Washington Jan 17^th –
My dear Son,
I received yesterday your 2^d
letter from Key West written I think
the day you sailed for Cape Sable–
The evening before Capt. Palmer
was so kind as to send us a Herald
containing a notice of the departure
of your schooner and yourself from
Key West – The paper was accompanied
by a polite note making enquiries
about you, to which I replied –
I have written two letters before this
which I was sorry you did not get
before your departure – Your mails
are not delayed as ours are from
the North by the snow – This Winter
like the last has been one of uncommon
serenity – it is even colder here than
it was last winter – last week
the thermometer stood at 7 below
zero – it has been 12 & 14 at

at Canandaigua Aunty writes – Uncle
Worden has never rallied much
since that last attack – he is
gradually failing & may not
survive the winter – of course
neither Aunty or Frances will
come here –both are well –
also little Frank who has a good
nurse in Charlotte Conway –
Aunt Clara has written once since
my last letter to you – all are
doing well at Auburn – Mr
McClallen’s health is better than it
was during the summer – Frederick
writes frequently to Anna – seems
very busy – the New York Legislature
have just elected a speaker and
received the Governors message –
It is now six weeks since Congress
convened no speaker elected yet
Mr Bank still has a large
majority of the whole votes but

neither of the other candidates seem
disposed to give way – The President
sent his message to the Senate
more than a week ago – little
business can be done until the house
is organized – when that will be done
is still as doubtful as it was a
month ago – Anna is fairly
initiated into the gay society – balls
parties & receptions occupy days
and nights – Willie & his father
one or both accompany her – The
first evening party given was that of
your father to the New York members
of Congress – at least it was intended
for them & their wives in the first place
but finally included many other
members, citizens, and Foreign Ministers
150 invitations were issued – about 100
were here – of course I did not see them
though my name was included in the
invitation – We had music & some
dancing – refreshments &c &c –

There were 7 of Gen. Webbs family here –
every thing passed off pleasantly – Capt
Palmer was here (Mrs Palmer is in mourning)
I invited them both though I have
not seen either – Your Father saw Mr
Bache at the Presidents alos the the
Secretary of War – both spoke in a
very complimentary manner of you – Your
Father feels quite sure you will not
be withdrawn from the survey at present
– it is probably a matter which cannot
be calculated upon with certainty – though
appearances are favourable – There has
been a collision on the Hudson R. R. Road
many lives were destroyed – many persons
injured – some from Albany though
not among our acquaintances –Mr G.
Harrington was among the injured but it
is said not seriously – I do not know
how you are to get your letters from K. West
but shall continue to write every two weeks
Anna & Fanny send love – I send
your letters to Aunt Clara – I hope
the cold weather does not reach you
May God preserve you
Mother –

Lieut – A. H. Seward
Assistant Coast Survey
Key West
Florida –
hWilliam H Seward
WASHINGTON D.C.
JAN 18
1856
FREE