(Saint Pierre, O.Carm., Father Paul de)
Proceedings against Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro, pastor of Ste. Genevieve, (Missouri)
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1796 Jul. 11
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, Louisiana
On (Penalver's) arrival in this city in July (1795), his Vicar General Father Patrick Walsh had ordered S(a)n Pedro, to come here because there were doubts about his legitimate mission and entrance into the province from the United States. (San Pedro) having arrived at the end of (1795) the bishop wished to do all possible to investigate the truth of the charges against him and wrote on January 13, 1796 to Bishop (John Carroll) Juan Carol asking for information as to San Pedro's entrance into, stay in, and leaving of his diocese and what he knew about his sacred orders, enclosing five documents which, with a copy of the letter, are to be collected for the case. (Penalver) sent a confidential letter to the same bishop on January 27 including an order to Father (James Maxwell) Diego Maxibel, his vicar general in the Spanish Illinois country, charging him with the care of the parish of Ste. Genevieve so that (San Pedro) might go personally to Baltimore to clear himself of the charges which give an unfavorable opinion of him. (Carroll) was to turn over immediately to S(a)n Pedro the letter for Maxwell and (San Pedro) was to return directly to his parish. These documents are to be collected. Afterwards, (Penalver) received from Father Pablo a letter from New Madrid, dated May 12, which stated that he had received the paper for Maxibel, the same one which Carol mentioned that he delivered to him in his letter of March 31, written in English and translated into Spanish by Walsh. This also will be filed in the proper manner as well as another of April 7 in which (Carroll) gives a sad picture of this priest, which last document was brought by Jose(f de) Gaudenes (Jaudenes) entrusted with business from the court of Spain in regard to the American Congress. Also, (Carroll) in his letter of April 7, quoted his vicar general in the American Illinois country, Father (Michael Levadoux, S.S.) Labadoux, who sent in officially at the time several papers not found in the archives relative to Father Pablo sent in by Father Pierre (Josef) Didie(r), O.S.B.), pastor of St. Louis, on March 5, written in French and translated into Spanish by Father (Walsh). There is also to be collected whatever throws light on the weighty reasons for not continuing (San Pedro) in this appointment without investigation. Therefore, the bishop orders that this file of papers be coordinated so that upon examining it he may pronounce judgement. The bishop signs this.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1796 Jan. 13
(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Bishop John Carroll
(Baltimore, Maryland)
On (Penalver)'s arrival in this diocese he met S(a)n Pedro, whom Whals had ordered to come to New Orleans in order to examine his credentials. (Penalver) has no other papers but those of which he sent copies to Carroll: the patent of his superior, a license to hear confessions, and one about his service in France, with a letter from Carroll to his vicar-general when S(a)n Pedro was in the parish of Kaskaskia, but since the first three documents are not authentic, the last one has not much prestige. He did not present his ordination papers nor commendatory letters from Carroll at the time of leaving his diocese. (Penalver) has delayed his return to his parish. Also, three nuns of the order of St. Clare from France, who live near Carroll, sent (Penalver) information of which he encloses a copy and in which (Henri Peyroux de la Coudreniere) Perou, Commandant at St. Genevieve, concurs. (Penalver) begs (Carroll) to inform him about S(a)n Pedro.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1783 Nov. 22
St. Anna, O.Carm, Father John Peter of
Cologne, (Germany)
As Father Paulum a S. Petro is leaving for Philadelphia in America with just cause, St. Anna states that he is in good standing. John Peter signs as provincial and Father Maurice of St. John Baptist signs as secretary. J(ose)ph M(ari)a de Rivas adds (in Spanish) on January 9, 1796 that this conforms to the patent shown by San Pedro to (Penalver).
D.S. Copy (Latin)
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1783 Nov. 26
(Von Saxen), Clemens Wenceslaus, Archbishop of
Trier, (Germany)
Father Paulo a S. Petro, O.Carm., of Saarlouis in Saintonge, is given permission to hear confessions of the regiment and to preach, also to hear confessions, even of nuns. This license is valid up to the beginning of March. This is signed by J(____ ) M(____ ), Bishop of Ascalon, vicar general, and (____ ) Stringer, (Secretary?). Rivas states that this is a copy of the licenses which S(a)n Pedro presented for him to make a copy and which he did at the order of (Penalver), January 9, 1796.
L.S. Copy (Latin)
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(1784) (Jun. 30)
Lavalette, Ch(evalie)r de
Saarlouis, (France)
Lavalette, Brigadier of the Royal Army and Colonel of the Regiment of Saintonge, certifies that Father Paul de St. Pierre, O.Carm., acted as chaplain of the regiment from April 26, 1782 to June 30, 1784. (On the same page a note states that) Lavalette permitted Saint Pierre to leave the regiment to return to America. He recommends him to the French consuls in America where he goes to form a settlement desiring to serve particularly the French Catholics in that country. Walsh states in a note that this is a copy of the certification which S(a)n Pedro produced and of which Walsh made a copy by order of (Penalver) on January 8, 1796.
D.S. Copy (French)
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1789 Jan. 11
Carroll, J(ohn), Bishop of
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to (Father Pierre Huet de la Valiniere)
(Kaskaskia, Illinois)
(Valiniere)'s parishioners have made such complaints of his conduct as to give the government a disadvantageous impression. The complaints relate to (Valiniere)'s public discourses which have been directed not to the reformation of manners but to personal abuse and complaints that he even excommunicates without authority. It is also said that he requires the blacks before marriage to take out a license costing 90 pounds. He is accused of exercising an authority so arbitrary that some of his flock moved to the opposite side of the Mississippi. His behavior to Father St. Pierre has given great dissatisfaction; after publicly declaring that he had wronged St. Pierre by declaring that he was not a priest, he soon began a persecution against him. Such are the charges which have been carried before Congress. Carroll relies so much on the character (Valiniere) bore in Canada that he will never condemn him unheard. January 26. Carroll had written so far when he received (Valiniere)'s letter of August 18, 1789(?). He is sorry (Valiniere) has not received his several letters. In his last dated May 5, 1788, he told him to suspend all authority over Father (Pierre) Gibault because of heavy complaints supported by the signature of Gen(era)l (Josiah) Harmar and others, until Carroll was informed from Canada what accounts the Vicar General of Montreal had of Gibault and whether he had conducted himself as Grand Vicar in the Illinois country to the satisfaction of the Bishop (Jean-Francois Hubert) of (Quebec) Quebeck. However, (Valiniere)'s last letter leaves Carroll little reason to suppose that this will find him at Kaskaskias. (Bartholome Tardiveau) Gardiveau and Father (Jean Antoine) Ledru, O.P., will be the bearers of this. Carroll has been induced to send Ledru from France to take care of those abandoned by (Valiniere)'s departure. He does not know much of Ledru but hopes he is deserving of confidence; his accounts of Gibault and of St. Pierre are not favorable. He would be happy to hear from (Valiniere) when he gets to a place of rest. If Gen(era)l St. Clair should concur with the inhabitants of Kaskaskia against (Valiniere) it will be vain for him to expect to do service there. P.S. Though Carroll knows little of Ledru he has not the least reason to believe that he is undeserving of confidence and asks (Valiniere) to support him if this finds him at Kaskaskia. He has limited Ledru's faculties to one year after his arrival and insists that in the meantime he obtain orders from his provincial in France for his future conduct. Walsh adds that this is a copy which seems to have been signed by Carroll and produced by S(a)n Pedro, a copy of which Walsh has been ordered to make by (Penalver) on January 8, 1796.
L.S. Copy (English)
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1796 Jan. 7
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
The account given by three Claretian nuns from France about Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro, pastor of Ste. Genevieve: That Bishop (John) Car(r)ol(l) of Baltimore told them to avoid S(a)n Pedro whose papers he had examined and which were not such as would make it fitting to allow him to administer the Sacraments and therefore he warned him not to but he continued for a year; therefore Car(r)ol(l) ordered these (Claretians) not to confess to S(a)n Pedro, sending them a priest; they never confessed to him for this reason and because they had heard S(a)n Pedro say that they were not held by their religious vows after leaving France. A parishioner of Ste. Genevieve being gravely ill sought a priest on the American side because he did not consider S(a)n Pedro a priest. This account was given by Father Walch today on his arrival in New Orleans. A letter written by Carol to his vicar general in Cascasquias said that the information he had of Father Gibaud was not favorable nor could he form a satisfactory opinion of San Pedro.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1796 Jan. 26
(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Bishop John Car(r)ol(l)
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Confidential. Since writing to Car(r)ol(l) on January 13, (Penalver) has received claims, in particular from the Illinois country, in favor of Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro which makes him act for his good as far as justice allows him. The information given by the Claretians is the greatest difficulty. (Penalver) has considered acting as follows: Presuming that Pablo has left for Baltimore, his return from there to the Illinois country would not be so far as would his return here and going up the Mississippi, so (Penalver) begs Carroll, if he finds that the information given has not foundation, to have S(a)n Pedro return directly from Baltimore to Ste. Genevieve, in which event only, Car(r)ol(l) will give S(a)n Pedro the enclosed order to Father James (Maxwell), Macxibel, in charge of that parish, leaving the matter to Car(r)ol(l)'s discretion. If innocent, S(a)n Pedro is relieved of the suspension (Penalver) has put on his ministry. S(a)n Pedro does not know the contents of this letter so that if Car(r)ol(l) does not find him worthy of rehabilitation, he need say nothing about it but return the letter for Maxwell when giving the information asked in the letter of the 13th and also what he sees fit to answer, in care of Juadenes who has charge of Spanish affairs.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1796 Jan. 27
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Father Diego Maxivel
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
For just reasons and with the agreement of the Vice Royal Patron, (Penalver) has decided to send S(a)n Pedro back to Ste. Genevieve and (Maxwell) is to go to St. Charles. As Vicar General, (Maxwell) is to supervise Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis and New Madrid. S(a)n Pedro is to come by way of the United States from Baltimore.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1796 May 12
Santo Petro, C.D., Father Paulus de
New Madrid, (Missouri)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
San Pedro arrived in Baltimore on Palm Sunday and was received cordially by Bishop Carroll, and received (Penalver)'s letter to Maxivel. He left Baltimore on April 1 for his parish and found his parishioners very well. He promises good behavior and a remembrance of the bishop in his prayers. He signs as pastor of Ste. Genevieve.
