Last Years. 371 



I am glad to see that you take the same view as I do 

 with respect to the supreme importance of true political 

 theory, especially for you in the United States. I do not 

 believe that a true theory will do much good, but one may 

 at any rate say, contrariwise, that an untrue one does a 

 great deal of harm; and at present much mischief is going 

 on among you as a result of untrue theories. 



I find myself not adequately acquainted with the state 

 of things in America in respect of some of the traits of in- 

 dustrialism on which 1 am commenting. When you get the 

 chapter you will probably be able either to give me in- 

 formation bearing on sundry other points, or to indicate 

 some recent books in which I shall get information, so that 

 by the time the volume goes to press I shall be prepared 

 for making the chapter more complete. I presume, from 

 your wishing to have the series continued, that it excites 

 with you some interest, but you have not told me anything 

 about this. 



After my experience last year in going to and from 

 Alexandria, on each of which occasions I had a three days' 

 voyage, my fears of sea travelling in respect of entailed 

 sleeplessness are somewhat diminished, and consequently I 

 have of late been entertaining the thought that I may pos- 

 sibly come over to see you. If so, it will be, I think, in the 

 latter half of next year. At present I say this to yourself 

 only, not having come to any positive decision. 



Mount Vernon, N. Y., July 8, 1881. 



My dear Spencer : I believe I wTote you that I was 

 going to try Saratoga. I did so for a week, and although 

 it was a tedious job yet I gained something by it. I 

 endured the exposure without injury. 



The bronchitis is disappearing, but the soreness and 

 strain from extensive pleural adhesion continue. I can 

 now be so much out that I expect more marked improve- 

 ment. I have yours of June 13th. Thanksfor the important 



