1868 Oct. 02
Hendricken, Father Thomas F.:
Waterbury, Conn(ecticut)
to Bishop F(rancis) P. McFarland of:
Hartford, (Connecticut)
Hendricken cannot express his gratitude for the gift McFarland has bestowed on him. It is Friday and he asks that the cap and ring be not given until a week from Tuesday. He asks some instructions. Will he have a high Mass on the occasion or vespers in the evening? On reading the letter, the ceremony is to be the evening of the 6th if he can be ready and he will be.
I-1-c - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1868 Oct. 7
Purcell, Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist):
Cin(Cinnati, Ohio)
to Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefevere:
Detroit, (Michigan)
He entreats Lefevere to be in Cincinnati Oct. 13 to consult and decide with the bishops of the Province on the names to be presented to the Holy See for the selection of a bishop of Covington. Also to urge the appointment of a successor to Bishop (Frederic) Baraga (of Marquette). Unless they meet, these important matters cannot be arranged, and Rome requires speedy action on their part, especially for Covington. There are explanations to be made in reference to prominent candidates, or probable nominees which it would not be prudent to commit to writing.
III-2-l - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {4}
1868 Oct. 8
Miller (Father) Louis I.:
Fairport, N(ew) Y(ork)
to O(restes A.) Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
The ecclesiatics and the English speaking community are at a loss because they have nothing worth reading on the Immaculate Conception. A profound historical, philosophical and theological review would help. It would be fine if Brownson would do so because he is the most competent of all the persons in the country and "such a work would be a crown of all your writings." Father Miller suggests a plan which Brownson may or may not follow. He believes the Immaculate Conception is a consequence of original sin because a serpent by tempting it, caused it. There is a connection between the sin of the angels and the sin of our first parents, which points should be explained. Next the nature of original sin should be treated, then the doctrine of incarnation, what is meant by Immaculate Conception, the direct proofs from scripture and the indirect proofs being revealed through the Incarnation. The church defined Immaculate Conception in order to defend Itself "What were the reasons?" Father suggests infidelity moving against Her. He believes there will be a time when anti-Christ will come. Father wants Brownson's opinion on these matters.
I-4-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1868 Oct. 8
(Rappe), A(madeus) Bishop of Cleveland:
Cleveland, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio)
He received Purcell's letter inviting him to a meeting of the prelates of the province in order to decide on a successor for Bishop (George A.) Carrell. He regrets that he cannot answer the call as he has promised to visit Ashland, a new congregation which requires his care. Then he must go to Akron for confirmation. He will send his notes to Rome on the Candidates presented.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1868 Oct. 8
Rosecrans, Sylvester H., Bishop of:
Columbus, Ohio
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio)
Rosecrans writes upon a printed form he is using to ask for donation for erection of cathedral in Columbus. According to the printed form, in gratitude for those gifts they receive, the bishop of Columbus is instituting a Perpetual Saturday Mass from which the donors will receive the fruits. In his note to Purcell, Rosecrans asks for information concerning a priest named Father Anthony Beckers, an ex-Franciscan, who will be in Columbus in a week. He also asks if Purcell has a deed to four acres of land from the Phelan estate in Columbus. To Protestants are making a deed of fifteen acres of land for a Catholic College in North Columbus, three miles out on the Worthington Road. Rosecrans had solemn High Mass for Bishop (Henry F.) Junckers at Holy Cross last Monday.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1868 Oct. 10
Johnson, W.T.:
Ann Arbor, Mich(igan)
to James F. Edwards:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He is now rooming with an Irish Catholic family. He saw Prof. O'hara in Ann Arbor. He gives a description of the town. The students at the University are under no discipline; they study well but the state of morals among them is to a great extent fearful to contemplate.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1868 Oct. 10
Spalding, Martin J. Archbishop of Baltimore:
Cumberland, Maryland
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Spalding has received Purcell's letter and thanks him for his suggestions. Spalding attaches little importance to the reports of Bishop (William McCloskey) of Louisville concerning the Council of Baltimore of 1866. Sufficient is his report that the Cardinal (Alexander Barnabo) and the Sacred Congregation approved the Council in unusually strong words. Their decrees were not more numerous than those of other councils. The expression "doing things a vapore" is a favorite one with Barnabo. The rapid spread and movement of the Americans is not understood in Rome. Spalding is not aware that anything is omitted in the Acts except some things not approved by Rome. When he hears from the Archbishop (John McCloskey) of New York with specifications he may be able to judge but he doubts the accuracy of general vague and general statement concerning his opinion. As to the Archbishop (Peter Richard Kenrick), they were a ll prepared for his opinion. If there are any mistakes in the publication, it was not on Spalding's part. Purcell has the libellus and the instruction of Rome and can compare and form his own opinion. Spalding is pleased that Purcell will have a meeting of bishops regarding the nominations to Covington. He scarcely thinks that the very Rev.(James M.) L(ancaster) will be appointed. The names he mentioned are in general commendable. If Purcell wishes, he will procure the opinion of Father (I. Paul) Dubreul in regard to Father (William) Dunn. Should (McCloskey) turn out to be an active and efficient prelate Spalding will be pleased, as he naturally feels strongly for the diocese. A bad beginning sometimes makes a good end. He does not blame Purcell but himself for the nomination. The statement of Mr.(Benedict) Webb drawn up in the presence of himself, his nephew and Father Brady is an estimate for the use of the bishop, since he went to Louisville to straighten out his brother's affairs. It would be a great misfortune if there were delay in the removal of Mother Ward. P.S. He has confirmed 643 and expects to confirm nearly as many in Cumberland.
