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Scope and Contents Brownson has not written Henry because he expected Mrs. Brownson to answer his last letter. Also because his right hand is rapidly becoming partially disabled and he has avoided writing any more than he can help. His general health is pretty good excepting for the forefinger of his right hand. Henry's mother is better for her trip. She was absent nearly six weeks. Sarah Brownson is nearly recovered. Brownson is sorry Henry has been ill but is glad he is getting better. Oatmeal is excellent...

Scope and Contents Edward gave no reason to Brownson for leaving except that he did not like the place however it is said that he gave his family another reason. which Brownson will not repeat because of his refusal to believe it. Henry is asked to write and explain the reason. The Radicals have made a clean sweep, and will be even stronger in the next Congress but Brownson does not believe that Butler will carry through his programme. The Constitutional Amendment will probably be insisted on and although...

Scope and Contents The Adjutant-General has informed Brownson that the Secretary refused Henry's leave of absence. Brownson has not heard from Henry since he left home and does not know whether he is at Fort Warren or not. He is just recovering from a fit of gout. The day of writing is the anniversary of Mrs. Brownson's baptism and she is at Mass. The Brownson's are hosts to an actress, Mrs. Sally Brownson Goodrich Thayer, a cousin of Henrys, and a person who is intelligent and free from an engagement. She was...

Scope and Contents Henry's failure to write has caused great uneasiness in the Brownson family especially since he was still ill upon leaving home. Brownson has received a copy of the Pittsburgh Progress of the seventh, post marked Washington, D.C. the 15th of April which he supposed was from his son. He thinks Henry must have written home and that the fault lies in the Elizabeth post office which is poorly managed. Henry is urged to write immediately upon receiving this letter which is short because of the...

Scope and Contents Brownson informs his son that it is hard to say which course to follow. He believes that Congress will master out all those who are waiting orders at home. If Frank is in such a spot, he is liable to be called anytime. If mustered out of service, he is likely to receive $40.00 per month pension. Brownson wishes his son were out of the service and believes Detroit is his best location. He should go in partners with his brother-in-law or with someone who is already established in business, at...

Scope and Contents Brownson acknowledges Henry's note and concludes that, since he made no mention of the fact, his health must be better. He is pleased that his son has comfortable quarters and anticipates occupying them with him next summer. Mr. Smith's death has pained Brownson inasmuch as they were both old friends. Brownson is anxious to learn whether he became a Catholic before his death, whether Mrs. Smith still lives in the old place, and whether she was left well-off. Henry is asked to offer his...

Scope and Contents Brownson congratulates Henry and Fifine on the birth of a son and on his baptism. He hopes and prays that Fifine is well. If Henry is ordered away or is already away on Indian or any other service, he is to let his father know immediately that he may try to have the order stayed or countermanded. Mrs. Eleonor Sherman is Brownson's very dear friend. The operation that Brownson underwent on his toe nail brought about a return of his old enemy but not in very great rage. Mrs. Brownson is...

Scope and Contents Henry's mother has received his letter of the 28th. Brownson had been told by Father Remigius Tellier that Ed. Oaksmith had left the novitiate and gone to college in Paris, but infers from Henry's letter that he is still there with him and Henry is asked by Brownson to make him his affectionate remonstrances. Brownson was too busy with his Review to answer Henry's letter of Aug. 8. Brownson finished Mr. Ward's philosophical introduction to his Treatise on Nature and Grace just on the...

Scope and Contents Brownson, greatly relieved that Henry has escaped death in a recent battle, asks him to write at his earliest opportunity concerning the wounds he received and which Henry dismissed as light in his letter of the 4th inst. Brownson declared his gratitude to God to whom he had several Masses offered for Henry's protection. He is hardly less grateful that Henry has done his duty as an American officer and that none of his guns were lost. Despite the fact that the correspondents made no mention...

Scope and Contents Brownson sends this letter in care of Mr. Swinton, who visits the army camps arranging Times' Correspondence. Brownson urges Henry to treat him with great kindness. He has a letter from Ned, informing him of Henry's merits as an army officer and in which Ned asks his Father to secure a Star for Henry. Brownson can do nothing until Congress meets and then he will not ask Stanton whom he now considers a nobody. He regards the battle of Antietam as indecisive. General McClellan has no great...

