The Appletons of New York have some German historical romances, written by Frau Mundt and her husband of Bertin, which they want translated. They were published under the name of Fraulein Louise Muhlbuch. Judge William J. Tenny of Elizabeth, the reader for Appleton Co. requested Brownson to write and offer the job to Henry. If Henry wishes to undertake one or more he is to write directly to the Appleton's and make his own arrangements with them since they are awaiting his answer. It is unfortunate that the Regular Army is, in politics, at the mercy of the late Volunteer Army. Evidently Mr. Prelinghuysen did all he could to prevent the injustice done by Schenck's Hill but it was of no use. Henry's commission is older than that of the great majority of his corps. Things look a little squally in Europe and it looks as though Austria is on the eve of dissolution. Napoleon probably will not be able to form the anticipated alliance and France may become only a second rate European power. The rate of population is every year diminishing. Prussia and Russia evidently have a good understanding and if Russia wishes to advance in the East, Prussia will offer no opposition. The Derby Ministry will, in Brownson's opinion, remain in office and carry a Reform Bill of some sort. As for the now purchased Russian America, Brownson does not believe that it is of much value although it may form a stepping stone to the acquisition of British Columbia. His article on the Church and Monarchy is being published in the Catholic World now and probably in June an article on Cousin and his philosophy will appear. Both of these articles may interest Henry. Brownson now takes the Army and Navy Journal and asks Henry whether he sees the Tablet. He intends resuming his contributions to the Ave Maria which were suspended in consequence of his poor health. Extreme radicalism has received a check and Butler has fizzled as a member of Congress. No impeachment will take place and the South will come back under the Reconstruction Bill and once back the disfrancsing clauses of the Bill fall of themselves, for when once restored, they stand on an equality with states that did not secede. New Jersey rejects negro suffrage, Wisconsin adopts suffrage and Sumner goes to Europe. Henry's mother has not been well during Lent but is better since Brownson has been venting her from fasting. She received Henry's letter and asks Brownson to thank him. She worries if a fortnight passes without hearing from him. Brownson reminds Henry that in case he accepts the offer from Appleton's to give the romances a free translation in his own English style without doing any more than to preserve the thought and spirit of the original. The English is waht interests the Appleton's. Henry is asked to write as often as he can because Brownson's life is very lonely and he cannot get out to see anyone, and when he works hard it brings out the gout. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.