Thursday morning
My dear Sister
I sit down in the midst of all manner of
work to write this letter to send by Worden — Ann has taken
this occasion while I have company to go away at 5 oc[ l ] ock
this morning to spend the day — She is poor help enough
when she is here but better than none — I am momentarily
expecting a serving girl William being in a state
which approaches rather to closely to nudity. Henry
and I accompanied Mr & Mrs Seward as far as Syracuse
they were to go on to Utica that night — since then
we have not heard from them — I feel quite anxious
to know how they bore the journey — poor Julia I
think she was glad when it was accomplished —
Mother appeared in better spirits than she had done in
a long time, the day she left — We returned in time
to go to Mr Russels concert where I failed to be
as much gratified as the people in general —
Mr Inman came to take up his abode with us the
same evening — then I was obliged to sit for my

picture which I did every day except baking day —
I like Mr Inman very much — he is an artist — which
Harding never appeared to be — Although 42 he appears
enthusiastic, imaginative and animated as a boy
his manners are uncommonly youthful — though
pleasing and gentlemanly — He painted me with only
four sittings which were far from long — My picture
gives universal satisfaction — I hope you will see
a likeness — the picture is certainly pleasing and I
think looks infinitely better than I ever did — Henry
is highly gratified with it — I tell him it is promised
to you — Henry's picture does not progress so rapidly
as mine he only finds time to sit occasionally — Mr Inman
went to Niagara last Saturday — returned M Tuesday
evening — he suffers much with asthma (dont
think of old Mr Lewis because Mr Inman looks
like an artist) and is fearful that his annual
severe attack will come on before he gets home — it
is his intention to go to Europe next month though
he says he would prefer never to see Italy to leaving
his family here which his pecuniary affairs render
inevitable — Next week we are to have the pleasing
additive of Dr — "Lord Whitehouse" and another clergyman

during the convention — I have had a pretty hard
Summer but my health is much improved since you were
here — Henry thinks he will be obliged to go to Albany
as early as the 2^d week in September — I would have
preferred visiting my boy later but suppose it better to
go with him — I am unwilling to increase your cares by
adding Willie to your family but I cannot leave him
here — I think I must take him to you myself — dear little
boy he is very happy in the anticipation of seeing Carlo
his eyes continue quite as well as when you were here
I have been twice this week to see Clara — I am afraid
she will not be able to get along with Maria and her
baby much longer — she does not get any time
to sew at all — Aurelia Bissel is here when I
see her I shall not fail to impress it upon her mind
that your house if is full — I have seen Serene
but twice — then she appeared so very miserable
that I though more visiting would do her no good
I surrendered in getting a young Irish girl to
assist in taking care of her two babies — I doubt
whether she ever recovers her health again. Clara
received a letter from Augustus yesterday in which he
gives an account of the occupation of his time — I will abbreviate
Awakened at 5 by the reveille, obliged to dress, fall into
the ranks and answer rollcall within 5 minutes — from
that time until 1/2 past 5 dress wash and put tents in order —
infantry drill from 1/2 past 5 until 1/2 past 6 — Breakfast at 7 — parade
& guard mounting at 8 — artillery drill at 9 — cleaning fire
arms from 10 to 11 — dancing one hour — dinner — infantry
drill again at 5 in the afternoon, parade at 7 — supper 1/2 past
7 — and all in bed at a quarter before ten — Saturday afternoon
and Sunday they have to themselves — he is well and sends
love — Love to Fran — Your own Sister —

Tell Miss Beecher I am sorry she did not make me a visit
Does she remain in Canandaigua — Freddy would like
to make you a visit but I believe it is not best just
now — he is studying some at home and just at
this time Grandpa has a horse that he can ride—
Mrs Alvah Worden
Canandaigua