San Francisco Jan. 19. 1861.
My dear Uncle,
When I wrote to you by the last
steamer I did not expect to write to you a-
gain on the same subject, and I believe I
said so in my letter; but it was with a mental
reservation that in a certain event I would
change my mind. That event has transpired.
In the letter which I sent you by Pony Express
I mentioned several positions which would be
acceptable to me, but I fear I was not suffi-
ciently definite in regard to any one of them.
Now I have a plan which will suit my
wishes better than any other and at the
same time serve a friend who has been very
kind to me. I mean the present City and
County atty for this city. Mr. S. W. Holladay
by whose appointment I hold the position I
now fill and have filled for a year past.
I have the most unlimited confidence in
Mr. Holladay in every respect. I can en-
dorse him most fully as a man of honor &
capability; and who would arouse less

jealousy, and by a modest but independent
course, reflect more credit upon the admin-
istration than any man I have yet heared named
for the position which he covets. He will give
me the best deputy-ship at his command, and
thus I shall gain two ends – my own ad-
vancement and the gratification of serving
a sincere friend. Mr. Holladay has only
made up his mind to pursue this course du-
ring the last few days or I would have men-
tioned it sooner. I told him sometime ago
I would do whatever I could for him. I know
of but two applicants for the office. One Mr.
Lockwood offered me an appointment under
him if I would do what I am now doing for
Mr. Holladay, but upon consultation with Mr.
Edwin Stanly & Mr. H.S. Love, I concluded I could
not properly do it. The other A.A. Delores is
far from being a thorough-going Seward man,
but used his influence I believe for Banks of
Mass.
Mr Holladay wishes the appointment of
Navy Agent, and has written to some of his
friends in the East to advance his desires.
If you think you would rather I should not
accept or hold any federal office I will
obey your slightest wish, and in that case
would be pleased if you would use your in-

fluences for Mr. Holladay irrespective of my
wishes.
I must tell you that I have made the
acquaintance (and I think secured the regard)
of the Rev. T. Starr King of Boston. Last even-
ing I was invited to his house to meet a
Mr. Tompkins formerly law partner with
Daniel S. Dickinson.The society of such men
is my highest pleasure.
My best regards to Aunt Francis, Fanny
and the rest of your family in Washington.
Affectionately
Your Nephew,
Samuel S. Seward.
Hon W^m H. Seward
P.S. Mr. Holladay's name is Samuel W.

hS. S. Seward
Jan 19. 1861