II-5-d - A.LS. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {12}
1868 Oct. 12
Conaty, Bishop Nicholas:
Cava, Ireland
to Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefev(e)re:
Detroit, (Michigan)
A few days ago Conaty sent Fathers (John) Boylan, (Arthur) Finnegan and M'Sharry to America, to collect funds for a diocesan seminary. Since their departure Conaty has been informed that there is a rule of the American Hierarchy prohibiting persons to collect monies without their approbation. He has not the courage to ask for permission; all he hopes for is the silence of charity in their regard. He explains the hostile attitude to the Church in North Ireland.
III-2-l - Printed L.S. - 1p. - 4to. - {1}
1868 Oct. 15
(Alemany), Joseph S. Arbp. Of San Francisco:
San Francisco, (California)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
of Cincinnati, Ohio)
He wrote the Holy See and requested that his resignation be accepted or that he be given a coadjutor. He names the following: Father John Prendergast, his vicar-general; Father Bartholomew Woodlock, Rector of the Irish University; Father William Fortune, President of All Hallows College. He asks Purcell to send his views to Cardinal Barnabo. His main object is to be partly free in order to devote himself to the establishment of one or more colleges in Spain for the spritual benefit of Spanish American Colonies. The Holy Father seemed to approve of the plan.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {4}
1868 Oct. 15
Spalding, Martin J. Archbishop of Baltimore:
Baltimore, Maryland
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
From the elaborate decision of the Metropolitan (Peter Richard Kenrick) and the official answer of Cardinal (Alexander) Barnabo published in the Chicago Times of Oct. 12, Spalding fears they have Spalding doubts the words attributed to Cardinal Barnabo, as they might refer to their complaints against the delay of the briefs. Spalding fears it will be some time before a "certain prelate" will be blamed for acting "a vapore". P.S. Dr. (Stephen) Ryan has been made to accept Buffalo. He will be consecrated there Nov. 8.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 1pg. - 8vo. - {8}
1868 Oct. 17
Duggan, (Bishop) James:
Chicago, (Illinois)
to
(The Clergy of the Chicago Diocese)
Duggan is forced by the painful publicity of certain rumors and proceedings to present this matter to the clergy and to the Faithful in order to vindicate Episcopal authority and the personal character of the Ordinary of the Diocese.
- Printed Letter -
1868 Aug. 10
Kenrick, Archbishop Peter Richard:
Chicago, (Illinois)
to Cardinal Alexander Barnabo:
(Rome, Italy)
Kenrick, at Barnabo's request, spent six days in Chicago, interviewing several priests there; also he cited before him the four priests who had forwarded the complaints to Rome—Fathers (Denis) Dunne, (John) McMullen, (Joseph P.) Roles, and (James) McGovern. Duggan gave Kenrick the letter which Barnabo sent him during his stay in Rome, dated Dec. 14, 1867, containing eleven heads of accusation presented by the aforesaid priests. Kenrick deems it expedient to transcribe these in order and to answer each accusation.
- Printed Letter (Translation) -
1868 Sep. 9
Barnabo, Cardinal Alexander:
(Rome, Italy)
to Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick:
St. Louis, (Missouri)
Barnabo is gratified that these accusations sent to him were for the most, contrary to the truth. However, he deems it opportune to observe that if Metropolitans were to show themselves more inclined to admit and consider the complaints made to them by some against their Bishop, recourse might not so readily be had to this Sacred Congregation. When difficulties are not settled by those to whom they belong, the Sacred Congregation is compelled to lend a willing ear, owing to the deep concern for the right administration of the Church. Barnabo asks that mention be made to Duggan, that the Congregation rejoices that the accusations have been found to be false, and that its good will towards him has not in the least been diminished.
