The removal of a neighbor to Wheeling gives the writer an opportunity to write Bishop Whelan, and ask his blessing and prayers for himself and others on his side of the line of blood and fire separating them. Mrs. Ellen Sullivan is going to settle in Wheeling, for the benefit of her children, so that they may be educated and brought up properly. Lewis has told her he knew Whelan, and that Frances Smythe would give her whatever advice or direction she would need. She will tell Whelan of the health of Lewis and his family. They are all still alive. Letty Lewis? has been very ill, but is improving, . Her children are healthy, but her husband, who has been in the army, is now at home, and Lewis fears he will not survive. Lewis has not been out this summer because the country was so threatened and the enemy is near. Mr. Crooks ? is in the army, but has strained his back lifting a canon, and is trying to get a long furlough so that he can recover. Willy Lewis is a volunteer in the "State line" commanded by General John B. Floyd. He will soon be in service in Western Virginia. Lewis does not protest Willy's serving his country, but he was sad upon seeing him march away, to return none knows when. So many are suffering and giving their lives on the altar of Liberty, that never before in the history of the earth has Liberty cost so much. But the people, rich and poor, and old and young, are all bound together in a brotherhood of sorrow, suffering, and resolve. All are united and the soldiers suffering and enduring without a murmur. Likewise is a whole nation of women to be admired; they are brave, courageous, sacrificing, giving up sheltered homes to care for the wounded or living without the necessities of life. All widows, orphans, and bereaved parents are keeping their sorrow out of sight, lest such thoughts might disturb the fighting men. He wonders how long the evil of war will be in the world; how long God's anger will be directed against it. It seems beyond human ability to see the way to peace, for victory and defeat alike leave the future impenetrable. All his relatives and friends are still alive, except Nancy's brother Albert who was killed at the Battle of Second Manasses on August 30 1862. She and her family are now residing with General Floyd at Abington, Kentucky. He names a number of their friends and reports on their health and welfare. They all need only peace to make them wiser and better, after the sad lessons of war. God only can judge the hearts of the people, and while the presence of evil men among them all is acknowledged, yet the people seem chastened, elevated, and instructed. They have lost neither humanity nor Christian civilization by contact with an enemy the North whose like history has never before recorded. Lewis apologizes for intruding upon Bishop Whelan's time, and asks his prayers for peace and for God's protection. ` P.S. Lewis hopes for a visit from Whelan when the way has been made open and safe. He sends his regards to Father Henry F. Parke of Parkersburg, Virginia, and asks Whelan to take up a collection of prayers for his son, Whilly Lewis. In the James Alphonsus McMaster collection. :: I-1-m A.L.S. 12pp. 8vo.