Orestes wishes Henry to read the enclosed and then send it on to the Institute. He thinks they will invite Henry to take his place, and he hopes Henry will accept. His subject would have been "The Church and Liberty" and he should have labored to prove that the Church is the only basis for all true liberty. He went to New York the week before last and came home with a severe cold and a slight attack of gout. He has subdued the inflammation and got rid of the pain, but is too weak and stiff in the joints to dare attempt the journey, and the fatigue of two nights without sleep, for he cannot sleep in a sleeping car. He regrets it, because he wanted to see Henry, Fifine sic and the baby Philip. For the people he does not care much since he never had a good audience in Chicago. But he is really sorry to disappoint his children, and shall make it up to them, as soon as spring opens. If life and tolerable health are spared him, he will certainly do it, but now, he cannot wear his shoes. Another reason is that Mrs. Sudlier is ill, and her physician says that she must not put pen to paper for two or three weeks to come. He is obliged to write for her and himself too, so that it is very difficult for him to leave home at present; for his eyes are troubling him very much and he cannot use them to furnish the matter for the Tablet in advance. His book is out at last. A copy for Henry is lying on his table which his mother will send Henry by mail today or tomorrow and he hopes Henry will like it. He asks Henry to kiss the baby for him and gives his love to Fifine. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 2pp. 12mo.