Severance has received the Essay in Refutation of Atheism and hopes to read it soon. He has always respected Brownson's father as an intellectual athlete and has been of assistance in his own reasoning. He has been interested in Brownson's views for many years, an admirer of the Review and of Charles Elwood, but more in harmony with Brownson's views at this period, than at a later time. He calls Brownson the leading contemporary American writer, one who was well aware of the intellectual tendencies of his countrymen, influential in liberating the public mind from the control of Locke. He learned of Henry Brownson from John P. Healy and is anxious to become better acquainted with him and his family. He has often passed the place where Dr. Brownson spent his boyhood in Vermont. He encloses $1 for the book and sends his respects. :: III-3-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.