Foreign affairs, and the developments of the Great European war, which is, in my opinion, sure to happen before three months have passed, occu[illegible-fold-fold] most of the public attention here. It may indeed be said that we live in exciting times. Political matters connected with our own country, involving questions as profund and far-extending as any that ever came up for settlement among us—the problem of French Republicanism, and its [illegible-fold]ution or explosion—the revolt in Ireland, and the deep-seated wish in the American heart, for its success—besides a dozen other "movements," not forgetting the important on[illegible-fold] in Germany and Italy—all these form indeed subjects for the most engrossing interest. Here in New York, this interest is tinged with no provincial character, but is developed with all that fiery ardor and "looseness" so characteristic of the city. Whatever a man thinks, that he says or writes—[illegible-fold] of finding some hundreds who will agree with him.
Business is rather dull, and most of those engaged in the selling trade are temporarily out of town, enjoying what they can of "rural felicity." From the look presented by the the jobbing houses down town, however, they anticipate an immense business this fall. Most of the stores have an unusual number of clerks, and boxes [illegible-fold]e piled up for miles along the lower part of Pearl street, and the thoroughfares which cross it. The jobbers have laid or are laying in an immense stock of goods; and the din of hammering and boxing up goes on at a great rate.
After an excessive heat, we[,] since Monday last, have been treated to a "spell" of comparatively cool weather. Folks stay out of town, though, all the same; and I am not sure but the country is more enjoyable in a sort of autumn weather, than any other.
Dysentery and cholera infantum are carrying off from twelve to twenty persons daily; most of the deaths of the former disease too are children. This is about as bad as your yellow fever, isn't it?
The arrival of the Crescent City yesterday brought us the latest printed dates; but since the "connection" by telegraph, we have, of course, no more anxiety to get late papers. Why don't some of you give us fuller intelligence about that "Buffalo hunt on the Rio Grande?" Is there really any thing in it, or is there no foundation for the tale, except mere newspaper rumor? A very general curiosity exists here to learn more about it; besides, there are ten thousand dare-devils in th[illegible-fold] city, in want of adventure and excitement, who would like to join such an expedition.
Our reporters are quite in a state of sullenness from the absence of any interesting topic. Yesterday morning there was something of a fire in Brooklyn. By the by, I must tell you that Mrs. Behm, instead of being "kilt," was only partially kilt, (you recollect the case, as mentioned in one of my letters, ten days since?) and has got quite well. Both she and her husband are attending to their little grocery.
Yours,&c., MANHATTAN.