Auburn Oct 27^th –
My dear Son,
I improve the first [ leisur ] after the
close of the wedding festivities to give you some
account of Cousin Frances’ marriage– On the 17^th
Aunt Clara, Fred, Fanny, and I went in the morning
train to Canandaigua – We found our friends in
all the bustle of preparation – Fred remained at
the Hotel with Mrs Rutsin Howe, (who was alone)–
coming up occasionally – We assisted in arranging
the table and getting the house in order – Abbey
who accompanied us, assisted the bride at her toilet
At ½ past 7 we walked over to the Church which
was filled with the curious, including many friends
Mr Beach performed the ceremony in a very
manner, the bride and groom responded audibly
Uncle Worden gave the bride away in a manner
much approved, Fred and Catherine, groomsman &
bridesmaid conducted with commendable propriety
Aunty who leaned upon my arm, suppressing her
own feelings to contribute to the happiness of her child,
was entirely composed during the ceremony – We
then returned to the house where guest to the num–

[top Margin] Your Father is now in Orange County

x

Orange County, NY

– next week is to
attend court in Batavia

x

Batavia, NY

as a witness– Mr Blatchford

x

Richard Blatchford

Birth: 1798-04-23 Death: 1875-09-04

and family

x

Sophia Blatchford

Birth: 1836-05-25  Death: 1908-10-01 

Julia  Potter

Birth: 1834-10-04  Death: 1922-06-24 

Julia Blatchford

Birth: 1798-07-24  Death: 1857-12-23 

continue about– Mr Griswold

x

Burr Griswold

Birth: 1823-09-05 Death: 1886-06-01

has returned to
Wisconsin

x

Wisconsin, US

of 40 or more soon collected – Wedding gifts
which graced a large table in the upper hall
attracted unusual admiration – as they well
might, I have never seen a more brilliant
or expensive collection – An entire set of silver
was presented by her father, very magnificent –
a handsome bracelet by Mrs Grieg, a beautiful
claret pitcher and a papier machè port fuil
by Mr Grieg, a very handsome pair of garnet and
pearl by Miss Chapin, a splendid bracelet to
match by Judge Carroll a very handsome work
stand from the bridegroom and innumerable
small articles from different friends – My
donation was a silver cake basket, bowl for pul-
verized sugar and salt cellars – almost the only
article which happened not to be included in
the present from her father – The supper table
was very beautifully adorned with flowers the gift
of kind neighbours – all manner of good things
met with ample attention from the guests – Aunty
and Uncle were in fine spirits throughout the evening–
Frances never looked prettier, upon the whole I
have never seen any affair of the kind conducted
more properly or more satisfactorily – N. B – There
was no kissing in publick and no tears –

Your Father could not make one of the party as he
was obliged to go to Canandaigua Chautauqua a
few days previous & Willie accompanied him –
We all returned the next morning immediately
after breakfast – inviting the bridal party to spend
the next week with me – They declined coming
until the day of my party which was finally fixed
upon for the next Thursday – I brought home
two loaves of wedding cake which I dispensed among
the intimate acquaintances here – many of whom were
invited to the wedding – Mrs Howe – W. Worden and D. Merryman
were the only persons who attended. Thursday morning
Aunty Frances, Henry & Catherine came over – I believe
the entertainment was satisfactory – Dr. Pierre with two
assistants furnished good music – the supper was
said to be good – the party all in fine spirits – Had
you and Clarence been here I should have been quite
satisfied – Clarence’s letter from Brussels came just
as we were lighting the lamps – the beautiful collars
and cuffs elicited much admiration from the ladies –
We are greatly obliged for them – After reading the letter
I gave it to William Muir to take home – William
Muir and his sister were invited for your and Clarences’
sake – All the other guests were persons to whom
Aunty and Frances were indebted for kindness or

particular civilities – She furnished me a list – Grandpa
came into the back parlour and sat until after supper –
when two or three gentlemen were with him until he retired –
The party dispersed about ½ past 12 – I felt grateful for
their consideration as I could not have remained
up much longer – The Canandaigua party remained until
Saturday when they returned home well pleased with
their visit – So one wedding is ended – the other
is yet to come – Tell Clarence I had a very pretty letter
from Miss De Zeng in reply to an invitation to my
party which she declined – She was also invited
to the wedding – We have now but one month to
prepare to return to Washington – Aunt Clara is to come
here for the Winter – Aunty goes to Washington some
time this Winter but not with us – Willie and Fanny
go with me – Fred remains at home for the present –
You will receive the remittance from your Father
before this letter – I have two letters from you dated at Paris
since I wrote last – these letters find many interested readers
Yours have not gone out of the family however – A letter came
to you from San Antonio last week which I think
it unnecessary to forward unless you wish it – We are
all calculating upon your resignation – do not disappoint us–
I feel thankful that you continue well and pleased with
your tour – When do you think of coming home? – Much love
is sent – God bless you both – Your affectionate Mother –

Lieut. Augustus H. Seward
Care of Baring & Brothers
Messrs Maquay Pakenham C London
Florence

x

Florence, Italy

England
hWilliam H Seward
VIA DI
PT BEAUVOISIN
ANGE

CALAIS
AUBURN
OCT
27
N.Y.
PF
LONDON
NO 11
1850
PAID
CORRISPAESTA
DAGENOVA

FIRENZE
18
NOV
1850
AC
NOV