A.L.S. (Latin)
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(1796) (Mar. 31?)
(Carroll), John, Bishop of
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(Carroll) postpones sending a fitting reply in care of Jaudenes to (Penalver)'s letters of January 13 and 27, having reasons for not risking this reply on the present occasion but he sends this by S(a)n Pedro to whom he has also delivered (Penalver)'s letter for Maxwell, as he is authorized by (Penalver)'s instructions to replace Pablo in his parish. Having examined his papers, (Carroll) found nothing to stop him in acceding to the benevolent intentions of (Penalver). P.S. (Carroll) encloses his plans for the building of a Cathedral in Baltimore. He is very much interested in seeing such a monument erected in a land where error and heresy have usurped the place of truth. The members of their church are mostly poor and any aid recommended by (Penalver) would be appreciated. Walsh adds a note that this translation was made at the order of (Penalver) on July 8, 1796.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1796 Apr. 7
(Carroll), John, Bishop of
Baltimore, (Maryland)
Jaudenez has delivered to (Carroll) (Penalver)'s letters of January 15 and 27, with all the documents referred to. He received them March 29 and the following day S(a)n Pedro arrived in Baltimore. (Carroll) congratulates (Penalver) on his appointment and arrival in the diocese of Louisiana and assures him of his cooperation. (Penalver) will see by (Carroll)'s letter of March 31 that S(a)n Pedro returned to St. Genevieve by way of the Ohio River with (Penalver)'s letter for Maxwell. Upon examining S(a)n Pedro's papers (Carroll) noticed one from Father P(ierre Huet de) La Valiniere, who was his vicar general in Illinois some years ago, in which he named S(a)n Pedro and acknowledged him as pastor of Cahokia, a circumstance which (Carroll) did not know before. He knows that S(a)n Pedro went to this country at first without any ecclesiastical mission and that (Carroll) never gave him any faculties, but he wa informed, S(a)n Pedro performed priestly functions within (Carroll)'s diocese. Therefore (Carroll) had formed an unfavorable opinion of him and gave orders to Father Levadoux, his present vicar general, to examine his conduct but S(a)n Pedro had already left his diocese. Under this same impression of the irregular conduct of S(a)n Pedro it is probable that (Carroll) warned the French nuns but it is certain that his words were never so strong in his prejudice as in the information (Penalver) was given. Having no judicial nor canonical proof against S(a)n Pedro, and having been identified by Lavaliniere, (Carroll) could not impede (Penalver)'s benevolent intentions and so (Carroll) delivered to S(a)n Pedro the letter for Maxwell. However he recommends that further attention be given to S(a)n Pedro's conduct. A certain virtuous priest has informed (Carroll) that the priestly life of the pastor of St. Genevieve is irregular as follows:
1. He is distracted by cares of the world.
2. In consequence, he neglects the spiritual welfare of his
parishioners among whom there is a neglect of the Sacraments and other
spiritual exercises.
3. All nearby priests declare that for several years before last
spring he had not been to Confession.
4. A moral certainty that he never reads the Divine Office.
5. A strong indication that he forged documents. Levadoux can give
further information on these points, if (Penalver) sees fit. (Carroll)
recommends to (Penalver)'s patronage his plans for the building of a
Cathedral in Baltimore, site of the first episcopal see in the United
States. He has included his plans in his letter for San Pedro.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1796 Jan. 13
(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Jose Jaudenes
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Copy. His office as bishop obliges (Penalver) to send the attached letters to Carol and having no other messenger equal to Jaudenes, he begs him to take them and also to bring them back (Carroll)'s answer.
A.L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1796 Apr. 22
Jaudenez, Josef de
Philadelphia, (Pennsylvania)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Jaudenez received (Penalver)'s letter of January 13 and with it the letters to be taken to (Carroll) which he did without delay. (Carroll) sends the enclosed letters.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1796 Mar. 5
Didier, (O.S.B.), Father P(ierre) J(oseph)
St. Louis, (Missouri)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(Carroll)'s vicar general having given Didier some information since the departure of Father St. Pierre concerning the reason which made (Penalver) order him to go down (to New Orleans), Didier believes that it is in the interest of religion and of the people to write (Penalver) so that he may more easily judge in the case of St. Pierre. Up to now Didier Had believed St. Pierre to be a priest although he had never made known to him any of his titles as a priest. If he is, it is just that this be made known, if not, that so great a profanation does not remain unpunished. Didier has nothing to complain about St. Pierre and desires with all his heart to see him justified. He would be remiss if he did not send on to (Penalver) the papers he has had for only a short time. He will be glad if they reach him before St. Pierre's departure. Zenon Trudeau, Commandant of St. Louis, who certified the papers, told him that he had known about them before Didier received them and had written to the governor and that he hopes the judgement can be suspended in this affair until the arrival of these papers.
A.L.S. (French)
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1796 May 12
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
to Father Pierre (Joseph) Didie(r), (O.S.B.)
(St. Louis, Missouri)
(Penalver) has in his possession the papers referring to Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro which Didier sent in his letter of March 5.
A.D.S. Draft (Spanish)
Extracts from several documents in the Ecclesiastical Archives of Kaokias.
No. 1
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1786 Oct. 6
Valiniere, Father P(ierre) Huet de la
(Kaskaskia, Illinois)
to The Commandant and Marguilliers
Kaokias, (Illinois)
Having evidence that there was reason for Valiniere, vicar general, to visit the village of the Kaokias he had asked to be given information beforehand as they had promised. Evidently they could not do this, and Valiniere asked Father Bernard (Limpach, O.M.Cap.) to clarify the matter but he did not do so and so Valiniere asks the commandant and marguilliers and if this does not suffice will ask all the prominent people of the parish. The information he is so much interested in concerns the fact whether St. Pierre is a priest; several Germans and Americans have said that he is not. If he is, as Valiniere believed in sending him to them, he should be ready to show him his papers, if he is not, what an abomination to suffer any longer such an abuse of holy things. Valiniere presumes that unlike Father Bernard, they will not be shocked by what he has said but will know that he must do his duty. If he has made the same mistake as Father (Bernard) in being satisfied with the papers St. Pierre had shown, now he must examine the affair further. It should not be more difficult for St. Pierre to show nor for Father Bernard to read his baptismal certificate, his letters of tonsure, minor orders, sub-deaconship and deaconship than to read the others. It is a case of his priesthood and not his recommendations. They are not to give the enclosed letter to St. Pierre without considering carefully what they are doing. If St. Pierre makes trouble or becomes angry, not wishing to obey Valiniere nor accept their advice, it is a sign that he is not a priest or at least is a bad one, and he is suspended by this letter from all functions. Father Bernard wrote an answer in a bad humor, contrary to his custom; it is natural that he would be in favor of a fellow countryman whom he believed to be a religious like himself but the point is: Is he a priest? and Father Bernard was not able to make that clear. Father Bernard said that as a religious St. Pierre could have changed his family name and that his name as a priest could be Paul de St. Pierre. Father Bernard was more angry with Father (Pierre Gibault) Gibeau than with Valiniere. If it is because of the scandal this poor priest has given, Father Bernard should know that Valiniere is as much concerned with one as with the other. It might be that it is Valiniere's fault that Father Bernard lacked charity on this occasion because he never wrote him the exact words of Gibault who talked only of what Valiniere himself had talked to him about. Here are his words in French although he wrote in Latin: "There is a strong doubt among the Americans as well as among the Germans that St. Pierre is a priest. They keep asking me and I reply in the affirmative. However the Germans say his recommendations are false." This letter can be shown to Father Bernard who is too honest and enlightened not to know that he can be deceived. If he recovers from his temper, which Valiniere is almost certain he will, and seems to approve of Valiniere's reasons, he is to be given the enclosed letter addressed to him; if, however, he sustains St. Pierre without better reasons and does not approve of him bringing his papers to Valiniere, as ordered, the letter is to be returned without giving it to him. P.S. The letter to St. Pierre is to be sealed before presenting it to him. Valiniere had forgotten that he had expressly written to Father Bernard that they had told him not long ago in France that there were some chaplains of regiments who were not priests. Further down is written: a copy given to St. Pierre to send to Mr. Tardiveau.
L.S. Copy (French)
No. 2
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1786 Oct. 17
Valiniere, Father Pierre Huet de la
(Kaskaskia, Illinois)
to The Men of Cahos
(Cahokia, Illinois)
The ill-founded rumors concerning their pastor having reached the
vicar general, he, together with Father Bernard and others have
discovered the malice of those who invented them and they are very glad
to share the joy of this discovery with them and hope that in
recompense they will do all possible to treat him as their true pastor.
