Brownson grieves at Henry's disappointment over a certain section of the Bill which was unjust and unfair, and he has written to Senators Wilson and Frelinghuysen in protest. He feels, however, that it will do no good since this ex-volunteer army is so numerous and so powerful through their vote that there is hardly a member of Congress who dares resist them. Henry is asked if he, with his fellow officers, could bring pressure to bear on Senators Chandler and Howard or consult Judge Watkins who has influence. Capt. Ward, reputed to be the wealthiest man in Detroit, should have influence. Henry is told that he cannot better serve his country than in working to keep the regular army respectable and efficient. The Bill is hostile to the necessary Esprit de Corps and ought to be resisted by Henry and his fellow officers. Brownson's hope is in the improbability of the Bill passing due to the shortness of the Session and Congress' lack of time to act upon it. There is so little statesmanship in wither House that if the members do act they will surely act wrong. Henry is asked if his case is as bad as he represents it and Brownson is interested in finding out what procedure of dealing with the officers is used. He would also like to know what would be Henry's position should the Senate fail to confirm his commission as Captain in this Session. Is he now a civilian again or would he fall back on his previous rank in the artillery Brownson believes that his commission will be confirmed if the Senate acts on it but is anxious to know the effect of non-confirmation of it and also of Henry's resignation of his commission before confirmation. Brownson offers to do what he can for his son. Brownson become so angry at Wilson's Bill that he has little heart for writing but is working hard for the Catholic World Ave Maria, and Tablet. Father Edward Sorin finds Brownson's articles praised in the National Review and is delighted. Brownson's engagement with the Tablet is for a year and his pay is determined by whether his articles are accepted or not. No engagement exists with the Catholic World and the acceptance of his articles is to be determined by Father Issac T. Hecker who is disposed to make Brownson feel that by accepting his articles he is doing him a favor. Since the English engagement would pay his only 18 pounds a year Brownson decided to leave it go. He asks Henry to take his disappointment philosophically and tells him there is always a way to live and thrive. Henry is asked to give his father's regards to Judge Wilkins, a worthy man from a good Pennsylvania family. His son, Eliot, married one of the McCarthys of Syracuse and he hopes McCarthy is elected a member of the next Congress. Mrs. Brownson's health has been good during the winter and she sends her love to Henry. Brownson can get out now that he has received his shoes and has thus far escaped any severe attack of the gout. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 3pp. 8vo.