SEWARD, WILLIAM HENRY, LL.D. (ante), 1801-72; b. N. Y. Mr. Seward was the senior member of what Horace Greeley termed the firm of " Seward, Weed & Greeley," which from 1839, when it succeeded in breaking down the "Albany regency;" until 1854; when Mr. Greeley withdrew, controlled politics in the'state of New York, dispensed patronage, and even swayed nominations, and in at least two instances elections of presi dents of the United States. This extraordinary political combination was chiefly the motive-power which placed Mr. Seward iu positions where his undoubted ability, pro found and comprehensive knowledge of men, and shrewdness and diplomatic skill could gain their best opportunity. His finest acts of statesmanship were undoubtedly his man ancment of the Treat imbroglio, which threatened war with Great Britain; his digni fied and determined action in the case of the French invasion Of Mexico; and his purchase from Russia of the territory of Alaska, an act of judgment and foresight whose full value is already beginning to be appreciated. He was a relentless anti-mason, and a bitter opponent of the American or know-nothing party in 1855. He supported Mr. Fremont for the presidency in 1856, and did active work toward electing hint, but with out success. In 1860 he himself was so well thought of for the presidency, that in the
republican convention he received 173i votes on the first ballot, the highest number; being defeated, however, for the nomination by Mr. Lincoln. The account of Mr. Sew ard's journey' in 1870-71' was published in 1873, edited by his adopted daughter, Olive Risley Seward, and entitled William H. &ward's Travels Around the World. His latest published oration was that delivered at Sitka, Aug. 12, 1869. Mr. Seward was remark able for the ability to crystallize thought in felicitous phrases, which was possessed in so marked a degree by the late lord Beaconsfield. His "irrepressible conflict" and "higher law" were expressions which gave a character to the history of his time. , SEWELLEL, Aplodontia leporin•, Rich., an animal of the size and general appearance of the musk-rat, having the peculiarity of rootles§ molar teeth. It has a reddish-brown color, small eyes, short tail, strong jaws, and a plump body. It inhabits the n.w. coast of North America, particularly the region of Puget's sound. The natives use the skin as an article of dress. The animal lives in families or herds and makes extensive bur rows.