This letter will be read at the parish Mass and affixed to the church
door, in witness whereof this is signed at Cahos September 8, 1786.
(P.S.)On the back is written: a copy given to St. Pierre for Mr.
Tardiveau.
L.S. Copy (French)
No. 3
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1787 Apr. 11
Valiniere, Father P(ierre) Huet de la
(Kaskaskia, Illinois)
to Mr. LaBussiere
Kaokias, (Illinois)
Valiniere has been assured that he cannot do better than to address Brussiere, notary and clerk, in order to inform the men of Kaokias of something very interesting. He asks Brussiere to have them read the following letter: From Valiniere, vicar general of the districts north of the Ohio, called Belle Riviere, along the Mississippi, Wabash, Miami, etc. to the Men of Kaokias, "We have taken so much pleasure in letter you enjoy a pastor who seemed pleasing to you that today we are saddened by the fear that it may be more injurious than helpful to you. You are aware that what persuaded us was deference to the ideas of Father Bernard and of another who, we were told was of the same opinion but who has told us the contrary. Now you can decide yourselves by the reasons he gives whether our regret is just. You can see whether the ideas he tried to inspire do you honor and whether a parish for which the seminary at Kebec had only praise deserves to pass as disregarding true superiors. Duty obliging me to write to your pastor, as follows, although in Latin for fear of scandal, you will not imagine what he answered." The letter:
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1787 Apr. 2
(Valiniere, Father Pierre Huet de la)
(Kaskaskia, Illinois)
to Father (Paul de St.) Pierre
Caokias, (Illinois)
It is said that (St.) Pierre has administered the sacrament of matrimony during Lent; (Valiniere) does not know whether this is true or false. However, at the time that (St.) Pierre had the power of dispensation he committed two faults: one of marrying a Catholic and Protestant, the other of doing so in Lent on St. Joseph's Day not to mention another dispensation given at Ste. Genevieve when (Valiniere)'s arrival had taken all power from (St.) Pierre. (Valiniere) hopes that (St.) Pierre will give no further cause for blame. (St.) Pierre has read the commission given to (Valiniere) concerning him and Father Gibeau; if he had asked for faculties (Valiniere) would certainly have given only an ordinary jurisdiction. So if he performed such a marriage it is at least illicit if not invalid; if he has given other dispensations he is not to neglect to write Valiniere so that they may be invalidated. Following the receipt of this letter, (St.) Pierre is not to act in these matters when it is possible to consult Valiniere, etc.
(St.) Pierre was not ashamed to assure him that he had done that of which he was accused and invited Valiniere to do likewise. It is not surprising that a man who has not been trained in a seminary or curacy does not know the rules; the faults could have been pardoned if he had shown the willingness to correct them but he preferred to take the people as the masters from whom to receive instructions for his ministry. Moreover, Valiniere was not so far away but that he could have consulted him or some other priest but not content with stirring up trouble there, in Prairie du Rocher, etc., (St.) Pierre also dared to state that there is hardly one found in Caokias who wants Valiniere as vicar general. He stated that (the men of Caokias) said things so terrible that Valiniere does not deign to repeat them but can produce them at the proper time and place. Therefore before Congress makes a decision, since they must above all care for souls and since this gentleman seems determined to continue, Valiniere warns them in the name of God who sent him, the Bishop of Quebec who gave him the power, and especially on behalf of the Prefect Apostolic charged by the Pope with the welfare of this country that all dispensations or absolutions for reserved cases, when he can be consulted, will be null if this gentleman gives them without the express permission in writing from Valiniere and if they (the men of Caokias) know that he has given them, they are to notify Father Bernard as soon as possible, who will be commissioned to remedy them. Doing this they will prove that what is imputed to them in the writings he has in his hands is only deceit on his part and that they are not deceived by his faults.
L.S. Copy (French)
No. 4
Pastoral letter of the Vicar General
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1787 Oct. 26
Valiniere, Father P(ierre) Huet de la
Kaoskias, (Illinois)
Valiniere, vicar general of all the country above the Ohio belonging to the United States along the Mississippi, Wabash, Miami and other adjacent rivers to all the Faithful of the district: Being obliged to fulfill the duties of his ministry and particularly the commission with which he is charged there is nothing he wishes to do more than to come up to the expectations of the Prefect Apostolic who honored him by confiding them to him. They know that here on earth there is a hierarchy as there is in Heaven and that in countries unable to support a cardinal, an archbishop, or bishop, there is a Prefect Apostolic as there is in the United States and all who work publicly for the salvation of souls must have a commission from him or at least his approbation. Otherwise evil doers would abuse sacred things, in the Mass, in dispensations, in confessions. They have almost all known a so-called Mr. de St. Pierre, who probably had reasons for hiding his real name of Paul Heilingenstein, who set himself up to act as pastor and even as vicar general at Kaskaskias about May 20, 1785 without any letters of sacred orders, without faculties or approbations according to what the Prefect Apostolic Carroll wrote to Valiniere. At the reception on his arrival, Valiniere was convinced of San Pedro's duplicity by his presentation of two notes forged in the name of Bishop Carroll; since then he also gave grounds for doubting his priesthood because of his ignorance of the duties of a priest such as being obliged to say Mass every day, and to recite the breviary, and by claiming two votes as a priest in criminal cases, by calling himself a religious priest and neglecting, without a dispensation, to wear the habit of the Carmelites to which he says he belongs, by showing a recommendation from a Brigadier General, an incompetent judge in this matter, in telling Valiniere that he had seen and talked with Bishop Carroll who had expressly written the contrary to Valiniere, in boasting falsely that he had a pension from the Queen of France and telling a thousand other lies. The opposition he made here at Kaskacia to yield place to Valiniere and the vain efforts he made to excite popular feeling would be enough to persuade one of his unworthiness but the great need of the people, the fear of being deceived and the natural inclination to forgive the faults against himself, made Valiniere permit St. Pierre, upon petition, to retire to Kaokias on June 23, 1786. On July 1, after writing Valiniere that he remained there at least six months, St. Pierre did not forbear to return from Koskias to give at St. Genevieve a proof of his bad faith in taking 100 piastres for granting a dispensation and performing a marriage which he had no right to do, saying that though Valiniere was vicar general, he could not give this dispensation because it was in Spanish territory. Valiniere learned on July 12 from a trustworthy person who wrote from Port Vincennes that
1. St. Pierre married Catholics and Protestants and baptized children
of the latter without distinction;
2. that many Americans as well as Germans strongly doubted that he was
a priest and the Germans especially said that his letters of
recommendation were false. Valiniere felt that so important an affair
must be investigated and so he wrote confidentially to Father Bernard,
missionary pastor of St. Louis in Spanish territory, but was surprised
to find an appalling indiscretion instead of the prudence he expected
from Father Bernard. Therefore Valiniere, at the solicitation of the
parishioners of Kaoskias, came himself, but he alone could not combat
and destroy the prejudices of an old German priest who had already
forewarned the parishioners on both sides of the river against
Valiniere. Falsehood supplanted reason in assuring Valiniere that the
two priests who served the other side of the river had judged the two
or three papers of the so-called Father St. Pierre to be sufficient and
that one could believe these rather than the accusations cited above.
Thereupon Valiniere confided in Father Bernard consenting to send a
letter by way of a certification to the men of Kaokias assuring them
that Father Bernard and another had made Valiniere believe that (the
rumors) about him were calumnies. Valiniere was greatly surprised to
see that the other person, far from believing the above papers to be
sufficient, thought as Valiniere did that St. Pierre was not a priest,
first, because he did not have papers proving that he had been ordained
and nothing to prove that he was really a chaplain of the king; second,
because having seen him and knowing the real St. Pierre, chaplain in
America, he found that the so-called St. Pierre did not resemble him in
any way; third, because St. Pierre did not know the first duties of a
priest. These reasons and others given him, made Valiniere repent with
reason of having deferred too much to Father Bernard's opinion but he
waited still longer for new reasons for action and the so-called St.
Pierre was not slow in giving them. Because of his poor opinion of
this pretended religious, Valiniere had given St. Pierre only ordinary
faculties and not extraordinary. But last Lent St. Pierre had married
someone during the prohibited times and without a dispensation, and
when Valiniere reprimanded him gently, offering him the faculties to
repair the past, instead of taking this advice, St. Pierre answered
with unpardonable insolence and feeling himself supported by Father
Bernard he dared to stir up the parishioners, form a schism, and work
to incite other villages against their lawful ecclesiastical and civil
superiors. And as if to give a proof beyond all doubt, which will be
used later, St. Pierre had all the principal citizens of Kaoskias write
to him in a manner unworthy of Christians and of citizens of America on
April 22, 1787 and added another insulting letter himself on April 24.
Valiniere could not persuade himself that time would not lead St.
Pierre to repent but it has now been more than six months since the
insolent letter and he has given no sign of doing so. For these
reasons, Valiniere, knowing that he could be deceived and before
pronouncing excommunication for him and his adherents, if they merit
it, must have certain knowledge. He asks any person who has knowledge
concerning St. Pierre to give it to him, or, if they are of a different
parish or from Kaokias they can give it through their pastor. In the
meantime, St. Pierre is suspended from all priestly functions by this
letter and they are not to pay him any fees. This admonitory letter is
to be published on three Sundays or Holy Days and its publication
certified as soon as possible.
L.S. Copy (French)
--------
1796 Mar. 7
Levadoux, (S.S.), Father (Michael)
Cahokyas, (Illinois)
Levadoux, vicar general, certifies that the above documents have been copied exactly from the originals which he has in his possession.
