most burning. for a few days
to cover our blushes.
I forgot to mention the receipt of
your two letters. Thank you dear sis,
a thousand times for them. The little bills shall
all be attended to. So the dress, has made safe arrival,
may you be as popular in it, as Empress of the Empire
state, as Queen Victoria is in her royal robes, among
the Britons.
"Our folks" are all well: and madam I dare say
would send love, if I dare tell her I am writing: and
her "squire" as she calls him, is talking largely of go-
ing up with Ruggles in two or three days. I am very
happy here—and strange as you might, at first
think it, I am becoming perfectly habituated to

the noise of the little domestic comforts of this
house: and they are as cozy with me—& all
is as free & easy as you can immagine.
Strength & paper, are both failing me—and
I must close. The Lord, be very gracious to
us all—& grant us purity, pardon & peace.
With sentiments of the sincerest affection—and
in the very flood tide of hope & happiness, I
subscribe myself your unworthy
Brother
B J Seward
Mrs Frances A Seward

[left Margin]
h

Hand Shiftx

Frances Seward

Birth: 1805-09-24 Death: 1865-06-21

Jennings Dec 20
1840