Sunday Feb 18^th 1844
My dear Augustus,
I have your letter to Aunt Clara
which I will answer as I think it doubtful
whether she will find time immediately – At
present she is not very well having the prevailing
influenza – I went to Church this morning – found
it very cold though the weather for a week past
has been much more moderate – Your Father
returned from Batavia Tuesday night – he staid
while there with Mr and Mrs Cary whom he
left very well – Sarah and Walter both being away
their family is quite small – Clarence is engaged
in another ball for the 22^d of Feb – I am sorry that
he is not satisfied with having attended two but
he has so far committed himself with regard to
this that I suppose he must go – He has promised
it shall be the last this year – for a boy of 15
I think three balls in one winter rather too much

Beside this we would like very much to join
the bucket company (a portion of them) who are going
to attend a ball at Ithica but as it is the same
evening I do not well see how he could attend
both – Here all the fire companies are to join – 
You will be surprised to hear that Henry Underwood
is married, at least I was, not being aware that
he was particular in his attentions to any young
lady – He was married Thursday evening to a
daughter of Mr. Catlin's – I believe she is some
9 or 10 years younger than he – Your Grandpa
attended the wedding but has told me none
of the particulars – They went to Syracuse the
same evening – Henry is clerk for the Railroad
company, has a salary of $500 a year — I hope
he has found a wife as good as himself but
that cannot be ascertained at present – I
remember well when her mother ran away to
be married, some 30 years ago – her married
life has been far from happy – I am glad
to hear that the time of your sojourn at

West point does not seem very long – we have
had a very long Winter and may expect a least one
month more of cold weather – Your father
will not go to Albany until the first of March
and may not go to Washington at all – I think
it rather doubtful about his coming to the
Point while the river is closed still he will
if he finds time – he is much hurried
with professional business quite as much as
he was with his official duties at Albany –
I am very glad you have written to Aunty and
Aunt Clara – I send you $5 but advise you
not to get the boots if its contrary to the rules
I should have sent you some money before but feared
it might get you into difficulty – The report
for January does not come yet – Willie
sends a kiss – he is very merry his independent
spirit and perseverance often reminds me of yours
at the same age – you will be happy to see him
if he continues as well as now he cannot fail
to interest you — Adieu – your affectionate Mother

Augustus H. Seward
At the U.S. Military Academy
West Point
AUBURN
FEB
18
N.Y.