A.D.S. (French)
--------
1796 Mar. 21
Trudeau, Zenon
St. Louis, (Missouri)
Trudeau, captain of the Regiment of Louisiana and Lieutenant Governor of the Western part of Illinois, certifies that Levadoux is known to him as pastor of Kaokias in the American part and vicar general of Bishop (John Carroll) of Baltimore in the eastern part of Illinois and that his signature is the same here as in all his writings.
A.L.S. (French)
(There follows a translation in Spanish of the documents above numbered Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, of Levadoux's and Trudeau's certifications, and of Didier's letter of March 5, 1796).
--------
1796 Jul. 9
Walsh, Father Patrik
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
This (the above Spanish translation) is a translation of the letter and documents referred to.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 14
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
Having seen these proceedings, a summons was sent to S(a)n Pedro,
pastor of Ste. Genevieve, to appear in this city. (Penalver)'s vicar
general in that district, Father Maxivel, with the agreement of the
Commandant of New Madrid, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos (Dehault de)
Las(s)us, will arrange to send him from there to St. Ferdinand and from
there to (New Orleans), waiting in New Madrid until (San Pedro's?)
appearance there to go to take over the parish and immediately upon
arrival to take an inventory with the assistance of the majordomo,
leaving one (copy) and sending the other to (Penalver). (Maxwell) will
begin an investigation about the above named pastor, signing with two
witnesses all the proceedings, asking questions on the points
indicated: Whether S(a)n Pedro is a priest and their reasons for
thinking that he is or is not; if he is the same person who came from
France in one of the regiments at the time of the Revolution of the
American Colonies; his life as a pastor and his personal life; his
conduct with persons of the other sex; whether he administers the
sacraments, whether he goes to Confession and to whom and how often; if
he reads the Office daily; whether it is true that he has forged
documents; if he has granted dispensations without faculties and
anything else about his conduct while in this parish, having recourse
for this purpose to Father Labadoux, vicar general in the American
Illinois country, to the priests of the district, to the pastor of St.
Louis and anyone who can establish the truth.
Father Isidro Quintero, as secretary, certifies this decree.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 18
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A copy of the official letter is to be sent to Baron Carondelet so that the Commandant of New Madrid, Lasus, in the event of not meeting Maxivel there, will know how to deal with S(a)n Pedro for the proper end.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 18
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
Upon receipt of this letter, S(a)n Pedro will go to New Madrid for an inquiry ordered to be held there where he will be under the Commandant of that place, Carlos Lassus.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 19
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
The inquiry spoken of in the letter of yesterday refers to S(a)n Pedro so it is necessary to come to this town;in the meantime he is to consider himself suspended from the exercise of his ministry.
L.S. Copy or Draft? (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 19
(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Baron (Francisco Luis Hector) de Carondelet
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The last letters received from the Bishop of Baltimore of April 7 gave a very dark picture of S(a)n Pedro. The circumstantial news from his vicar general, Labadoux, who had sent four documents to the pastor of St. Louis on March 7, made it seem necessary to have him come here for an inquiry. Therefore (Penalver) gave notice to S(a)n Pedro to go to New Madrid where he will be informed that he is under the authority of the Commandant Lassus who will arrange that he come to (New Orleans) to make amends. But since S(a)n Pedro may not carry out the order and this could be injurious because of the attachment of the town of Ste. Genevieve, (Penalver) asks Carondelet to give fitting orders to the Commandant so that he may bring S(a)n Pedro to Barrancas and from there to (New Orleans).
L.S. Copy or Draft? (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 19
(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Carlos Lassus
(New Madrid, Missouri)
On (July) 18 (Penalver) notified S(a)n Pedro to go to New Madrid for an inquiry as told him in an order enclosed herewith so that on his arrival Lassus may hand it over. In the order S(a)n Pedro is to come directly to New Orleans without returning to St. Genevieve, and (Penalver) has asked the governor to have Lassus send him on. (Penalver) asks that this be carried out with prudence.
L.S. Copy or Draft? (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 20
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
This (above) conforms with the letters sent.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 27
Carondelet, Baron (Francisco Luis Hector) de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Carondelet will gladly expedite the measures taken by (Penalver) in regard to S(a)n Pedro and at the first opportunity will send the orders to the Commandants at New Madrid and at St. Ferdinand de Barrancas as asked for in the letter of July 19.
L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Aug. 20
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
The two letters of summons to S(a)n Pedro, the one directed to Lassus and the one to Maxibel, not having been sent because of the lack of a carrier, Maxibel has arrived in the meantime in New Orleans and must go back again. So the above named letters and his commission are to be given to Maxibel and since S(a)n Pedro might have unduly delayed his coming, as happened last year when Whals was vicar general in this province, Maxibel is to go to St. Louis and in cooperation with the Commandant of Islas Negras, Zenon Troudeaux, he will proceed to take possession of Ste. Genevieve, to inform S(a)n Pedro of his suspension and make him obey the summons to appear and all that was ordered in the decree of July 14. This will be inserted with the other letter and delivered only after 15 days have passed after S(a)n Pedro has received the summons and if he has not already left for New Madrid.
D.S. (spanish)
--------
1797 Jan. 30
Saint Pierre, Father Paul
Ste. Genevieve, (Missouri)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Saint Pierre received (Penalver)'s orders of July 18 today. The river full of blocks of ice and the roads flooded with melting snow prevent him from carrying them out at the moment. Doubtless he could come in two or three weeks when he could travel without risk. He would like to obey his superiors immediately and will take the journey with pleasure since it is for his honor and (Penalver)'s satisfaction.
A.L.S. (French)
--------
1797 Apr. 3
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
This is to be added to the case. Signed by Penalver's flourish and certified by Quintero.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Mar. 20
Lassus, Carlos Dehault de
New Madrid, (Missouri)
to Bishop Luis de Penalver
(New Orleans), Louisiana
Lassus received Penalver's official letter of July 19, 1796 and will fulfill his desires in the matter when Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro arrives. De Lassus has also received orders from the Governor General of this province relative to the custody of this pastor.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
On the same paper:
--------
1797 Apr. 3
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
This is to be added to the case. Quintero certifies this.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jun. 1
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
S(a)n Pedro having arrived on May 30 in compliance with the order sent him, it was not possible to examine the case because the documents ordered for his trial had not yet arrived. However since one of the reasons for ordering his coming down is that he has not given proof of his ordination by authentic papers or copies, which he has had time to ask for, he is, in the meantime suspended from the exercise of his ministry. Quintero certifies this decree and adds in a note that he notified S(a)n Pedro of it on June 6.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jun. 21)
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
By virtue of (Penalver)'s decree of the first of the year, San Pedro arrived May 30, but judgement could not be passed because the proceedings ordered had not arrived. Among the reasons for his summons is the fact that he has not proved his ordination with authentic papers which (Penalver) says he has had time to ask for. Mail from Europe is hindered by the anarchy and confusion there; even that from the chief city takes about eight months. However, San Pedro encloses herewith the permission of his Provincial Fray Juan Pedro de Santana to go to Philadelphia from which it is evident that he is a priest without censure. It is the custom in religious houses in Germany to leave ordination papers in the archives and to go out with the permit of the superior. Proof is also given by the license he has from the Bishop of Ascalon, suffragan of the Archbishop of Trier, to confess and administer the sacraments as chaplain of the regiment of S(a)arluis in Sanitonge which corroborates the certificate, also enclosed, of Chevalier de Lavallette, brigadier of the army and lieutenant colonel of the regiment of Saintonge who gave him permission to leave the regiment and return to America, recommending him to the French consuls with the expression, "worthy of attention because of his priestly character and Catholic zeal." San Pedro also encloses a statement from Bartholome Tardiveau, well-known subject of this province with another from the Commandant and well-known persons of Ste. Genevieve and New Borbon in Illinois who cited not only the exactitude with which he fulfilled his parish duties in the parishes of Caskakias, Caboskia and Ste. Genevieve but also his regular and irreproachable conduct. He also encloses an original letter from Gibault, pastor at New Madrid, who, confirming the same, adds the as vicar general of the Bishop of Quebec, he approved him for the Illinois country, concluding with the statement that San Pedro recites the Office. There is enclosed also a copy of a certification by the same Gibault who, when pastor in the post of Vincennes, being required by the Bishop of Baltimore to inquire about San Pedro's priesthood, was informed of the certainty of it by the twenty persons whose testimony affirmed it and also Captain Zicler of the Grenadiers of the First Regiment of the United States told (Gibault?) that he served in the same regiment of which San Pedro was chaplain, the original of which certification Gibault sent to the vicar general Valiniere and a copy to San Pedro. He also presents an original letter from Father (Ferdinand) Farmer, (S.J.), pastor at Philadelphia in which, by order of the Prefect Apostolic, Farmer orders San Pedro to celebrate the jubilee of his parish which was Caskakias. San Pedro believes that these documents and certifications are enough to substitute for the original ordination papers now in the archives of his monastery in Germany. He has suffered in health and in heavy expenses and he hopes that (Penalver) will reinstate him.
L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jun. 21
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The documents in Latin are to be put down As testimony by the secretary and those in French are to be translated by Luis Lioteau and are to be brought to Penalver; the originals to be returned.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1783 Nov. 22
St. Anna, O.Car., Father John Peter of
Cologne, (Germany)
(A copy of the same letter as calendared above under this date).
L.S. Copy (Latin)
--------
1783 Nov. 26
(Von Saxen), Clemens Wenceslaus, Archbishop of
Trier, (Germany)
(A copy of the same letter calendared above under this date).
