Hart received the Bishop's letter on New Year's day. He is sorry to learn that the Bishop has a bad cold. The wants of the diocese lead him to return to the diocese as soon as the weather permits. He has thought that of Chester and Branford missions, Branford and the places on the railroad should be annexed to St. Patrick's and Chester with all the Haddams to Middletown or Colchester. Little schools could be instituted at Branford and Chester by the revenue which is too small to support a separate priest. His health is better. He should have told the Bishop of the death of Father Duffy last month. There is a report that the Holy Father will hold a council on the occasion of the canonization of the Japanese martyrs in May. He has received a letter from Father Bernard Smith telling about the arrival of the student at Propaganda. Affairs on the continent and in Italy seem better and they begin to hope got peace for the Holy Father. Victor Emmanuel is supposed to come to Paris for aid. The radicals do not love the Pope or religion and they have become contemptible and will bring the utter ruin of Italy. There is better feeling between the Pope and Napoleon III and the Emperor will not withdraw his troops from Rome. The American troubles with England will not be settled as easily as the American papers think. War or the surrender of Mason and Slidell is the alternative. All Europe is laughing at the North and its do-nothing policy. Archbishop John Hughes is still in Paris making the Emperor mind his own business and keep out of ours. But the French say that the Archbishop's presence is not felt and will not profit Uncle Sam. It may be useful later to say that the Archbishop was sent there by some one. :: I-1-b A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.