III-2-l - Printed L. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {6}
1868 Oct. 17
Rievers, Father H(enry):
Muskegon, (Michigan)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
He would have written sooner, or have sent Father Theodore (Hilarion) Dressen to Detroit to present himself to Lefevere, but they had expected a letter from Father William Takken from day to day, until he heard Lefevere had not yet returned from the missions and he told Driessen to wait. Lefevere's return before he would go to Cumberland. Rievers knows Driessen; he is of respectable parentage, had been in England for some time. Rievers met him in Europe last winter, when he came to visit his parents. He had a leave of six weeks and after three weeks was called back to England and obeyed. Rievers has blamed him for leaving convent, mission, and bishop, but he is young and did not reflect about the consequences. Since he has been in Muskegon he has conducted himself well. He is an able young priest and would make a good missionary. Lefevere could give him a trial, keeping him in the Cathedral.
III-2-l - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1868 Oct. 18
B(rownson) S(ally) H.:
Elizabeth, (New Jersey)
to Henry (F. Brownson):
(Atlanta, Georgia)
Henry's letter to his mother indicated that he and Pifine are keeping house and are in better health. (Mrs. Brownson) had not been aware of the change made in the Commissioner of the Bureau although it is her practice to read the army news. Her husband has been made a present of a wheel chair from some friends in N(ew) Y(ork). On the previous Sunday (Brownson) tried walking throughout the house and today he is dressed for the first time in several days. He has asked his wife to mention, when writing to Henry, that his relapse care about as the result of an overuse of his ankles. He also wishes Henry to know that he considers Grant's election sure and unites with (Mrs. Brownson) in sending their love to Pifine and Henry. He expects from Pifine a glowing account of her housekeeping on their next meeting. The weather has become quite cold in Elizabeth and the Brownson's keep 3 or 4 fires burning at all times. (Brownson) is writing only for the Tablet and there have been several weeks when he could not write even that. He is desirous of having (Henry) verify or deny the reports in Northern papers concerning the murders of Union men in the South.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1868 October 19
Wheeler, Father W.:
St. Louis, Mo.
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
New York, New York.
Three dollars are enclosed for a subscription to the Journal. Because the writer is a twenty year reader of the Journal he gives his notions as regards to McMaster's late criticism of the "Acts Concilii" of which there will soon be an English translation, if the need is so warranted. For present a pamphlet, containing a special report of the Council, would have sufficed. The ambitious priest who keeps quiet is in a parish. The priest in the missions suffer from the arbitrariness of the bishops simply because there is no law in the came and because it is contrary to the spirit of the sacerdotal order to appeal from the Ordinary, to the Pope. Although he formerly opposed the idea, he now advocates that the priests elect their own bishops as was urged some fifteen years before by McMaster and other priests. Often times the priest with the most support is nominated rather than the hard working priest who deserves the title. The same problem exists in regard to Church property, as in Chicago. Archbishop (Peter Richard Kenrick) is almost bankrupt because of his trusting seculars over priests. Bishop James Whelon of Northville holds that the property belongs to the church. Bishop (Patrick V. Lynch) does not.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1868 Oct. 21
Sorin, (Father) E(dward) F. (C.S.C.):
Notre Dame, (Indiana)
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Father Sorin must leave for Europe very soon and wants to know for certain if Brownson will continue to write for The Ave Maria; he wishes Brownson would write on the worship of the Virgin Mary and the respect we owe her and the respect she deserves as our Mother. The philosophical and scientific aspects of the Divine Maternity would make suitable subjects. Such a work would be an inspiration through the task, and highly beneficial to others.
