Sunday Nov 1^st
My dear Augustus,
I have deferred writing until
Clarence returned though more than a week
has passed since I received your letter
I knew that Fred’s and Clarence’s visit would
answer the purpose of many letters – I am
very glad to hear you are well and cheerful.
You are entirely mistaken in supposing
that your demerits occasion me any
discomfort – were I to consult my own
feelings alone I would prefer that you
should get over 200 – I think a dismissal
so every way preferable to the prospect
of going to Mexico – I spoke because I per
ceived that they troubled your father – Your
explanation I doubt not will be entirely
satisfactory. We have had a dull rainy
month – I have as yet had no opportunity
to work in the garden every Autumn some
transplanting is necessary – Clarence came
home last night – he was much pleased
with his visit at the Point – he does
not seem to care about returning to
College this term but as it is not quite

[top Margin] Let me know if you want any money – your September
report gives you a good standing in your class –

out I presume his Uncle will advise his return –
He did not stop to see Fred on his way home
Fred wrote me from Albany on his way
to Albany ^W. Point^ I have not heard of him since –
I hear frequently from Canandaigua –
the affair I mentioned to you is still in
progress though I do not consider the
consummation quite as certain as Aunty does.
Your father returned from Albany Sunday
morning and went to Rochester to attend
court the next evening – he has no respite
from his business cares – was quite sick
a day in Albany – and another since he
has been in Rochester – he may be detained
in Rochester part of next week but intends
coming home to vote at the Election –
The Whigs appear quite confident of carrying
the state – time alone can show whether
their calculations are well grounded –
Grandpa is well – the unpleasant weather
prevents him and Willie from taking their
daily drive – Willie often reminds
me of you in his perseverance in gathering
nuts – he is out in the air this
whole time except one hour in each
day which is devoted to lessons – his
eyes are not sufficiently strong to study

much– Dear little Fanny gets her book whenever
she sees Willie reading – she has already
learned the names of half the letters – She
is perfectly well and very merry– The
other day she brought me a picture of
some soldiers with a tent and then told
a long story about Gustus and the “bang”
she often has imaginary conversations with you
about her doll and other toys – Willie
is very kind to her and has been a great
assistance to me since Eliza has been gone –
Eliza Swain the youngest of Capt Swain’s
daughters died last week of consumption –
She was engaged to be married to Roscoe Conkling
Roscoe was with her much during her
illness and seemed to have the whole
arrangement of the funeral ceremonies –
He is a precocious youth – his family
call him 17 – I think he is not yet 20 –
is going to N. York to commence the study of
Law – we have no clergymen in our church
yet - have called two or three who have
declined – Aunt Clara is well her
boarders have gone for this Winter at
least – I was very glad Clarence took
the specimen of drawing it has given me
such pleasure and will afford Aunt
Clara great satisfaction – Adieu – your mother

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