He would have answered Francis' letter sooner but he was expecting the books. Francis said they would come in a week but after three weeks they have not come. He asks if the name was printed on the box. There has been much sickness this summer. Ann was quite ill a few days ago. Three have died of puerperal fever. He mentioned in his last letter that Father Joseph McNamee had gone east for his health. He heard from him from Providence, Rhode Island. He asked the Bishop to send a replacement in his absence and Father Patrick O'Mealy of Dayton has been sent. Francis is aware that a new diocese has been created at Cleveland. He has heard from William, Josiah, and James. He asks if their Mother is well. The railroad has been completed to Bellefontaine. When completed the trip to Cincinnati will take from 12 to 14 hours. A conductor was killed the other day, the first death on the railroad. Aug. 14 He has been forced to delay the completion of the letter because of business. There has been considerable sickness; one case of black tongue and other cases. Of the three women who died, one became a Catholic just before she died, although her husband and children were Protestants. Father O'Mealy's father, who lived near Dayton, died and they will not have an English pastor for a while. Alexander McLanahan's death has been announced in a Philadelphia paper. They are to have a bank in Tiffin with a capital of $100,000. The books have not come. He asks about the address on them. He sends $10 and will send the balance later. Ann and the babies are well. :: I-1-a A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.