The Barrens is as dear as the day he parted from it. He wrote two letters, one to Father John Odin,C.M., the other to John Cotter, but has had no answer. All he ever heard was the death of Father Francis Simonin, C.M.? at which he was much affected, knowing what an acquisition he was to the community. O'Reilly's congregation contains about 200 families, all Irish, two churches 8 miles apart. The other is 50 miles distant, contains 32 families, 18 of which are German, most of whom speak English. In the congregation in which he resides, there are not five who are of age who will not fulfill their duty. There are neither lawsuits nor drunkenness here. O'Reilly is to attend the other church only 4 times a year. He cannot help it, having to attend 40 miles of public works. He need never dread sick calls at night; it is a most healthy country. The woods are falling fast. The greater part of the settlers are new and poor, but industrious. Those who have been here 9 or 10 years have made $150 to $250 from butter, to say nothing of wool, beef, and pork. The Yankees are alarmed; they wish to sell their farms as they cannot be bosses. They have not troubled O'Reilly since the first Sunday when he turned them out of doors, letting them know they should not come if they would not conform to the custom of the place. O'Reilly wishes Odin to secure for him two sets of candlesticks and crosses and $20 worth of beads. There is in the community a very pious unmarried man about 40 who would join the Congregation if accepted. O'Reilly asks for prayers especially those of Father John Baptist Tornatore, C.M. and the Sisters of Loretto. He is within 40 miles of a priest; they visit alternately. His health is excellent., P.S. What happened to Father Peter Richard Donnelly? Will Mr. Hays send a certificate that O'Reilly had declared his intention of becoming a citizen. :: IV-3-k A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.