Year: 1870

Interesting Letter from MIR. William IL


seward.


Among the Incidents attending the ceremonies OF
opening the Cherry Valley and Sharon Railroad on
the 14th instant, was the reading Of the following
letter from the venerable ex-Secretary Seward


AUBURN, June o. 1870.


MY DEAR JUDGE CAMPBELL-YOu tell me that on
the 18th OF TINS month the Cherry Valley Sharon and
Albany Railroad, built by Il company OF which you
are president will be opened Tor travel and that the
to call IN the people OF the surrounding country, and
10 give thanks generally.


you tell me, also, my dear judge, what could very
well understand even without being told, that this
Is the beginning OF new era IL the history of
your Old town. which has been in great degree $50
la ell for the last hall century. You give me, more
over, a reinsurance OF what cannot but hope. viii
always be true, tnat Cherry Valley has "a grateful
recollection OF my friendship and partialy for her
III the past Resting upon these pleasing statements
you me TO visit Cherry Valley on the occasion OF
the proposed celebration.


so then, my dear Judge, another OF the romanccs
OF my life Is being brought TO It's end and that, too,
oy your onicous hand IL Is almos: fifty years since
| cnOse the sequestered region OF Otsego and the
Isolated town Of Cherry Valley. where Dr. Nott had
preached, for pleasure transit and sOjourn avoiding
the busy thoioughiare OF the Mohawk Valley. 1
never since nave failed to renew my excursion tnere
IN winter and In summer, when required leisure per-
mitted. IL was from the hospltalilIe5 received on
such occasions that friendship, which trust is
mutual, grew up between the people OF Cherry Val
ley and myself.


The people Of Cherry Valley could give no higher
proof Of their confidence III my friendship than they
do IN asking me to feast to be given in honor Of
the Inauguration of the new era Of their prosperity
which involves the breaking up OF so many pleasant
memories OF past friendships. In my whole life /
have been the subject OF only one other such demon
stratlon OF cOnndence.


spent ten years OF time and as many thousands
OF money In effectng the construction OF railroad
from tide water to the lakes, through the emulous
town in which | 1--we. ATer 81 lew years trial the
railroad proprietOrs discovered that they could
shorten up the route between ts TWO ends by build
ing a track on more northern route, leaving Au-
burn high up ON the banks OF the Owasco seven
miles distant from the new road. They had The in-
pertinence 10 invite me not merely to celebrate but
To be the orator in celebrating their new achieve
tlal isolation. They said that what loss 10
was an advantage TO the public. VIII you believe
me- Judge, that mad the weakness TO go and do 1t ?
SO in the present case. shall not be very late In
gong 10 Cherry Valley to congratulate my Old
friends there. l cannot, however, 60 now. Years
ago some accidents beieli me, the effects OF
winch, combining with the wear OF sedentary
occupations, have been gradually ilnpairing tho
muscular power Of iny right arm IL mas for
some years refused TO write as much as wed,
and for the past TWO years mas been so ungrac Gus
to hesitate at shaking hands with numerous
friends in crowded assemblies. have found Z, ne
cessary, therefore, to subject it to surgical treat
menL. The surgical treatment find most beneficial
and hopeful i the raising Of bisters upon the palm
OF the hand ! am now practising this operation
with effect by the daily and constant use OF the oar
and the wheelbarrow. Although might expect 10
find these instruments in Cherry Valley ana the
many other places 10 which my rienas are Kindly
inviting me- yet 1t Is only here In my own GROUNDS
and on our own Owasco lake that can hope 10 fnd
the Incidence which is necessary for using them.


P.ease my dear Judge, express my most affec-
tonate remembrance TO the people OF Cherry Valley
and OF the surrounding country, and assure them OF
my sincere Joy and sympathy with them on the
happy event which they are TO celebrate.


/ am my dear Judge Campbell. your faithful
friend. WILLIAM II. SEWARD


WILLIAM w. CAMPBELL Cherry Valley, \. T.