Bruté, Father Simon, Emmitsburg, Maryland, to Catherine Josephine Seton, Care of Lieutenant Seton, New York, New York, 1831 July 6

He thanks her for her letter of June 15. He did not deserve such attention except for his lifelong attachment to Josephine and William Seton. He came to Baltimore but since he spent only two busy days there did not try to see her. He doubted whether after going so far he would find her home. He would like to have met her family. He trusts she realizes anyway that his heart is "to" her. He would say the same for William. He wonders whether William received his first letter to Washington or a second just before he received hers. On hearing the most interesting news for William Bruté could not check his "feelings" in the letter. Bruté explains about William's own way. There is too much of his own "main way and main pledge in everything not to rely that if he received that letter which I left to Sister Martha to direct, he will have been pleased even with the indiscretion another, but so good a friend, might have found in it." Bruté has heard no more of the news and despite its positive announcement does not know whether it is true. If so, she is to "confirm to both," the wishes of happiness. He has often offered the sacrifice for them. Her letters being memories of 1815 since she is now with her aunt who was kind to him at that time. The aunt's kindness to him was rather on account of her love for the friend who brought him and with whom he could feel proud and delighted than on account of his otherwise shy and awkward nature. Through the whole family he had the same kind reception, and even when returning alone he was extended polite invitations. He asks her to renew the expressions of such feeling as has ever since remained in his heart. He desires to mention Samuel by name, his voyage, presence at the hermitage and long talks, his letters, and their last meeting in 1826, all just as they are in his heart. Samuel promised him a copy of the memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth Seton but he has never gotten it so asks Catherine to renew the search for it when she comes in the fall, as they hope she will. He is glad she knows their good Mr. Bertrand. He has not had a letter since that fatal July. His letters always contained many lines about "Mother" Mrs. Seton, Bee, or Catherine. He is pained at his country's disasters. Yet he would be sorry to miss his proper settling with God. Yesterday they had one of their most frequent meditations with the seminarians, The Will, "all in the general providence of the universe" and "in our whole life." This obliges us "to boundless habitual confidence and resignation---." He will defer preaching to her and William until they come. They preach the better sermon by their example. This is also true of Josephine. Many excellent lines in the letter he is answering reminds him of it., P.S. All here and at the Valley are pleased at her kind commission. Father John Baptist Purcell may see her or William in New York for which he set out from here. He is pleased with what she says of Emily. He asks to be remembered to her. :: II-1-a A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.