L[ydia] M[aria] C[hild] ALS to Louisa Loring, December 18, 1842

especial gratification. I hint that I know of
a battery better than his, to defend harbours,
and protect nations; and he shows that he
has a flickering perception of what my battery
may be, by apologizing for his invention. "I
would not make it known," quoth he, did I not
think it would put a stop to war."

I am afraid, however, that he, and his revolv-
-ing pistol brother, thought more of the cash
than they did of doing away war. I did not
say this; but merely answered that I never yet
had known Satan to be very successful in casting
out Satan. Of this
philosophy he had
no notion, it not
being included in the Episcopal service. A man
of purely military ideas and sympathies strikes
me as oddly as a visitor from Saturn. However,
he seems to have a very kind heart, and noble
impulses. I don't know what the Lord led him
into my path for.

I have just received a beautiful wreath from
Augusta. She is too good to me.

If you can think of it, will you send back by Friend
Hopper, Mrs. Jameson's Sketches, which you borrowed