Egan, Michael De Burgho, Emmitsburg, Maryland, to William Seton, U.S.S. Cyane, New York, 1822 June 19

Egan received William's letter of the 12th. He fears his letter may not reach william before he sets sail this week. He is glad William is stationed to his liking but feels the climate of the West Indies will not be as favorable as that of South America. He looks forward to the day of William's return but wonders what may happen during the course of two or three years. He says when Clement came there last winter he did not realize he would leave. He is a warning, to many others who likewise calculate on health and youth. He asks why anyone should expend himself chasing phantoms which elude him and cannot satisfy his immense desires. He asks William how many he has seen in his seafaring life who have only an eternity of damnation ahead of them because they have forgotten or offended God. The first moment of such a wreck's eternity affords a great field for reflection. Allison, he says, has handled it very well. William personally has or can have any reason for striving after heaven besides the desire for the knowledge and possession of God, it is the thought that he will there be with all his friends and dear ones again. He imagines he sees his, sister, father, Rebecca, or mother looking down on them rejoicing when they do good or praying hard for them when they sin. Father John Dubois will be in New York in the course of a fortnight. He is taking some of the boys three Nau's, Coale, Shafer and others. Egan will spend his vacation partly on the manor, partly at Mr. Jamison's in Virginia. He says he is well except for his weak breast. The Archbishop, Ambrose Marichal is not expected until September, so Egan says he may go to France. Mr. J.V. Wiseman was promoted to the deaconship. William's friends especially Chatard and Ignace, desire to be remembered to him. The building is progressing. He suggests that William write him first as that will be more practical. He asks to be remembered to William's dearest Josephine and to Richard. He asks William where he will be next winter., P.S. He asks William to give his regards to Charles Grim if he sees him. :: II-1-a A.L.S. 3pp. royal 8vo., 3