Brownson congratulates Henry on his birthday. He learned of it from Mrs. Brownson who keeps the family records. Brownson himself rejoices in his birthday only as it brings him so much nearer the time when he shall be called home. And yet the old are not less reluctant to die than the young, perhaps are even more unwilling to depart. The habit of life makes us unwilling to leave it, and then our work is never done and we have also much to do. Mrs. Brownson sends as a token of her remembrance to Henry and Fifine, fine dollars which Brownson begs Henry to accept as a small token of a mother's love. As she keeps the purse, Brownson has nothing to send but his good will. The hot weather is terrible. Eliza got sick, and the Brownsons nursed her for over a week until she got better, then sent her off and got another, Bridget, who was taken sick the third day after she came. She is getting better, can cook well, promises to be a good girl. Sarah Brownson has just returned from a trip in the mountainous regions of Pennsylvania, nearly worn out. Henry's mother is well, though she has everything to do. Brownson has had no serious attack of his old enemy, nothing more than some slight skirmishing as yet, but he has suffered from heat and other troubles. The nights are cooler. Brownson wants to talk with Henry about Henry's affairs, but he knows and can say nothing and supposes he can do nothing. He is disgusted with the government in all its branches. Grant is nobody ? and president, and Congress is worse. With regard to the war between France and Prussia, Brownson supposes he and Henry think alike. Brownson is on the side of France without being hostile to Germany. Brownson's countrymen, especially the Republican party, are on the side of Prussia, because she is the great Protestant power of the continent. Brownson likes Germany, not Prussia, and does not wish the old German empire to be Prussianized. The success of Prussia is in the extinction of Germany by her absorption in Prussia, not German in her nucleus, and more perfidious than Perfide Albion. Things look dark for Catholic interests. The nations are governed by Protestants, Jews, Infidels, Schismatics and lukewarm Catholics, and the Church has nearly all her work to do over again. The World has to be reconverted and she has only wooden Bishops and priests to do it with. But God is mighty and Brownson will not despair. Mrs. and Mrs. Brownson send their love to Henry, Fifine and the child. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.