Brownson, greatly relieved that Henry has escaped death in a recent battle, asks him to write at his earliest opportunity concerning the wounds he received and which Henry dismissed as light in his letter of the 4th inst. Brownson declared his gratitude to God to whom he had several Masses offered for Henry's protection. He is hardly less grateful that Henry has done his duty as an American officer and that none of his guns were lost. Despite the fact that the correspondents made no mention of his son's battery Brownson praises his son as a real soldier in four severe battles, convinced that Porter's Corps saved the army of the Potomack. He asks Henry to express his profound thanks and admiration to General P.J. Porter whose coolness, bravery, perseverance and wise disposition of worn-out troops was responsible for his victory over superior numbers, and whose character and conduct Brownson considers the best in the field of Generals. General Sukes and Colonel Hewitt are cited for their important role and Brownson notes that Hewitt's disposition of the artillery as well as his conduct on the field, especially in the battle of the 27 inst., was particularly noteworthy. In his opinion McLellan's [sic] annihilation was prevented only by the splendid fighting of his troops in action. Brownson declared that in the public feeling a great disaster has been suffered but claims the disaster to be less than he feared. More than a week before the battle, he told his wife that the position of the army was untenable and that McClellan was neglecting his right which would be turned, rendering his advance on the left impossible and pointed out that he would have to fight for the salvation of his army in place of attacking Richmond. McClellan did the best he could to extricate the army from its position, Brownson admits, but demands an explanation as to why this fine army should have been so long exposed. General Burnside, who is marching to the aid of the main army, can reach them; Brownson declares that the strategic position of the army has greatly increased and can now guard against Burnside's advance from the West or Hope's from the Northeast. Brownson fears, that unless the gunboats succeed in opening the James River, the corps to which his son belongs will find difficulty in advancing far enough to cooperate with either advancing corps. However, he hopes Henry and his unit may hold their own. The Administration in Brownson's opinion has failed utterly in its duty, and the President Lincoln with his real peculiar policies, according to Brownson is in danger of ruining the nation. Brownson declares that Lincoln appears to sympathize only with traitors and thinks that, by satisfying the Border States, for instance "Kentucky," and placing traitors in the Federal Army, he is wondrous wise. All of the disasters suffered are the fault of the President Lincoln and the press wishes to make Stanton the Scapegoat. After making these remarks Brownson maintains he is unable to speak on this subject and glosses over his cutting remarks by reminding Henry that after all the President is his Commander-in-Chief. The anxiety Brownson has for his country makes him ill and is so great that he can hardly be civil. Sarah Brownson has written him about all the news and Brownson reminds him that he too has written him a letter in which is enclosed one from Henry's mother. He expresses his disappointment over Edward, and Sarah seems to manage without his knowledge, aid, or counsel. Brownson is slightly sad over receiving forty dollars from Henry since it seems that he is taking blood and continues in his sadness because of former unkindnesses to his son for which he begs forgiveness. His health is gone, the country he has loved so much is going, the Bishops of his Church have denounced him, and his children who love and honor him think that they best aid him by refusing Brownson all confidence. Being old, infirm, solitary, forsaken, and with occasional influence of the gout in his temper Brownson considers life to be a hard trial and fearing lest he become an intruder childishly stores himself away in a small corner of the house. Sarah is an object of Brownson's pity and one from whom he would like to escape. He admires as an afterthought her good qualities, claiming that she could work herself to death save in a way that would please her mother and him. Brownson again begs Henry's forgiveness for former unkindnesses and declares his love for him. Henry is advised in regard to drinking and is counseled about the great danger of indulging too much in his idle hours. Brownson admits this as the reason for his harshness to Henry when he was at home since he could not bear his son's destroying himself in this way. Brownson discusses the disposition of his personal belongings. Henry is to receive the library and papers. None of the other children are to receive the books since Brownson believes they cannot prize them. Expressing the possibility that Henry may consider him disordered, Brownson declares it maybe so and urges his son to keep the honor of the name. :: III-3-a A.L.S.