Friday–
My dear Mrs.Seward,
I have not ceased to wonder
at my disinterestedness, (hope you were as much
impressed by it) in saying to you “do not write
to me’– for pity’s sake do not take me at my
word; but, yes I will summon every particle
of nobleness and say, do not tax your strength
one moment to write to me, but when you
are pretty well, oh then a letter, be it ever so
little, will be esteemed a treasure.
I had some warm thumps at the heart
on receiving two volumes, done up in that
same yellow–brown paper, with that same
Pub. Doc. and that same frank– I shook
hands all ‘round, secretary and all– then
came the query, (I am among the initiated
you know, ahem) did he have a book of names
to go by, and did Gov. Seward know nothing
about my having them?– but no- he did not
send such volumes to the ‘‘vast multitude”,– it
must be they were sent to me– And then I sym–
pathized with the secretary, who sent them to

Mrs. John S. Watrous, but it was some
comfort to have even one letter changed–
She has got them though, and means to
keep them and is very thankful–
I thought at first they might not interest me,
a woman who didn't need to know anything
about architecture–but I find they do, and in
the interesting Crystal Place report, there is
my beloved Koh-i-noor, described to the full–
I have always had a perfect passion of interest
about that same diamond– How long do you
imagine dame Nature labored on that wondrous
gem?–
I think I have not told you of the rich treat, Prof. Shedd has given us, in a lecture
since you left. “Intellectual Culture”– I never
in my life, upon any occasion, heard one with
which I was so fully satisfied and delighted.
I hardly knew whether I was in the body or out.
I had a glimpse at a newspaper
which said, “Gov. Seward is to make a speech”
in regard to Mr. Clayton. Can you imagine how
much I wished I could thrust in my eager phiz
and “lend a listening ear”– yes, a pair of them-
But, how are you? here I am running on
as if your head, and my heart were not aching–

I fear you are not much better– You tell me
to ask you any questions– I am much obliged,
could I look upon the personages in Washington,
I dare say I should ask many, but as it is, I think
more of the speeches than any thing else– I do delight
to see, and hear, and feel, a great mind swaying
other minds– I am most happy to bow down and
worship them– “Spunky” as I am said to be, at
such a time I could obey,– so easy–
Should you see Thackeray do tell me–
We have had a fine fall of snow–sleighing
capital– Tell dear Fanny the lions are wearing
their white blankets again; and every post in
every fence, is surmounted & beautified by a
block of alabaster–
Mrs.Cline begs me to say to you
that she is married– She says Mrs. Perry can tell
you, that she has seen the certificate– It seems
it is an old story going the rounds again–
With much love to all
yours most affectionately Laura E
P.S. I received also a Prospectus of the book–
Fair fa’ it–

hMrs.Watrous
Dec–1852