Brownson has not written Henry because he expected Mrs. Brownson to answer his last letter. Also because his right hand is rapidly becoming partially disabled and he has avoided writing any more than he can help. His general health is pretty good excepting for the forefinger of his right hand. Henry's mother is better for her trip. She was absent nearly six weeks. Sarah Brownson is nearly recovered. Brownson is sorry Henry has been ill but is glad he is getting better. Oatmeal is excellent for breakfast and with milk and sugar Henry should not dislike it, but Brownson gets tired of it after a while. Henry must either go to bed earlier, or take breakfast later. If he eats it as soon as he gets up, then it will require time to harden himself to close and continued applications, a thing somewhat new to Henry. Brownson is much obliged to Father John De Blieck for his photograph, and that has not forgotten that he owes him his own which he will send at the first opportunity. He is very sorry to hear that Mr. Cosgrave ? lost heavily by the Chicago fire. Brownson took a great liking to him. He inquires about the forest fires in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota and wonders if they are the work of the Internationals. If Henry has received the Catholic World for November he will see the printers have annexed part of the Lawyer's note to Father Isaac Hecker's, which makes confusion, yet he thinks Henry will recognize his father in the first article. He has just read the proof of two articles for the Catholic World, one on events in France, another on the cosmic philosophy, a review of Herbert Spencer's First Principles. In the first article is Brownson's view of the significance, causes and remedy of the present state of things in the old Catholic nations of Europe. The restoration of the Pope to his temporal possessions will remedy nothing. The Catholics of Europe must learn that while the Church does not need the state, the state needs her and cannot subsist without her. They must learn that Christendom is gone, and from the Pope, downwards, not to put their trust in princes. The Church is now, if Catholics could see it, a missionary church in an infidel world, and is now compelled to begin anew and reconvert the people, for the princes can do nothing without them. Brownson is getting along as well as he can with his book "The Refutation of Atheism and False Theism," But he may not get it out before spring. Henry's mother and Brownson both send their love to all. P.S. Brownson wants to know when the Baron and Baroness may be expected. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.