Scope and Contents Brownson thanks Henry for the birthday present he sent him through his brother Ned and quotes the postmaster Major Leslie in regard to the government's lack of funds. General Burnside's failure has deeply grieved and chagrined Brownson but he retains his confidence in him and the whole army. Burnside's recent letter to Halleck puts a better face on the gloomy situation and assumes the whole responsibility. Burnside's proferred resignation is straightforward and manly but Brownson fears it...

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Brownson tells Henry that he has been expecting him home on December 7, Thanksgiving Day, and that he will be grieved if the latter is not able to come. Sarah's presence should not be reason for keeping Henry away since Brownson is of the opinion that being home has cured her of some follies. Brownson has converted his office into a sleeping room. Henry is again asked to come and keep Thanksgiving Day with the family. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 2pp. 12mo.

Scope and Contents Brownson has for some time been expecting to receive the papers from Henry which will enable the latter to sell the horses and he hopes it is not too late. He is disappointed that his son did not come home. The senate has returned the brevets to the Secretary of war to be submitted to a Board for examination but Henry should have no apprehension because of his distinguished and meritorious services in the field. Brownson is displeased over the turn of events in Washington. Both parties seem...

Scope and Contents Neuralgia, rheumatism and gout have prevented Brownson from answering Henry's letter sooner. He is unable to lie in bed or sit at a desk without great pain and is much worse than when Henry and Fifine were there. He seems to be slowly getting better though it seems that his brain is being affected since he is unable to pursue a connected train of thought. Mrs. Brownson received a letter from Henry and is enclosing Brownson's letter in her reply. Both Henry and Fifine like Atlanta and are not...

Scope and Contents Brownson is answering Henry's request for one hundred dollars and asks that the latter replace the money at the time mentioned, inasmuch as illness has prevented Brownson from earning as much as before. The rheumatism has not left Brownson's neck but his head is much better and he can think as well as usual. He wrote an article on the previous day for the Ave Maria and is about to begin one for the Catholic World on the Present State of Philosophy. Brownson diverges more each day from Father...

Scope and Contents Brownson, thanks Henry for his letter and is very happy about the fine condition of his health. Fifine was given a full account of Brownson's illness and although he is still improving, nevertheless, his knee and ankle joints are still weak. Grant and Colfax got through although the Democrats made large gains in the House of Representatives. This is a good condition inasmuch it will hold the extreme radicals in check and at the same time not impede legislation but restrain Congressional...

Scope and Contents A sore wrist prevented Brownson from writing sooner to his son. He hopes that Fifine, Henry and the baby are getting on well but since he has not heard from Fifine in same time he is afraid that his letter to her, when Henry was in Virginia, was not taken in good part. Chicago is a better place than Detroit to practise law but is by no means a better place to live, especially for a Catholic. Society, especially the Catholic society, is far less refined but if Fifine can bear it Henry should...

Scope and Contents Brownson congratulates Henry on his birthday. He learned of it from Mrs. Brownson who keeps the family records. Brownson himself rejoices in his birthday only as it brings him so much nearer the time when he shall be called home. And yet the old are not less reluctant to die than the young, perhaps are even more unwilling to depart. The habit of life makes us unwilling to leave it, and then our work is never done and we have also much to do. Mrs. Brownson sends as a token of her remembrance...

Scope and Contents Henry is appointed to the 25th Reg. but Brownson does not know where it is and asks Henry to inform him as soon as possible. Brownson returned yesterday from Boston. He was absent a fortnight and is quite well excepting a cold and stopped about half the time with Mrs. Smith and all the rest except one night at Cousin John's. Anna Brownson returned with him and is now here. He likes her much. Brownson encloses a check for $50. $20 is from Mrs. Smith in payment of a debt principal and interest...

Scope and Contents Brownson received Henry's letter of the 23th inst. this morning. He wrote Henry on the 21st enclosing a check on the Nat. State Bank of Elizabeth which Henry had not received when he wrote. Brownson wishes Henry Godspeed at the Biddle House. The $75 he sent Henry with the $10 in his last letter he begs Henry to accept as his Christmas present to Henry and Fifine. Brownson never expected Henry to pay him. Brownson is glad Henry has resigned and has no doubt Henry will be able to support his...

