_Dear Sir_,--Thank you for your friendly interest in my dear brother.
I wish that I could report more favorably in regard to his health.
Soon after your visit to Concord, Henry commenced riding, and almost
every day he introduced me to some of his familiar haunts, far away in
the thick woods, or by the ponds; all very new and delightful to me.
The air and exercise which he enjoyed during the fine autumn days were
a benefit to him; he seemed stronger, had a good appetite, and was
able to attend somewhat to his writing; but since the cold weather has
come, his cough has increased, and he is able to go out but seldom.
Just now he is suffering from an attack of pleurisy, which confines
him wholly to the house. His spirits do not fail him; he continues in
his usual serene mood, which is very pleasant for his friends as well
as himself. I am hoping for a short winter and early spring, that the
invalid may again be out of doors.
I am sorry to hear of your indisposition, and trust that you will be
well again soon. It would give me pleasure to see some of your
newspaper articles, since you possess a hopeful spirit. My patience is
nearly exhausted. The times look _very_ dark. I think the next soldier
who is shot for sleeping on his post should be Gen. McClellan. Why
does he not do something in the way of fighting? I despair of ever
living under the reign of Sumner or Phillips.