Brownson is writing to Henry at the request of his mother and she in turn will write the letter that Brownson was going to write to Fifine. The death of Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere grieved Brownson, who is afraid that his equal will be hard to secure as a successor. General Schofield will not long remain as Secretary of War and it is believed that General Rawlins will succeed him, although Brownson thinks Rawlins will be the Collector for the port of New York. General Sherman's order on taking command of the army indicates that the Secretary of War has far less to do with the army than before. The Army Bill limits the Brigadiers to eight, stops promotions and new appointments in the army staff and new appointments in the several branches of the service with the exception of the West Point graduates. It authorizes the President to consolidate the several regiments of infantry until reduced to 25 regiments, however this is not compulsory. Promotions in the line are evidently to be continued as usual, although Brownson does not know the precise shape in which the Bill actually passed. He hopes it will not affect Henry even though as a matter of prudence he should try living on his pay as a captain. Grant has done well in giving the go-by to the politicians, yet his first appointments are blunders. General Cox and Judge Hoar are excellent appointments but the others cannot be commended. A.J. Stewart is out and so far so good. An old man of 70 who pays 8 or ten millions in duty to the government each year is not a fit man to be the Secretary of the Treasury, however honest he may be. However, he is better than George H. Stewart, the man to whom it was first offered, a miserable fanatic and leader of most of the anti-Catholic movements in the country. Brownson thinks little of Grant's ability to judge character and he attributes the appointment of Boue to Grant's nepotism. Boutwell, who has the merit of never having been a Whig, is believed the next Secretary of the Treasury. Brownson would choose Cisco, formerly Assistant-Treasurer of New York, Grant will have greater opposition than he fought during the War and it is doubtful whether he will win. If he succumbs to the politicians there is no hope and if he does not, the Executive becomes Supreme and Congress will have nothing to do but register his edicts. Henry it to tell Fifine that Brownson has the book Gems of Devotion and he is to tell her to give Brownson's most respectful regards to her mother. Brownson asks to be remembered also to Ernest and extends his sympathy to Fifine's other brother Philip. Henry's mother is feeling quite well after having had a slight cold and Brownson, with the exception of sore feet, feels well. Mrs. Brownson joins her husband in sending Henry and Fifine their best.love. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.