July 31 –
My dear Augustus
I should have answered
your last letter but I have for the
past fortnight had a carbuncle on
my hand which prevented my doing
anything – To day for the first time in
fourteen days I am able to hold a
pen – Frances and Frank have been
with me a week – Father came last
Wednesday – he is looking worn and tired
and seems glad to be home – it has
been fearfully hot in Washington – as
well as here – Anna wrote me last
week that she had never seen Father
so overcome with the weather – Fred and
Anna are at their place on the
river – Which I think from all ac-
counts must be very pleasant –
I'm glad for them that they are

away from the heat of the city –
The Chinese Embassy with several
other persons are to arrive at 2
o'clock on Tuesday the 4 th of Au–
gust – They have sixteen beds made
at the house – Which are considered
a sufficient number to accommodate
most of them – the remainder are
to be quartered at different
places in the city – and the servants
are to go to the hotels – Donaldson
and John came with Father -
August 2 d I have just returned from a
visit to Father – he is not very well – but is
better than he was yesterday – and thinks he
will be quite well tomorrow – Mr. and Mrs –
Martin are to entertain the Embassy
on Wednesday – they – & all the friends
Father wishes to invite all to spend the
day there – I "reckon" it will be a large
party – Among other amusements they
are to witness the cutting down with

a reaper – a field of Wheat Mr Mar-
tin has – then there is to be a rowing
party for their amusement – There is to
be no general reception at Fathers
which I think is very sensible – Father
told me yesterday that he intended
to have Donaldson at the gate to keep
the rabble off – I hope he will as
the house has been opened for
all the world to see so many times –
Miss Cushman was expected but she
is sick – & cannot come –
Yes I have Bruno yet at present there
is an order to keep dogs muzzled and
as I cannot do that I have my gates
locked much to the annoyance of
Frances. Who thinks it very inhospitable –
I wish Fred. would take him – he is a
grand dog and I do not like to
have him go out of the family – and
I cannot keep him during the winter as
I intend to board with Eliza &

her house is not large enough to
accommodate him – I am not sure
but I shall take your house –
Frances sends her love to you – she
is not certain about going to the sea
shore – but if she does she will see
you –
Affectionately
Your
Aunty –
Fred has heard from Mr. Weed
at Southhampton he endured the
voyage well & was going to London
to consult Sir Henry Holland

Col. Augustus H. Seward
No. 2 Bullfinch St
Boston
Mass –
Auburn N.Y.
AUG 3