Newark N.J. Christmas 1840
Dear Henry
I spent the evening, last, in com-
pany with, Senator Southerland Govr Pen-
nington—Jackson Kinney—Armstrong &c
and hearing a few things pleasing to know
I will mention them.
The Senator says, it is true, as the public
has it, that Mr Webster is to be the premier
and is pleased—but as to the report that
he has received a letter from Gen H. offering
this or any other department which Mr W.
might choose, the senator says I do not
believe a word of it. I asked the ques-
tion, whether in Southerands judgment, Webster
was wise in accepting—he answered promptly
"decidedly not"—
All is chaos yet, it seems, in Washing-
ton—neither party have formed plans &
concert has not been affected. In general
Whigs are bold—& Locofoco's sour & unsubdued
Southerand is looking for storms.

Mucch conversation is had in W. as
we see, about the future heads of depart-
ments—but that it is settled that Crit-
tenden is to be attorney general or Ewing
P.M. or any other man, for any post what-
ever, the senator says again "I do not believe
a word of it." Nothing—absolutely nothing
is known from Gen^l Harrison—and still S.
thinks the public mind so strong in favour
of Crittenden and Jon Bell for the War office
& Ewing for the P.O. that there need be
little doubt of these three.
John Sergeant is most talked about
for the Treasury. Ordinarly, Southand
this this not a difficult or desirable post
(having ^been^ Sec for six months himself) but
at this time, it is to give a man im-
mortal honor, or to rush him to death—
and only some such man of years and
firmness as Sergeant will be likely to
accept or have the offer of it. To him
however, the South object, decidedly—only
because that the Premiership & the Treas'y
ought not both to be given to the North.
Preston—Legre & Mangum are spoken of—but
faintly—& Rives, with resistance.
Nor does S. believe a word of the
report that Harrison has intimated

a rule of action like that which is to
bring Mr Duer into his premier position.
He remarked that it was generally
conceded that N.Y. must have something:
but that public sentiment was fixing upon
nothing. Mr Granger was understood to be
proposing his claim, for the navy, & had
brought most of our delegation to support
his protestations: still said S. I
think his chance slim—a leading
man in the delegation had told
him that the sentiment was after
all too prevalent, that he lacked
ability. V.P. is spoken of with great
favour—but the answer is, he is un-
known—J.C.S—but not with any
degree of probability. These however are all
Congressmans conversations—without the slightest
foundation from Gen H.
Greeneit is said is most likely to be
senator from this state.
I return to the city tomorrow—and
am not, believe me, losing an hour
that I can avoid. Mr D. is too full
of hopes & projects, just now to stop for
me—but I continue to remain all the
while in his sight—
Yours most gratefully
B

W.H. Seward Esq
h B.J. Seward
Dec 25, 1840