Fanny’s father sought the presidency in 1860, but he celebrated a little too quickly! Although her father was perfect in Fanny’s eyes, Seward ended up losing the Republican nomination in part because he travelled around Europe and the Middle East for nine months right before the election. Fanny was very upset by this trip and cried watching her father leave. The scene at Seward’s departure certainly highlights Fanny’s position in society.

“He [father] was cheered, and called upon for speeches which he made and which were as they deserved to be highly applauded the cannon’s roared, the music played “Hail to the Chief” and the flags streamed around” May 9, 1859