L.S. Copy (Latin)
--------
1785 Aug. 13
Farmer, Father Ferdinand
Philadelphia, (Pennsylvania)
to Father (Pablo de San Pedro)
(Kaskaskia, Illinois)
(San Pedro)'s letter of April 5 came August 9. The Holy Father has extended the time for making the Jubilee in the thirteen states to November 27 of the next year and left to the Prefect Apostolic to specify the conditions for gaining the indulgences (which are given). He has heard that Father Maurice, a Capuchin, alias Charles Whelan ... Western island, they lived together in New York about four years(?). He could not have had a better co-worker. Many years later he sees that he is traveling about in (San Pedro's?) country. He suspects that he is hindered by the care of two brothers and their families who came from Ireland to America with him. Farmer sent off the letter to Carroll today; he does not have time to write.
L.S. Copy (Latin)
--------
1796 Jan. 7
Tardiveau, B(artholome)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Tardiveau was friendly for years with Francis Rigler, one of the leaders of the American army, under Joseph Hecriman?. Rigler often mentioned Father Sancto Petro, a compatriot in Heidelberg. Tardiveau also knew Sancto Petro in Louisville as a priest without any shadow of doubt.
L.S. Copy (Latin)
--------
1796 Jun. 22
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
These (above) agree with the four original documents in Latin; the one seems to be signed by Santa Ana who says he is Provincial and Visitator of the Carmelite Order, the other from the Bishop of Ascalon, suffragan of Trier; the third a letter from Father Farmer; the fourth a certification from Tardiveau to whom Quintero returned it. Those shown by San Pedro he returned after making this transcript as ordered in yesterday's decree. In a note following Quintero states that he notified Luis Lioteau of the decree and gave him the four documents in French which he swore he would faithfully translate into Spanish. Luis Liotau signs this with Quintero.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
Translation made at New Orleans, June 30, 1797, in compliance with the above decree, as follows:
(1)
--------
1797 Mar. 2
Gibault, Father P(ierre)
New Madrid, (Missouri)
to Father (Pablo) de St. Pedro
Ste. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Gibault answers St. Pedro immediately.
1. He certifies to him and to anyone else that from the time of St.
Pedro's arrival at Vincenes up to the time of Gibault's departure from
Ste. Genevieve for New Madrid that St. Pedro went to confession to him
and Gibault to St. Pedro every time they were together. St. Pedro
probably went to others as Gibault himself did, going to Father
Bernard, father le Dru, Father Payet, Father de la Valiniere, etc.
2. Having seen St. Pedro's papers and being assured from other sources
of his services and conduct, as vicar general of the Bishop of Quebec,
Gibault approved St. Pedro for the Illinois country of which Gibault
was the head as attested by his patents whose validity he can prove up
to the arrival of De la Valiniere. In the first place Bishop Carroll
wrote these words to Gibault in regard to St. Pedro which Gibault
showed to Maxwell who seemed well satisfied: "I am uneasy about Father
San Pedro; he left here without faculties for the administration of the
Sacraments which at this time I have no right to give him." From this
Gibault concluded that if he could not give faculties to St. Pedro he
could not take away his. Three years after St. Pedro's arrival
Valiniere wrote from Kaskakias to Gibault at Vincenes, "Up to now you
have been vicar general in these parts; you are no longer that. Bishop
Carroll has given me that title, a copy of which I send you. You will
keep all your faculties because of the distance and dangers of travel
but you will leave out of your writings and signatures the title of
Vicar General which belongs to me." This then was the end of his
faculties which ceased only at this recall. Since then he has lived as
a simple priest approved by his superiors.
3. As to his saying the Office, Gibault is surprised that St. Pedro
has forgotten that Gibault was charged by Valiniere to inform whether
St. Pedro did say it. Having learned from the servants, the sacristan
and the beadle that he did say it, Gibault showed St. Pedro the
certification which he sent to Valiniere: "I certify that everyone has
told me that you say the Office and that you said it when we were
together."
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
(2)
--------
(1784) (Jun. 30)
Lavalete, Chevalier de
Saarlouis, (France)
(A translation of the same document and note as calendared above under this date).
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
(3)
--------
1797 Apr. 2
Janis, Bautista and others
Ste. Genevieve, (Missouri)
The Commandant, military officials, mayordomo, and old inhabitants of St. Genevieve testify that it is with sorrow that they learn of the approaching departure of their pastor San Pedro and that they are told that the object of his trip to New Orleans is to clear himself to his superiors of the calumnies against him. They declare that during the time that he served as pastor at Kaskakiaya and Kahorkias and then at Sainte Genevieve, they have known him as a good priest fulfilling his pastoral duties and they declare as false the accusations that almost all of his faithful do not frequent the divine services or the Sacraments because they have no confidence in him. They are grateful for his services and wish to see him proved innocent and reinstated. Signed by Bautista Janis, Vitale Bauvais, Prast, Janise, Augustin au Buchon, majordomo, and Jose Lalumandier, majordomo, J. Cosset, M. au Buchon, Francisco Valle, Delapres de Luziere.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
(4)
--------
1787 Dec. 17
Bergmann, Pedro and others
Vincen(n)es, (Indiana)
The undersigned certify that they have seen San Pedro at Fort Quenne where he served them as a priest; they saw him again at the fall of and in the Port of Vincenes where he served as priest up to his departure for the Illinois country and they certify that they always considered him a true priest. Signed by Pedro Bergmann, Abraham Bergmann, Santiago Neu, Santiago Bin, Henrrique Bin, Daniel Bin, Jorge Bringell, Jorge Binger, Juan Wiltner, Santiago Neu, Jr., Federico Binger, Henrrique Gil, Felipe Okat, Federico Linde, Christoval Kapler, Leonardo Kapler, Christiano Hark, Sebastian Hoch, Sebastian Fridenik, Luis Fredenik, Juan Pedro Fridenik, Luis Duclekes.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
(5)
--------
1797 Apr. 24
Gibault, Father Pedro
New Madrid, (Missouri)
When Gibault was pastor at Vincenes he was asked by Valiniere, Grand Vicar of the Bishop of Baltimore to find out about the priesthood of San Pedro. He obtained the twenty-one signatures of Germans and English from the other part. Captain Zichler of the First U.S. Regiment also told Gibault that he served in the same regiment in which San Pedro was chaplain. Gibault sent the original list to Valiniere and a copy to San Pedro.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jun. 30
Liotau, Luis
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Liotau certifies that he has made a faithful translation.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 5
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
Even though the documents presented by S(a)n Pedro may be a substitute for his titles of priesthood and justify the custom of his religious houses in Germany of keeping these titles in the archives, Penalver is not in favor of sending him to the parish. There are charges that he forged documents, as a virtuous priest attested to the Bishop of Baltimore, and attested by Labbaliner; that he is not the same Father Pablo de S(a)n Pedro who came from France with the army; that his life as a pastor was negligent of the care of souls and his personal life dissipated; that he had not been to Confession; that he had given dispensations for marriages without authority. Therefore Penalver will wait until after the investigation already ordered to reestablish or vindicate him.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 5
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
San Pedro received back the eight original documents which he presented in Latin from the Secretary and the four translated into Spanish from Louis Lioteau.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 4
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Since San Pedro has been in this city on two occasions and each time for a long time, he lacks funds, having had to pay for board and costly trips during 19 months. Therefore he begs (Penalver) to remove the obstacles to the payment by the auditor of the army and the royal treasury of his salary as pastor of St. Genevieve. Otherwise he does not know how he can live.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 5
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
(San Pedro) is to be given what is in the archives. Quintero certifies this and adds in a note that he notified S(a)n Pedro of it.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 7
S(a)n Pedro, Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
On July 4 S(a)n Pedro asked (Penalver) to remove the obstacles to the payment of his salary as pastor of Ste. Genevieve. (Penalver) issued the decree, of which S(a)n Pedro was notified on July 5 that he was to be given the certificates from the archives so that he can present them to the auditor.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 7
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The necessary documents are to be given. Quintero certifies this and adds in a note that he notified S(a)n Pedro on July 8.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 10
S(a)n Pedro, Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The document necessary for the collecting of S(a)n Pedro's salary as pastor of St. Genevieve was presented but supposing him to be removed from his parish, the auditor demands that he prove that he was employed at the time of the presentation of the document. So S(a)n Pedro asks that (Penalver) have his secretary certify that (Penalver) with the agreement of the governor, had reinstated him by sending a letter to that effect to Father Maxwell, who is serving there in the interim, through Bishop Carroll of the United States, a copy of which should be in the archives.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 10
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
The certification asked for is to be given.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 11
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Quintero certifies that on September 9, 1795 Maxivel was named pastor of Ste. Genevieve, a parish held by San Pedro and on January 27, 1796 a letter was sent to Maxivel ordering him to restore this church to him which he did in May, 1796. The letter containing this order, is as follows: "For just reasons and in agreement with the Royal Vice-Patron I have decided that S(a)n Pedro who had been in Ste. Genevieve should return to that parish and you (Maxwell) will go to St. Charles. Dated at New Orleans, Jan. 27, 1796 and signed by the Bishop of Louisiana." These are all the documents prepared by the secretary in compliance with the bishop's decree of yesterday at the petition of Father Pablo.
