What are you reading now?

[Angela]

With what Seward had been through, I can easily understand why he would like to retire and travel with Olive Risley (here's an interesting story). His wife has passed away, Fanny has died.
Seward most likely would not be able to get the nomination anyway, Grant was in the drivers seat to win in 68'. Seward had stayed in Johnson's cabinet up till 1868, and Grant didn't want him to be in his cabinet. And by 1868, I'm not so sure Seward wanted the presidency that much anymore.
Just my opinoin on all of this.

Gene, thank you - this makes a lot of sense. I wondered why his ambition had lessened and he was in a prime spot as secretary of state during the Johnson administration.