Brownson failed to reply to Henry's last letter from Salem because he did not know where to direct his answer. He is very glad that Henry has learned of the improvement of Fifine's health. He sympathizes with Henry's parental pride in Master Vandyke Brownson. Representing as he does at least three distinguished races he ought to be something extraordinary. The numbers of the Catholic World which Brownson promised Henry for Father Ernest Van Dyke had been disposed of by promise when Henry had asked his father. Brownson regrets being forced to disappoint both Henry and his brother-in-law. However, Henry has the first volume and of the other volumes not much more than half could be found, though what has become of them is not known. Brownson has walked to Church once, attended commencement at Seton Hall, and St. John's Fordham. He is good friends again with the Jesuits and although, their colleges are not perfect they are the best we have or hope to have. Father Isaac Hecker goes to the Council as procurator for Bishop Sylvester H. Rosecranz . He is growing less radical and will no doubt return from Rome as Conservative as Brownson. A nailless too prevents Brownson from walking further than around the yard, but with this exception his health is good, and he is slowly gaining strength. He asks if Henry receives the Catholic World. James Sadlier is very ill at some watering place, is losing his mind and is expected to die. He has virtually withdrawn from the firm, which places Brownson in a predicament, since neither he nor Denis Sadlier can get along. Brownson hopes to go into town Tuesday in order to see about it and is afraid that he can not be in Detroit before September. He hopes to celebrate his birthday with Henry and Fifine. The Sadliers have not fully paid him since last January and as a result he is almost moneyless. He would be pleased to lecture if he could. Brownson can do nothing for Henry until Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Dahlgren get back to Washington permanently, for they are the only strings in his bow. The War Department will probably not bother Henry till Congress meets and it looks as though he will have to rely on his law business after that inasmuch as the next session of Congress will most likely discharge all officers now at home awaiting orders. Brownson has not seen Henry's name among those ordered to Mississippi and Texas. He sends his love to Fifine and asks her to kiss the young master for him. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.