A.D.S. Copy (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 20)
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
It has been declared that for the present he is not to return to his
parish, that he has counterfeited documents as claimed by a priest and
that by evidence of hearsay and sight by De Lavaliniere he is not the
same Father Pablo de San Pedro who came from France with the regiment;
that he is lax as a pastor and dissipated in his personal life; that he
has not been to Confession; and that he has given dispensations without
authority . Since all these charges are false, San Pedro presents
documents about his priesthood with patents from his Superior General
establishing that he is a true priest sent by his Provincial to America
and to remove the false ideas ascribed to him by the calumnies of De
Lavaliniere, Vicar of the Prefect Apostolic of the Illinois country and
by the groundless reports of the Bishop of Baltimore; San Pedro wishes
to answer these charges communicated to him by (Penalver)'s decree as
follows: About forging signatures, let the said documents be
presented. The Bishop of Baltimore in his letter of September 18, 1795
said that this false signature was made to prove that he had been
authorized by his ecclesiastical superior. San Pedro took good care to
be authorized by his own superior in order to come to America. The
patents of his Superior General verify those of his Provincial by whom
he was sent to Philadelphia in 1783. It was necessary to be authorized
in order to perform the duties of a pastor in the Illinois country. No
one can deny the signature of Gibault who certified that he had given
San Pedro the faculties necessary for doing so. It was also necessary
to be authorized to continue the duties of a pastor in the Illinois
country on the arrival of De Lavaliniere and the letter of the Bishop
of Baltimore of September 18 proves that he was authorized as pastor by
De Lavaliniere. Father Farmer, pastor of Philadelphia, on the order of
the Prefect Apostolic Carroll commissioned San Pedro to announce the
jubilee accorded to the Catholics of the United States. De Lavaliniere
on his arrival in the Illinois country said that Farmer's letter was
false because the name of Carroll was written with one "l". This is
the origin of the charges spread here and at Baltimore. Father Thomas
Hassett, Canon of the Cathedral, has a letter written in the same hand,
(Penalver) can examine that and will see that San Pedro's is genuine.
As to whether he is not the same San Pedro who was in the French army
in America, his papers as chaplain of the Regiment of Saintonge prove
the contrary and further (Penalver) may ask the auxiliary to the
governor and Commandant General of this province to have Pedro
Rousseau, Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Army and Commander of the
ship "La Luisa" swear if it is not true that San Pedro was in Jamaica
at the time, that he arrived there with three companies of this
regiment taken prisoner coming from Boston(?) to the French cape by the
English; that San Pedro was seen and known with the officers of these
companies at the house of the deceased Colonel Gilberto S(a)n Maxent,
also a prisoner; that John Keller, resident of this city, can declare
that he attended divine services celebrated by San Pedro in Baltimore
as chaplain of the French army camped at that time near Baltimore; and
to further vindicate himself there are eighteen German families arrived
in his parish at Ste. Genevieve who returned to see him last year in
Baltimore and by inclination, decided to transfer to his parish, whose
testimony will wipe out the false charges of his calumniators. As to
his laxness as a pastor and his dissipation as a person, let this be
proved by authentic documents. It seems to San Pedro that the bishop
of Baltimore should send the justifying documents to (Penalver) instead
of saying that nothing has been proved. (Penalver) may also
examine:
1. The certification with a letter of Zenon Trudeau;
2. The documents of the Commandant, military officials, majordomos and
old residents of Ste. Genevieve;
3. The document of election of the inhabitants of the parish of the
Immaculate Conception at Kaskaskias;
4. The testimony of majordomos of the parish of the Holy Family at
Cahokias;
5. The two letters of Estevan Miro, Governor General in this
province;
6. Two letters of Didier, pastor of St. Louis.
These public testimonies should prevail rather than hearsay and vague accounts by people of bad faith who dare not present themselves to prove what they imagine. As to the fact that he does not go to Confession, Gibault's testimony proved the contrary. However, it is true, that since strange priests could not exercise their ministry in these provinces without the permission of their superiors and since the pastors could not leave their parishes without permission as is evident from the circular instructions sent to rural pastors by Father Theodoro (Thirso Henrique) Henriquez, vicar general, the occasions for confession for pastors were rare. If he committed a fault in this regard he accused himself of it at the first confession and explained more fully there than he would in a legal court of justice. As to giving dispensations for marriages, it is true that one time he gave a dispensation for relationship in the third and fourth degree but he did it at the time when the parishes were under the rites and customs of Canada where the bishop gave this faculty to missionaries. De Lavaliniere accused him of taking 100 pesos for this dispensation; the fixed tariff found at the front of every register in the parishes of the Illinois country is 50 which was distributed to the poor. San Pedro sometimes issued proclamations but for just causes and necessary cases, after consulting with Father Bernard, pastor of St. Louis who also did so according to the custom of the time and with the approbation of Father (Dagobert, O.M.Cap.) Dagoberto who ordered the exact following of the old customs of Canada until repealed at the arrival of Henriquez who was the first of the Spanish superiors who gave to the Illinois country instructions for the government of the parishes, after which time no dispensations will be found given by San Pedro. If there is any fault in that it is not malicious nor through disobedience, but he is ready to accept correction. His long absence from his parish could affect the consciences and charity of his parishioners and their confidence in the ministers of the Gospel and the excessive heat of this city affects his health. Therefore he asks that he be reinstated and restored to his parish as before. (An added note States): Besides the documents cited, San Pedro presents a letter just received from the Illinois country from Carlos Delassus DeLuziere, from which it is evident that Maxwell, the vicar general in the Illinois country did not, and is not going to, make an investigation as ordered by (Penalver) about San Pedro's conduct deeming sufficient what San Pedro has shown him and so it seems useless to await his report, therefore he asks (Penalver) to reinstate him and regard as sufficient the evidence provided.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 20
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
They are to await the arrival of the proceedings for which he has given a repeated order. Quintero certifies this decree and adds in a note that he notified S(a)n Pedro of it on July 22.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 1
Maxwell, Father Diego
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Maxwell has received an order from Penalver to hold an inquiry about S(a)n Pedro, in charge of this parish and in order to fulfill it Maxwell appoints as witnesses, Pedro Luziere and Francisco Valle. In two notes following, Maxwell states that he notified Luziere and Valle.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 14
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
to Father Diego Maxwell
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
By a decree of July 14, Maxwell is charged with investigating the conduct of S(a)n Pedro. (The decree with Quintero's certification is then cited; it is calendared above under this date).
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 15
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
(Penalver) orders the above letter sent.
D.S. Copy(?) (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 3
Maxwell, Father (James)
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Juan Baptista Pratte, Francisco Moreau, Juan Baptista Beauvais, Juan Baptista Valle, Vital Beauvas, Juan B(autis)ta Tomure, are to appear and testify as decreed. This is signed by Maxwell, de Luziere and Fr(an)cois Valle.
A.D.S. Spanish
--------
1797 Jul. 3
Maxwell, Father (James)
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
The decree was made known to Pratte.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 3
Maxwell, Father (James)
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Pratte, a native of Ste. Genevieve, appeared and swore that he had known S(a)n Pedro for the twelve years he had served in this parish and had always known him as a good priest exercising his ministry regularly, that the calumnies spread about him came from the other side of the river and he believes they have no foundation. He knows of no irregularity in regard to S(a)n Pedro's conduct with the other sex; Pratte is 58.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
Moreau was notified.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 3
Maxwell, Father (James)
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Moreau, a native of Ste. Genevieve, appeared and swore that he had always considered S(a)n Pedro a true priest, that they would not have let him stay in the parish twelve years if he were a false priest; that he does not know whether he is the one who came from France with the regiment; that he does not know whether he forged documents, that he has only heard this said; that no one could have been more exact in the fulfillment of his duties as pastor; that he has no information about irregular conduct with persons of the other sex. Moreau is 42. He signs as Fr(ancoi)s(?) Moro.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
(St. Genevieve, Missouri)
Juan Bap(tis)ta Beauvais was notified.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Juan Bap(tis)ta Beauvais, a native of the parish, appeared and swore that he knew S(a)n Pedro while he served as pastor on the American side, that he always regarded him as an exemplary priest, that what gave rise to the story that he was a false priest came from several disputes he had with De Lavaliniere, a man without good judgment who later apologized to S(a)n Pedro; that S(a)n Pedro conducted himself in an exemplary way in the administration of the Sacraments; that he had seen him say the Office many times; that he had heard that he said he wanted to go to Confession to Gibeaud, former pastor of S(a)n Vincennes; that he had never heard of irregular conduct with women nor of his having forged documents. Beauvais is 51 and signs as J.S.G. Vayvy(?)
