Auburn Oct 11^th 1846
My dear Son,
I am glad as I always am to
be again assured of your health – Frederick
grieves me exceedingly by not writing
oftener it is more than three weeks since
I have had a line from him — I trust he
is well but it is far more pleasant to feel
more confident — Aunty and Frances
left us the week after the fair – I was
for a time very lonely but we seldom
take a meal entirely by ourselves
at present we have with us a Miss
Sheridan who paints miniatures – she
is making a copy of your fathers picture
by Inman – for herself — Wednesday
your father went to Geneva to attend
an arbitration – found Clarence quite
unwell and sent him home with the
horses – he will not return until
he is better – I fear he has been injured by
immoderate Leeching of the head — I
wish my children could all be subject
to homeopathic treatment when ill the
old practice looses favour with me every

year — Were I not continually haunted with
apprehensions of the Mexican War I should
rejoice more than I do in the prospect
of your return to us I believe Grandpa Aunt
Clara and myself all count the weeks —
The war has at present no prospect of imme-
diate termination since the Mexicans decline
our proffer of peace – What a blessed
time it will be when "there shall be no
war any more" —
We hear no more from Florida since
Julia has left – I hope she may be well
enough to return again – but think it very
doubtful — Lilas Muir was married
at the appointed time — has gone to N. York
Philadelphia Baltimore &c &c She
is considered rather fortunate in marrying
a rich husband though his moral
character is not without blemish — Poor
young man he had but a poor example
in his parents of the beauty of
moral rectitude —
Willie and Fanny are well they both
talk a great deal about you — Fanny
talks incessantly – tries to say every
thing she hears — Eliza has gone home
on a visit so I have the entire
care of her at present – she is very interesting

though not quite as placid in temper as
is desirable — she is quite as impatient
as Willie but rather more easily persuaded —
I think Fred had better go to the Point
this month – I will speak to your father
about it – he is going to Albany again
some time this week – he returned
only last ^night^ week from Geneva — his face
badly swollen — Did you
get the books you proposed in N. York
and how did you like them – do not
fail to cultivate a taste for reading
whenever you have any leisure – it
will be an unfailing source of comf[ ort ]
in after life and is very important
to aid in giving you liberal principles
and enlarged views —
We have no report for the month of
September – be a little more cautious
about infringing regulations — your
marks increase rather rapidly —
Do not forget to write every two
weeks — A Dieu — your affectionate
Mother

Cadet Seward
U. S. Military Academy
West Point
AUBURN N.Y.
OCT 11