I-4-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1868 Oct. 22
Elder, William Henry Bishop of Natchez:
Chicago, Illinois
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
He understands that Homer D. B. Campbell who has been at his house in Natchez has left for Cincinnati. Fearing that he might use certain civil letters which Elder wrote him as a recommendation to the seminary, he writes to tell Purcell that such was not his intention. He asks that Purcell not encourage him but tell him that he has heard from Elder. Campbell was formerly an Anglican clergyman at Kingston, Canada and was received into the church by Bishop O'Farrell of Hamilton. This is a miserable business here in Chicago. The Bishop (James Duggan) has taken steps to check further publications at least from his friends. So far as Elder has learned, the majority of Catholics are opposed to those who have made the complaints. The Jesuits, Redemptorists and Benedictines are indignant against the complainants. Most of the priests express good will and respect towards the four but seem to agree that at least two of them expected to profit from the diocesan revenues during the absence of the bishop. A few days ago Elder met a prominent money broker who handled the Bishop's money and he said he never paid money to the Bishop himself but to some of the priests to relieve them from difficulties, and that some of those mentioned above had invested imprudently. Letters from New Orleans say that the Archbishop (John M.) Odin exhausted himself at a recent confirmation. Father Napolean J. Perche writes that he is better but weak.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {7}
1868 Oct. 22
Rickert, Father Ignatius B.:
Corunna, Mich(igan)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
It was a condition of his coming to Corunna that the congregation should furnish the Priest's house, but even a threat to call their names from the pulpit did no good. He is preparing the children for First Communion and Confirmation. Instead of 76 only 21 showed up. The congregation of St. John's is flourishing and the new church will be ready for consecration soon, as also the church at Maplegrove.
III-2-l - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1868 Oct. 24
Duranquet, Father (H.):
Blackwell's I(sland, New York)
to Sister (Catharine Seton:
New York, New York)
He has not found the Mrs. Daily or Regan Reverend Mother recommends. He is bothered not a little by the supplications of many old women to whom the Sisters of Mercy gave the hope that Duranquet would put them in the new establishment. The new establishment has no resources; the old people there pay something. Would to God they might have a Catholic Alms House for the 2000 Alms House inmates there! When the Sisters go to Sing Sing Duranquet recommends Thomas Latham who was craving for a prayer book and Leo Hudson. These two months past Duranquet has resided altogether on his island. He goes to the prison once a week bu t can stay but a short time. (Monsignor Seton notes on the back of the letter that it is to his Aunt Catharine, Sister of Mercy).
II-1-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1868 Oct. 24
Spalding, M(artin) J. Archbishop of Baltimore:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Anderson is remembered by Father (Thomas) Foley who thought well of him. He was on the point of becoming a Catholic and had engaged to join the Paulists when he suddenly disappeared from notice. Though a Scotchman he does not appear stable. It is against him that he engaged in the protestant ministry after having made arrangements to join the Paulists. He should probably have a good long trial before being admitted to orders. He is pleased that Purcell has agreed on the names for Covington and Marquette. Father (John) Bekkers might do for the latter; he will not suit Covington. He has a hard head and is haughty but irreproachable. Bishop(James F.) Wood will probably communicate to Purcell a plan for endowing the American College at Rome, which Spalding hopes will succeed. P.S. He begs pardon for the half-sheet. The Rev. (J.P.) Roles of Chicago has sent him a statement of 30 to 40 pages against the Bishop (James Duggan).
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {11}
1868 Oct. 25
Spalding, M(artin) J. Archbishop of:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
of (Cincinnati, Ohio)
The enclosed slip was sent to him by the Mother Superior of the Visitation nuns. The monastery at Maysville is in Purcell's province, and Purcell thought it well to send it to him so that he can suppress disorders that are scandalizing her sisters. That monastery was established irregularly ab initio and unless efficacious action be taken will prove a scource of scandal.
P.S.—He encloses the villanous article in the New York Tribune, inspired by Father (John) McMullin) or his coadjutor (Father J.P.) Roles. It has greatly disgusted the Archbishop (John McCloskey) of New York and made him feel a distrust of Roman doctors. Men who will pervert the meaning of a simple letter of introduction should not be allowed to triumph. It seems that McMullin has done mischief among certain New York Roman doctors. The spirit of some of them is bad. They should let Rome know it.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {6}
(18)68 Oct. 27
William:
Louisville, (Kentucky)
to Ja(me)s A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
The writer asks if a divorced woman, who had been married out of the Church and became a Catholic after her divorce, can be married again during her husband's lifetime. Her husband is not a catholic and neither party was baptized before the marriage. He wishes to know also if two people raised out of the Church must be remarried by a priest when they become Catholics, or if the original marriage is valid.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 1p. - 4to. - {1}
1868 Oct. 30
Dwenger, (CPP.S.) Father Jos(eph):
(Carthagena, Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
Dwenger gives Purcell a list of the communities that the Archbishop will visit between the fifteenth and 25th of the month (November?). The places range from St. Mary's Minister to Wapakoneta. Should Purcell desire to rest between visitations, the list could be set back as he so decides. Dwenger asks that Purcell bring his tunic and dalmatic with him, as there are some students that Father (Andrew)Kunkler wishes to present for ordination. Dwenger does not know the students, but has heard them spoken of highly. Should the list meet with Purcell's approval, Dwenger will publish it next week. If it does not, he asks that Purcell send his corrections at once.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {2}