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Juan B(aptis)ta Valle, native of Ste. Genevieve, appeared and swore that ever since S(a)n Pedro served this parish he had behaved as a good priest to the satisfaction of all; that he was very exact in the administration of the sacraments; that he had no information of his having forged documents nor of association with women more than the ordinary; that he had heard it said that he went to Confession on the other side of the river. Valle is 36 and signs as J(ean) B(aptis)te Valle.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
(Ste. Genevieve, Missouri)
Vital Beauvais was notified. Signed by Maxwell, Deluziere and Valle.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
Ste. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Vital Beauvais, a native of the parish, appeared and swore that he had known S(a)n Pedro ever since he came to the Illinois country, either on one side or the other of the river; that he had always acted at all functions with zeal and exactitude; that he had always looked on him as a real priest; that he does not know whether he treated women any differently than any pastor would treat his parishioners; that he has no information as to whether he went to Confession or not because he had little occasion to confess there; that he believes he gave no dispensations nor had he heard that he counterfeited documents. Beauvais is 57 and signs as Vitale Bauvais.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
(Ste. Genevieve, Missouri)
Juan B(autis)ta Tomure was notified.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (Jul. 3)
Maxwell, Father (James)
(Ste. Genevieve, Missouri)
Juan B(autis)ta Tomure, native of this parish, appeared and swore that he never thought that S(a)n Pedro was a false priest as he had always conducted himself as a true priest; that he had no knowledge of the charges against him; that he was always ready to administer the Sacraments; that he did not know whether he had associated with women more than necessary; that he had no knowledge of his having forged documents. tomure is 51.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 13
Maxwell, Father Diego
St. Genevieve, (Missouri)
Having completed the depositions, they are to be sent to the bishop.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 27
(Penalver y Cardenas, Luis), Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
These proceedings which (Penalver) received yesterday from Maxivel are to be added to the case and brought to him that he may pass judgement.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 28
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
These proceedings are to be turned over to Father Patricio Whals whom Penalver appoints as attorney-general. Q Quintero certifies this decree and adds in a note following that he notified Walsh of the decree and that Walsh refused the appointment because as Ecclesiastical Judge he had made S(a)n Pedro go down to New Orleans. Walsh signs this.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 29
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
Because of the above excuse Penalver appoints Father Ubaldo Delg(a)do (O.F.M.) as attorney general. Quintero certifies this and adds that he notified Delgado who said he could not accept the appointment because he was busy teaching the young and because he had not the ability to perform it. Delgado signs this.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 31
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
Because of the excuse of Delgado Penalver appoints Father Ramon Palao. Quintero certifies this and adds in a note that he notified Palao who accepted. Palao signs this.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 3
Palao, Father Ramon
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Palao has examined the proceedings sent by Maxivel. The origin of this affair before (Penalver)'s arrival in the diocese were denunciations to Walsh, then vicar general of the Bishop of Havana to whom this territory belonged, that S(a)n Pedro's mission was not legitimate, that he had not presented ordination papers and (there were) other charges widely spread in the document on page 28 and the letter of April 7, 1796 from the Bishop of Baltimore. Because of this (Penalver) ordered an investigation by the decree of July 14, 1796. Palao lists the eight charges (already stated in this calendar) against S(a)n Pedro. S(a)n Pedro has presented documents and Palao knows that he has others which can wipe out some of the charges. (Penalver) did not receive these as in the decree of July 20 he was awaiting the arrival of the proceedings he had ordered. These have arrived and S(a)n Pedro should present his exonerations. The Attorney-General will accuse him, hear his defense and if the charges are wiped out, he will petition for what seems just.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 3
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
It is to be done (as above).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 4
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
Walhs is to ratify the translations on pages 11, 14 and 22 and the copies on pages 5 and 6. Then S(a)n Pedro is to appear to give his declaration. Father (John) Brady, (O.Carm.) is appointed interpreter. In the meantime S(a)n Pedro is to be held in the city. Quintero certifies this adding in following notes that he notified Walhs who said that the translations and copies were faithful ones and who signs the document; that he notified S(a)n Pedro of the decree; that he notified Brady, who accepted the appointment.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 4
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, Louisiana
S(a)n Pedro appeared before Penalver and answered as follows, in English, through the interpreter, with the request that in case of doubt it would be put into Latin: His name is Pablo de S(a)n Pedro in religion and in the world, Juan Miguel Platner of the Order of Carmel, a native of Dettelbach in Franconia, a priest engaged in the care of souls in the parish of Ste. Genevieve in the Illinois country. He was called to appear because there was doubt about the authenticity of his papers. He has letters from his provincial and from his Superior General. He came to America in May, (17)82 serving as chaplain of the regiment of Saintonge up to the end of that year when he went to sea and was imprisoned by the English on the 24th of the following January, remaining so for eight weeks until the peace when he returned to Nantes, continuing in the service until June, (17)84 when he obtained his license. In October, (17)84 he returned to Philadelphia to the house of the French consul and went in (17)85 to the parish of Cascaskias where he remained fourteen months with the approval of Gibo, vicar general of the Bishop of Quebek, going from there to Caoskias by order of Labalinier then vicar-general of the Prefect Apostolic Carol and remained there for three years until he left on September 2, (17)89 for Ste. Genevieve. The one who said he is not the same one who came with the regiment of Saintonge is Labalinier. The bishop orders the trial to be continued tomorrow. The bishop, S(a)n Pedro and Brady sign before Quintero.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 5
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
S(a)n Pedro continues his declaration answering the questions as follows: He does not know whether anyone else besides Labalinier said he was not the same S(a)n Pedro who came with the army. He always explained Christian doctrine on Sundays and Holy Days and the charge that he abandoned his pastoral duties is false as his parishioners can testify. He does not know the priest who made the accusation so he does not know whether he is virtuous or whether his motive was the good of religion. S(a)n Pedro confessed whenever he had a chance to Gibau, Labalinier, Ledru and Limpahc. The last time he went to Confession to Gibau was in New Madrid in November, (17)95 when he was coming down to this town; that before that he had confessed to the same when Gibau came down from Port Wencen to take the pastorship of New Madrid, that is, when he came from Caokias to New Madrid. He reads his office in his room and that is the reason the Bishop of Baltimore said with moral certitude that he did not say it. It was Labalinier, his enemy, who said he falsified documents. The couple he married were Pedro Aubachon and Felicite Lafousu (Lasource?). He knows that the Council of Trent forbids marriage in the fourth degree of relationship but the pastors of St. Genevieve and St. Louis had faculties to dispense in the third and fourth degree; it is written thus in the register of the parish. He dispensed some from banns until prohibited by Henriquez; it is not true that he told Maxwell that Walsh had given the order, because he did have that many marriages. His habit is the one of his order with the exception of the cape.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 5
Penalver y Cardenas, Luis, Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The proceedings are to be shown to the attorney-general so that he may promote justice. Quintero certifies this and adds in notes following that he made the decree known to Palao and on August y he notified S(a)n Pedro of it.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 8
Palao, Father Ramon
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Palao lists the accusations: The charge about the authenticity of his papers can be dismissed. There is no real reason for believing that he is not the same person who came from France; there is no positive proof that he does not pray the Office. The prosecutor does accuse him of the following: He gave a dispensation to Aubachon and Felicite who today are married, with five children, by means of an invalid dispensation. Father Pablo said he did it by order of Limpach, pastor of St. Luis; they were members of Ste. Genevieve, a Spanish parish, Pablo was then pastor of Caskasquias. Limpach not being pastor of Ste. Genevieve, could not delegate the faculty. It was clandestine and null as is the entry in the parish book. They wished to rely on the Canadian ritual but certain privileges given to the pastors of Louisiana under French rule were withdrawn when annexed to Havana. Labalinier certifies that Father Pablo presented two false documents; the Bishop of Baltimore says that a virtuous priest affirmed it. Father Pablo had said that he confessed to Father Gibaud in November, 1795 and before that to the same when he went to Caokia, in the meantime to others as Father Ledru, pastor of St. Luis. Father Antonio Ledru had left the parish of St. Luis November 6, 1793 when Father Didie came and Father Gibeau took over the parish of New Madrid on November 1, 1793 so that he went at least two years without confession. He gave as an excuse just motives for not going to Didie. The other reasons for not confessing to priests on the American side who came to Caskaskia 2 1/2 leagues from his parish was that he did not know of their coming. Others knew of their arrival. Palao recommends that the Auvachon's marriage be ratified.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 8
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
New Orleans, Louisiana
The case is to proceed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 17
San Pedro, O.Carm., Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The prosecutor has said that the first charge of his falsifying the two documents lacks proof. DelaValiniere's [De Lavaliniere]'s charges and Carroll's letter of Jan. 11, 1789 (are cited). The second witness is anonymous; he calumniated him when he said that he did not take care of his parish, the witnesses questioned by Maxwell reported the contrary. Carroll's letters of April 7, 1796 and February 18, 1796 and September 18, 1796 (are cited). LeValiniere [De Lavaliniere] said that on his arrival in Ilinoa San Pedro had given him 2 false documents with Carroll's name; San Pedro gave him a letter from Farmer about the jubilee. Up to the arrival of LaValiniere in Ilinoa there was no need of authorization from Carroll as when he left Philadelphia for Ilinoa he was not yet elected nor approved as Prefect Apostolic; therefore he left without powers which he was assured by the Consul General of France he should receive from Gibault, then Vicar General of the bishop of Quebec in the Illinois country. Farmer had replied to his request for powers that the bearer of the letter having just left, he did not have time to receive a reply and the faculties asked for. In the Illinois country he asked and obtained the faculties from Gibault, so why should he produce false papers? If LaValiniere did not mention his obedience and approbation given by the Archbishop of Trier, he spread a calumny which became the basis of to her proofs of bad faith. About the dispensation for Aubuchon and Felicidad LaSource, he acted in the name of Father Bernard, missionary apostolic in the Spanish part of Illinois. The papers relative to this marriage are in Illinois. He asks (Penalver) before acting on the validation to obtain information from Gibault, pastor of New Madrid about the extraordinary faculties enjoyed by the old missionaries, both Jesuits and Sulpicians; Gibault was their successor. LaValiniere's letter of April 2, 1787 (is cited). San Pedro had always heard that the laws in use were to be observed until new orders. Through Henriquez the new orders were received, supplanting the old. Civil judges still follow the usage of Paris; former Lieutenant Governor Perex of Illinois, now of this city, can give some light on this as can Gibault who was there at the time it was surrendered to Spain. As to the accusation that he had failed in his obligation to go to confession yearly, he had an idea that his distrust of Didier and the other priest across the river excused him. He imitated Henriquez who suspended the functions of all foreign priest especially those fleeing from the French Revolution. He is willing to accept such punishment as (Penalver) will impose, asking only to be reestablished at Ste. Genevieve.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Aug. 18
