[Expresses appreciation for Dr. Francis's letter commending his book and asks if it can be used by his publisher. Most of letter given to describing, in sorrowful terms, the recent death of his wife and comparing it with Dr. Francis's sorrow at the loss of his son, Lou, who apparently was briefly treated in Lossing's book.]

[Tells correspondent that his Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812 is printed and will be published in parts, "the first to be issued immediately after the approaching election." Adds that the work contains a portrait of General Montgomery "a copy of which you lent me several years ago, when I called upon you with our mutual friend, Mr. Frederick Kidder . " Desires to return his portrait and asks how this might be best accomplished.]

[Describes his efforts, long hours and strain, in writing his recent books. Speaks of visit to the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition where "[we] spent the evening at Mr. Drexel's who gave a reception to Dom Pedro." Says his latest work The American Centenary was issued in a superb and too costly volume---$20 in `half-calf' and muslin and contains . . . a great deal from my storehouse of facts."]

[Encloses his check for $10 and says, "Since you have all knowledge while I have very little . . . I leave the matter wholly to your judgement satisfied that you will do all that any man can do."]