Florida 4^th Oct 1841
My very dear Son
Yours of the 23^rd Ult was received a few
days since in answer to which I state that the pleasure and im-
portance of the [ occation ] you allude to at Goshen was as it
respect myself marred and disappointed and even for
days after I returned home I felt mortified indignant
and outraged – But from an entire different cause
which I am sorry disturbed your enjoyment —
I never shall be able to describe my mortification that
day and even to this moment at the shameful lack of
arrangements want of honorable feeling – respect for the
powers that be – and as I thought a gratification at
the circumstance – Another such a case cannot be
found in the history of the state of New York as the Gov
and suit being invited by the proper authorities and
many of them of his own household to a Celebration of a
high order and those very guest sit down and gourmandize

Although I received a number of polite invitations
from Gen Wickham to attend saying the Gov would be there
&c &c Still it never gave the least uneasiness that I was not offered
a seat at the table – I was one of the county – was a feeble sick man
and perhaps ought to have been at home – Neither did I in the
least think hard of your leaving me – But oh! how I was mor-
tified to see that President Bowen and all his inferior officers
and hosts of your cabinet friends – Charles King President of
the day the notible Col Stone and hundreds of others at that
table could sit patiently and see the G of this great State
stand unprotected leaning against the wall [ waitining ]
for them to finish their mastification – I ask in Gods name
was there not breeding enough in JB to rise up the instant
you arrive which was within two minutes of the time he
he sat down and say a seat for the Gov — so also of the
Master of Ceremonies G.W. among other highminded men at
the table — But above all see the light in which GDW
stands – It was his house his banquet and he as a Gentle-
man to see that you had proper accommodations in some
shape Oh shame hide thy fair – But on reflection I am

I am of the opinion it was just such a predicament
as I conceive many of those Gentry would be pleased
to see you placed in — I blush for my state
I blush for Country I blush for my friend
Where will the stance of Honor [ Etyquet ]
and decorum be wiped away —
We rejoice very exceedingly
[ th ] at Frances’ and we hope a[ ll ] [ the ]
children contemplate mak[ ing ] us
a visit in a few days — We hope that
all your Wars will be over and you
will come with or after her – Ma is
very feeble often not able to sit up
We have no doubt you will visit us
as often as possible – as the evening of our
day is closeing – We shall put Bill on
on board the Carrs on Friday morning
next agreeable to your directions —
Affectionately Yours
Sam^l S Seward
WH Seward Gov &

Florida
Oct 3^d
William H. Seward
Gov State N.Y.
Albany
Single
hSam^l S. Seward
Oct. 4 1841