Many unhappy days have come to Stoddard since he last heard from Hudson. He has been ill and wanted to die, as he did not desire to live on and struggle. While Stoddard was confined to bed his 67 year old father was discharged from a position held 5 years. His only brother's salary was reduced from $8 a week to $6, and that is insufficient for the four living at home. Stoddard is selling his souvenirs of travel to help and asks Hudson to pray for them. His family are all Protestants, and Stoddard had to fight his way into the Holy Church alone. In 1862 he began attending Mass and in 1864 resolved to be baptized. He was baptized in 1867 and has been regular in his religious duties every since. At the time of his baptism many of his friends ridiculed him, but he has tried to command their respect. He thanks Hudson for the poems, and for the Scholastic Annual. :: X-2-f A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.