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
New Orleans, Louisiana
The documents are to be accepted.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 24
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to (Baron Francisco Luis Hector de)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
San Pedro must prove that he was a chaplain of the regiment of Saintonge and in Jamaica. Pedro Rousseau, lieutenant colonel and Commander of the frigate "La Luisiana" at the time (knows) that San Pedro came with companies of the regiment and was taken prisoner by the English coming from Boston to the French port and saw him at the house of the deceased Colonel Gilberto de St. Maxent. He asks Carondelet to have Rousseau testify.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 24
Carondelet, Baron (Francisco Luis Hector de)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The request is granted.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Jul. 26
Rousseau, Pedro
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
When Rousseau was in Jamaica in command of the brig, "The Galvestown," in 1793 he knew well Father San Pedro, chaplain of the Regiment of Saintonge and later when he had been taken prisoner by the English coming from Boston in the ship which separated from the fleet of Count de Vaudreul and arrived at port in a transport of French troops.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 15
Brady, O.Carm., Father John
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Brady translates into Spanish the first part of Carroll's letter of January 11, 1789 to De Lavaliniere.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 15
Brady, O.Carm., Father John
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Brady translates from English the following letter:
--------
1796 Sep. 18
(Carroll), J(ohn), Bishop of
Baltimore, (Maryland)
(Carroll) replies to San Pedro's letter of May 18 and congratulates him on his prompt arrival. (Carroll) does not remember whether LeVadoux has written against him except the letter sent shortly after his arrival in Caokia which (Carroll) showed to San Pedro when he was here. Levadoux did not know, nor did (Carroll) that San Pedro had received faculties from his vicar-general LaValiniere. But (Carroll) has received other complaints; they are not authentic so that he could judge with certainty nor suspend the testimony given by the Bishop of Louisiana. The complaints of his parishioners are that he is worldly, that he does not recite the Office, that he does not go to confession, that he put false signatures to papers. (Carroll) would not give San Pedro the displeasure of reading (the letters) if he had not asked for them. He hopes San Pedro can establish his innocence. (Carroll)'s companion Father(?) Becston(?) sends greetings.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 19
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
Testimony is to be received for nine days.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 29
Palao, Father Ramon
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The nine days have passed and Palao asks that the testimony be made public.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 29
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
(The proceedings) are to be given over.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (____)
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
San Pedro has nothing more to bring before the court.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Sep. 9
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The evidence is to be made public.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 22
Palao, Father Ramon
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Palao asks that some of the testimony be repeated in writing, the army auditor certify when Father Ledreux left the parish of St. Louis, when Didier came in, when Jibau took over New Madrid. Palao also would like San Pablo to show his license from his superior-general and the certificate of his orders.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 26
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
Penalver grants the request (above).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 26
Morales, (Juan Ventura)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The auditor will certify as asked.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 29
Leonard, Gilberto
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
As auditor of the armies of the province Leonard certifies that Father Ledreux's salary as pastor of St. Louis in Illinois country ceased on October 31, 1793; he does not know the day he left the parish. Didier, former pastor of St. Charles succeeded immediately. Gibeau took possession of New Madrid November 1, 1793.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jul. 17
Adrian of St. Theresa, O.Carm., Father
Rome, (Italy)
To Whom it May Concern:
Father Paul de San Petro, professed priest of their Province, went to Philadelphia as chaplain to French troops in 1783, with faculties and permission to remain in America unless recalled. Father John of the Cross signs as secretary.
D.S. Copy (Latin)
--------
1796 Jun. 25
Fahrmann, Andrew Joseph, Bishop
Almitensis, (____ )
to Bishop George Charles (von Fechenbach)
Wurzburg, (Germany)
Father Paul de S. Petro was ordained a Carmelite priest December 23, 1769. Father(?) Francis Joseph Herzing signs as secretary.
D.S. Copy (Latin)
--------
1797 Aug. 28
Quintero, Father Isidro
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The (above) certificate and assignment were presented by Pablo to whom the originals were returned.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797) (____)
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
San Pedro has presented documents which should be enough to reinstate him.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Aug. 21
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The copies to be put with the testimony.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Sep. 15
Palao, Father Ramon
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Palao (sums up) the charges against San Pedro for (Penalver) to determine the penalties.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Sep. 15
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The case is closed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1797)
San Pedro, Father Pablo de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
San Pedro asks (Penalver) to declare the charges null as nothing has been proved by (Palao). It was Father Walsh's zeal that moved him to order San Pedro to appear to justify his title and license. (Penalver)'s zeal continued in order to find out the truth. San Pedro's own confession is the only evidence. About the accusation the prosecutor makes of his behavior in the city of New Orleans, known to the Bishop, and regrettable because he is a priest who is supposed to give good example. These expressions are the worst he could find and he asks that they be erased from the petition.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Sep. 28
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
New Orleans, Louisiana
(The above is to be added to) the proceedings.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Sep. 30
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
(New Orleans), Louisiana
The sentence is to be determined.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 12
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
New Orleans, Louisiana
San Pedro is forbidden to minister to souls in the diocese particularly at Ste. Genevieve. Orders are to be given to validate the Aubauchan marriage. San Pedro is to pay costs.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 18
Bermudez, Fran(cis)co
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Costs of the proceedings are listed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 20
S(a)n Pedro, Father Pablo de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
San Pedro appeals from the sentence.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 20
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
New Orleans, Louisiana
It is to be turned over to (Palao).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 23
Quintero, Father (Isidro)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Quintero went to S(a)n Pedro's house where a man told him that he had gone out.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 24
Quintero, Father (Isidro)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Quintero went to San Pedro's house where the same man told him that he had not slept there but only eaten there for three or four days.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 24
Palao, Father Ramon
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
In answer to San Pedro's appeal, Palao states that it is error to believe that there can be an appeal from (Penalver) to the Bishop of Havana. Ecclesiastics must go through their patron; that is the only recourse to the Archbishop of Santo Domingo. San Pedro wishes to be pastor in the diocese against the wishes of the prelate. As a religious he could only have temporary location. Palao believes that the appeal should be heard only in devolution. Palao is willing that the paragraphs San Pedro mentions be stricken out but San Pedro knows that Palao stated the truth. He should recognize the leniency with which he has been treated.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 24
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis
New Orleans, Louisiana
(The above) is decreed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1797 Oct. 24
Quintero, Father (Isidro)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Quintero went to San Pedro's house where a man told him that for three or four days San Pedro had not come there to sleep but he had eaten there.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1797 Oct. 26
Quintero, Father (Isidro)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Quintero went to San Pedro's house where Mr. Dervigni (Derbigny?) said he had not been there for four or five days; they received a letter on the second day of his absence in which he said that he was on the way to Natchez.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1797 Oct. 26
(Penalver y Cardenas), Bishop (Luis)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A letter is to be sent to the governor so that the commandants along the Mississippi may combine to keep San Pedro from going to Ste. Genevieve.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1797 Oct. 26
(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to Man(ue)l Gayoso de Lemos
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(Penalver)'s secretary has just told him that after several trips to the house where S(a)n Pedro lived, Mr. Darbigni [Dervigny] told him that he had received a letter from him on the way to Natchez. The sentence which (Penalver) had given this priest was not carried out; (Penalver) thinks his remaining in the colony is harmful, not being able to let him administer the Sacraments, especially in upper Louisiana where, his vicar-general affirms, he intended to remain as a private individual on the American side until the (time of) persecution by some priests when he came down here. For this reason (Penalver) asks Gayoso de Lemos to give the necessary orders at Natchez, Nogales, New Madrid to have him come down. At St. Louis, if he has arrived, the fact of his having left without a passport is enough reason for investigation.
L.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1797 Oct. 27
Gayoso de Lemos, Manuel
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Luis de Penalver y Cardenas
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
By reason of Penalver's letter of yesterday about the strange conduct of San Pedro who left the city without a passport, Gayoso has on this same date, sent out notices that he is to be detained wherever he is and made to come down to this city to avoid evil consequences.
L.S. (Spanish)
On the same paper:
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1797 Oct. 27
(Penalver y Cardenas), Bishop of
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
(The above) is to be added to the proceedings together with the letter of Maxivel dated April 22 together with the one dated yesterday which (Penalver) sent to the governor.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1797 Apr. 22
Maxwell, Father James
Ste. Genevieve, (Missouri)
to Bishop Luis Penalver y Cardenas
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Maxwell understands that S(a)n Pedro, being persecuted by the priests on the American side of the river under the bishop of Baltimore, has gone down to Natches where he hopes to learn from his friends at New Orleans and from Carondelet whether Penalver is disposed to receive him well or badly so that he can act accordingly. Since Maxwell is not certain that he will go down to New Orleans to await Penalver's orders and take the information in the case as Penalver's instructions of July 14, 1796 ordered him to do, Maxwell hopes that the letters which he sent from New Madrid have arrived together with the documents relative to Father Gibead, pastor of that parish, as likewise his own letters. He will be very glad if it is true that Penalver is going to make a visit to this remote part of the world where there is more religion and better customs than anywhere else in his diocese.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
V-l-c A.D.S., L.S., D.S., A.L.S., Copies, Drafts (Spanish, French,
Latin, English) 202pp. 4to.
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