My son Lieut Donelson, who seperated from me in Switzerland, with my Daughters, to visit Rome, has been so much interrupted in his route, that he has not yet joined me again. The consequence is that the benefit of his trip to Europe, as an opportunity to examine the military works, will be lost, unless you grant him the favor of an extension of his furlough to the 1st of April for which I have applied without his knowledge to the War Dept. His conduct at West Point is a pledge that the favor asked will be improved to the benefit of the country. His piety, intelligence, and thirst for information, inspire me with great hopes of his future usefulness, and I shall regard it as a great favor to have this request gratified.

Mr. Bagby remained a few days here with me. He seemed confident of the Democratic victory in the present election: but the papers continue to show that the race is a close one. According to my count the event turns on ohio, and as I have never had much faith in the politics of that state I have never been sanguine of the success of our ticket. There is a charm in Genl Taylors no party declaration which added to his military merit, prepare me to hear that Mr. Bagbys anticpations are not realised.

The free soil movement is the most dangerous one made against the harmony of our Union: Assisted by the Foreign vote which will be hereafter increased by the process of emigration from Europe it may be considered a trial for us almost as dangerous as the socialism of Europe to her peace and tranquillity. But I will not tax you with my thoughts on the subject. I congratulate you that you are near the close of your arduous labors, and that your administration has been so successful.

The papers will give you the details of the siege and capitulation of Vienna. Affairs are not much better here. The Assembly and the King are preparing for a great conflict. Ministers succed each other on the stage of Politics, with as much rapidity as on an ordinary Theatre. All is disorder.

Read my despatch no. 99, containing a recent interview with the King. It must gratify you to see the increasing respect felt for our country and that as difficulties increase here Kings are willing to take advice from so poor a character as I am.

I am pressed by the Arch Dukes friends at Frankfort to return, but I hope to receive first powers to negotiate. It is more than I can bear too to stand the expenses of frequent visits of that kind, unless I can be allowed an outfit which I think I am fairly entitled to. A little reflection will satisfy you, that at such a period as this, thown into contact with all the excited political elements of Europe, it is impossible for me to practise the economy which is usual with our ministers.

I gave Baron Roenne a letter to you.2 He is an amiable man, not weighty enough for the storm which is now blowing, but in peaceable times would have been a good counsellor for the King.

With kind regards to Mrs. P & to Mr. & Mrs. W we remain . . . .