Severance has always been interested in Orestes A. Brownson literary labors. As a liberalist Brownson stood second to no man in the country. When a preacher of Liberal Christianity so called he fully comprehended its views. He had the ability to define and defend atheism better than any of its American advocates at the present time and as a metaphysician he was without a poor on the Western Continent. Great and varied as are the talents and learning in the Catholic Church he was not outranked by any bishop or prelate. He throughly understood the American mind and in his stalwart blows at what he deemed religious error, he made no mistake. His training fitted him far better to deal intellectualy and religiously with his countrymen than the training of foreign prelates. It was a remarkable event in American national history for a man of his experience and attainments to find himself at last in the full fellowship of the Catholic communion. And the Church should see to it that his Catholic writings in particular are published in a uniform set of volumes. Severance has read most of Brownson's published writings from New Views of Chirstianity to the last volumes of Brownson's Quarterly Review excepting the last. Charles Elwood he would not part with for fifty times its books store value. Severance wants especially to see published his "Essays in Refutation of Atheism". During his boyhood, Severance knew well the Jesiah Sweet s family. Dr. John Sweet was Severance's school teacher and was a doctor in the Episcopal church. Severance is very well acquainted with the family of Joseph Healy, Washington New Hampshire who was Henry's maternal uncle, and Severance chanced to learn of Henry's residence by John P. Healy OF Boston. Severance frequently passes by the old residence of Suther Hunting where Brownson lived in his teens. The house is still standing and is rather a big and romantic place. The old Lady, Mrs. Benoni ? Wight is whose family Henry's uncle Orin Brownson was brought up, died but a few years ago. Not long since Severance met with and old playmate of Brownson's when he lived in South Royalton Vermont who said that Brownson had worked for his father, and was quite muscular at the age of 14 could esasily shoulder two bushels of corn. Severance was at Brownson's house once at Chelsea, Massachusetts but he saw none of the family. He should be very glad to get a photograph of Brownson and he wants the Essay on Atheism should it be published. :: III-3-a A. L. S. 4pp. 12mo