Friday evening Aug 11th
My dear Augustus,
We were all much interested in
your letter to Aunt Clara — I intended to answer it
immediately but until this evening have found no
time — Mr Inman has just left us — he was
very agreeable — it seems quite lonely without him —
He painted my picture with only four sittings
and they were not long — I think you will be
pleased with the likeness — Fred who is very
fastidious about such things is perfectly satisfied
all my friends who have seen it pronounce it very
like — I rejoice that he has been so successful
knowing how happy it will make your Aunty
Mr Inman has painted a small likeness of your
father which is to serve as a copy for the large
picture and which we are to have finally — I have
not seen it but shall, before it goes to N. York — it

is to be sent to N. York when sufficiently dried to move
with safety — Mr Inman thinks of going to England
next month — in that case he takes the larger picture
with him to complete there — ——Mr Page is to
come next — these are the only three competitors.
Next week we have to entertain two or three clergy
men — there is to be an Episcopal convention here
at that time — Mr Burton's horse remains
here yet — Fred rides on horseback and Willie in
the wagon with any one who will take him — he
reminds me strongly of you in his fearlessness
and perseverance — he is fully determined to
go into the street alone and I shall not be
much surprised if he runs away as you did
at his age — his eyes remain as they were
when I wrote before — he is exceedingly happy
to see every thing as others do —
Dr Richards died suddenly and was buried
this week — the Seminary is now without a
President — it will be difficult to supply
his place — The same day of his funeral Dr

Cole was brought from Albion to be buried — he
lived in this place many years — Fred
has been trying experiments with himself
ever since your letter came to ascertain how soon
he can get up and dress himself — I believe he has
not succeeded in accomplishing that feat in less
than 7 minutes — Do you study at all while
you are encamped — I hope not as your time
seems to be all otherwise employed — Fred will
send the paper — Your father says he must [ go ]
to Albany as early as the second week in September
and thinks I had better make my visit at the
Point at that time — it is earlier than I designed
coming but I would rather go then if more convenient
to your father — Can you tell me so early what
additional bedding I shall bring — whether two more
blankets or a comforter — is there any thing else
that you would like — if so mention it when you
write again — We do not yet hear any thing
from your Grandma and Grandpa Seward — I am
anxious to know how they reached home — Clarence

has never answered my letter — Aunt Clara intends
to write you a long letter when I come — I propose
to leave Willie with his Aunty at Canandaigua
Fred sends love and Willie a kiss — Your
affectionate Mother
F. A. Seward
Augustus H. Seward
At the Military Academy
West Point—
AUBURN N.Y.
AUG 12