Letter from Harriet Gray Barker to William Henry Seward, February 14, 1863
Hon Wm H Seward
Dear Sir
The papers about which I wrote you last week have been received through Mr Barney, but from the endorsement on the wrapper (which I enclose) I think my anticipations were unmet, that they were miscarried. I notice the endorsement is made by the President (as you will perceive) without his having any knowledge why the papers came to him. I was lead to believe from the information I received at your office, that Mr Chase would forward them to New York, with such instructions as would result favourable to my mission.
I am very sorry to be obliged to trouble you so much, and hope the apology due to Mr Seward will be accepted when he fully understands my position.
Anything but the sternest necessity, and the constant urgings of some of my Father's Political Friends, with the well known kindness of Mr Seward, induced me to lay aside
Letter from Harriet Gray Barker to William Henry Seward, February 14, 1863
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all my scruples. My Husband needed a position, he was told at Mr Barney office that a letter from Mr Seward would command respect and obtain the much to be desired result. What could I do. My Husband laboring under pecuniary embarrassments, with a business that will not yield his family the comforts of life, and my friends thought I could help him if I would.
Encouraged by the honor Mr Seward confered on my dear Father by visiting him during his severe illness in the fall of ''41 as well as the pleasant invatation extended to me personally to spend the following winter at Albany is as a gleam of sunshine brightening my path, and assured me that I had a friend in the person of Gov Seward, to whom I could appeal. If successful it would be well., if not (God forbid) my children must be scattered and my home broken up.
Cannot the daughter of John Gray still hope she has a friend in the Secretary of State, that will aid her in this time of need.
And the name of Secretary Seward will be engraven on the
Letter from Harriet Gray Barker to William Henry Seward, February 14, 1863
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heart of Harriet Gray Barker and her children with gratitude while life last; as with the point of a diamond.
Respectfully
Harriet Gray Barker
12 3d Street New York
Feby 14/63
[Note attached at end of letter] [At top of note] Treasury
John Barker asking a place in the N.Y. Customs--House-- Why presented to me, I do not understand,
[Signature in pencil] AL
[Note in pencil] Nor do I.
[Signature in pencil] H B.