Brownson has had a severe attack of gout in his left wrist which disabled him for several weeks from writings. His wrist is not yet well, but is tolerably free from inflamation and pain. The attack was brought on by an over amount of Intellectual labor. Brownson finds, if he goes beyond a certain point, he is sure to bring on the gout, especially if Father Isaac T. Hecker wants him to write an article of extra difficulty at a brief notice. Brownson thinks the good Father feels that his articles are necessary to the credit of the Catholic World and suffers him to write as he pleases. The only trouble he has grows out of the fact that Father Augustine Hewit is not sound on the question of original sin and does not believe. It is necessary to be in communion with the Church in order to be saved. Hewit holds that Protestants may be saved through invincible ignorance and that original sin was no sin at all except the individual one of Adam and that our nature was not wounded at all by it. Father Hecker agrees with him on these points, and is in fact a semi-Pelagian, without knowing it. So he is obliged to abstain from bringing out what he regards as the orthodox doctrine of original sin, and of exclusive salvation. But in all other respects he is unrestrained. Dr. Braun has been writing in the Tablet much to Brownson's annoyance. Braun makes good points, but he writes in a vulgar, braggadocio or a regular Paddy Whuck style. Brownson has remonstrated but Braun is incurable. He has learning and any amount of unregulated ability. Brownson is glad Henry is out of the Army and a free man. The more Brownson sees of Gen. Grant, the less is he disposed to trust him. He seems determined to go out of office, if he does, a very rich man. Brownson does not like the Democratic party but abominates the Republican party and doubts if any change could be for the worse. Grant courts rich men and is at home only with blackguards. He has lost New Hampshire and will lose Connecticut and probably the entire south, whether Congress does or does not pass the Klu Klux bill. Brownson is pleased to learn that Henry is doing better than he expected. If Henry applies himself closely to his business, studies economy and keeps in good humor, he need have no apprehension for the future. Henry wishes to know why Brownson cannot write at Henry's house as well as at home. There are many reasons,—the chief reason is that when Brownson goes from home, he goes in part to get rid of writing and to give his brain a rest. He wants nothing on his mind. He hopes to visit Henry soon after Easter, but it will depend something on the weather, still more on the state of his health. At any point, he will start the earliest day possible. He gives his love to all. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.