Scope and Contents Brownson's letter to Henry is the first of the new year and express Brownson's pleasure at his son's presence in Detroit rather than in St. Paul. Brownson taught school at Springwells, 11 miles from Detroit in 1824. The outlying River Rough section is infected with malaria although the city of Detroit itself is pleasant and healthy. In Brownson's day there General Cass was Governor of Michigan and Judge Woodbridge was Chief Justice. Detroit's population was from eleven to twelve hundred of...

Scope and Contents Brownson grieves at Henry's disappointment over a certain section of the Bill which was unjust and unfair, and he has written to Senators Wilson and Frelinghuysen in protest. He feels, however, that it will do no good since this ex-volunteer army is so numerous and so powerful through their vote that there is hardly a member of Congress who dares resist them. Henry is asked if he, with his fellow officers, could bring pressure to bear on Senators Chandler and Howard or consult Judge Watkins...

Scope and Contents Brownson has had a severe attack of gout in his left wrist which disabled him for several weeks from writings. His wrist is not yet well, but is tolerably free from inflamation and pain. The attack was brought on by an over amount of Intellectual labor. Brownson finds, if he goes beyond a certain point, he is sure to bring on the gout, especially if Father Isaac T. Hecker wants him to write an article of extra difficulty at a brief notice. Brownson thinks the good Father feels that his...

Scope and Contents Brownson has been prevented from writing sooner by bad eyes, a lame hand, and an unusual press of writing. He finds he has undertaken more than he can accomplish. He could not write for the Catholic World and the Tablet and have any time left to prepare the series of works he has in contemplation. Consequently he has broken off with the Catholic World. The immediate occasion of his doing it was the rejection of his article on Ontologism and Ontology, and another on Reason and Revelation....

Scope and Contents Henry's mother and sister have been very ill for two months and over and Brownson has been engrossed with his book which is more labor than Brownson had bargained for. Sarah Brownson is very ill but Mrs. Brownson is getting better and Brownson has finished his book. Father Leo G. The baud is pastor now, a brother of Mrs. Grant ?. His health is not very firm, but bids fair to be a very worthy and efficient priest. Brownson is not well and is suffering from his eyes, for he abuses them too...

Scope and Contents Brownson is glad to hear the family is well but sorry that Henry is not. He misses more than he can tell Henry's mother, so long his devoted and self-sacrificing wife. But while he mourns for himself and his children he cannot mourn for her. If she was not prepared for heaven, Brownson does not know who can be. Dr. Augustine Hewit who says he is not much in the way of praying says he prayed to Mrs. Brownson not for her. Her worth was little known in this world, but God whom she loved and...

Scope and Contents Brownson is glad to hear the family is well but sorry that Henry is not. He misses more than he can tell Henry's mother, so long his devoted and self-sacrificing wife. But while he mourns for himself and his children he cannot mourn for her. If she was not prepared for heaven, Brownson does not know who can be. Dr. Augustine Hewit who says he is not much in the way of praying says he prayed to Mrs. Brownson not for her. Her worth was little known in this world, but God whom she loved and...

Scope and Contents Brownson has been very busy preparing a book on the Papal Supremacy, made up of articles in the Review, for the most part in 1853, with a preface and two fresh articles written expressly for the volume, and an elaborate preface. It is nearly ready for the press. The Refutation of Atheism is corrected and ready for the printer, but he has not decided which work he will publish first. Father Augustin Hewit in the last Catholic World has an article on philosophy, which has damaged him much in...

Scope and Contents Brownson is sorry to hear by Father Ernest Van Dyke that Fifine Brownson's eyes are worse than ever He thinks it must be owing to her being kept awake and worn out with Orestes Brownson. Brownson saw Father Van Dyke but for a moment, as his visit was paid to Sarah Brownson . He seems to be in better health. He told Brownson nothing, since he knows nothing, how Henry's law business is prospering, but his manner left the impression that Henry is not doing very well. Brownson wishes to be told...

Scope and Contents Brownson has been intending to write Henry for months, but exhaustion, indolence or a horror of writing more than he is actually obliged to has prevented him from doing so. As Henry has never written an encouraging word about his Review, Brownson presumes Henry is disappointed in it. Its permanent sale will be about 1000 copies He has been unfortunate in his printers and publishers both. He is promised a better proof-reader hereafter. His health has been pretty good thus far, though his...