(1811)
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph) :
Bishop of Bardstown
to (Simon Gabriel) Brute:
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Flaget writes a diary of his journey. On Sunday they had been received very kindly at the house of Mr. Williamson. Monday, he and (Father) David had the good fortune to celebrate Mass. They left by stage, it rained all the way to Redster-Town (?) One night they stopped at Gettysburg. Al Chambersburg, the innkeeper was the carpenter who had supervised the building of Mr. Harent's house. He asked about (Father) Nagot. The roads over the mountains were very dangerous. Mr. Verina and Mr. Maraty escaped injury when the front end of the carriage was broken. After this was repaired, Mr. Maraty entered the carriage alone. An hour later the carriage overturned and it was only by a mirade that the young man escaped death. Sunday at the height of the Alleghenies they went to Confession and Bishop Flaget had the happiness of saying Mass and giving Holy Communion to all his companions. On Tuesday Mr. (Father ?) Savin and Mr. Chabrat got lost. Flaget asks Brute' to greet for him, Gubernator, to whom he will write when he can. He also asks to be remembered to Duidier, Mr. Romeul and all the seminarians. In a postscript he adds that Father David has asked him very specially to greet Brute for him, Brute will have a letter from David. Flaget also sends greeting to Mr. Bobod. All his companions on the journey send their greetings.
II-3-o - A.L.S. - (English) - 3pp.8vo.
1811 Jan. 11
Flaget, Benedict Joseph, Bishop of Bardstown
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Madame (Jeanne-Renée) Bruté
Rennes, (France)
He received on the eve of the New Year the two theses of her son (Father Simon Gabriel Bruté) and the letter telling about the young man who accompanied him to America. His renown had preceded him especially from Saint Sulpice Seminary. Living with him for seven months has taught him more about his talents. His talents will probably produce great fruits now that they are transplanted. The Archbishop of Baltimore (John Carroll) has great affection for him and invites him for a day of conversation. Bruté seems very happy and he is pleased to have followed his vocation. This will reconcile her to the separation from him.
P.S. He sends his greeting to Madame Mazoi and her daughter Marie. If she writes to him she is to put the letter in that to her son.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
3
(1811) Jun. 2
David, Father J(ean)
Big Bone Lick, Kentucky
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, St. Mary's Seminary
Baltimore, Maryland
David has promised to write of their navigation as the Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) has promised to write on their travel by land. He compares their trip to a spiritual journey, sweetness at the start on the 50 miles of turnpike then rough like aridities after Gettysburg. On the Ohio there is tranquility. They travel on an ark 51 feet long and 12 feet wide. (He gives a detailed description of the boat and how they use it). There is Bishop Flaget surrounded by three priests, since Father (Edward Dominic) Fenwick joined them at Pittsburgh. They spend their time guessing how far they have gone and how soon they will reach Louisville. David and Falget get up at 4, the rest a half hour later. On Sunday they say Mass. Breakfast is at 8 and at 9. They say little hours. They have lunch at 10. At midday they say the Regina Coeli. (He lists the rest of the program and also describes the tortuous path of the river). Where another river joins them at a small village. (He speaks of the birds and of the weather). On Pentecost they were 50 miles from Louisville where they hope to be in about 10 hours, and go thence to Bardstown by land. They do not forget their friends in Baltimore. Undoubtedly Father (William Dubourg) has arrived. David speaks of the separation from his friends there. The letter continued on June 4. They are now at Louisville and they hear the falls of the Ohio below the city. He described the falls. They have been received by Mr. Tarascon a friend of Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin. They will make their plans for going to Bardstown tomorrow. He has found two families, including the children of his friend Zekiah who have emigrated to Kentucky. There seems to be a good number of Catholics at Louisville, enough to employ a priest. He sends the regards of his companions, Flaget, Sevigne, Des Rigauds, Moraty, Guy Chabrat, and the rest.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 6pp. 4to.
11
1811 Jun. 17
David, Father J(ean)
St. Stephen's, (Kentucky)
to Father(Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, Maryland
He wishes to complete his trip to Louisville. They were received by Tarascon, a Frenchman from Marseilles, who has a business with his brother and other members of his family. Louisville is growing fast because of the falls of the Ohio for which the boats have to stop most of the year. They waited two days for Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin who did not come but Father (Charles) Nerinckx came Friday. Friday night they arrived with their wagons at the home of Thompson. The next day they arrived at the episcopal city, Bardstown. It is a beautiful city in the center of Catholicity and of Kentucky. They were welcomed by Sanders the keeper of the chapel. Sunday they had mass in the chapel, a log cabin roughly put together. The episcopal palace is also of wood, in bad condition. Imagine the feeling of the Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) especially since the people do not seem too excited that he established himself among them. But they are beginning to be more interested since they learned that Danville is interested and no doubt Lexington and Frankfort will be, too. They live in the home of Father Badin who plans to build an episcopal house. The seminarians are in a separate place and Father Savine is with them. David lives in the house belonging to Badin and Nerinckx. There are a series of houses including those of the negroes. They are having regular religious exercises. They hope to form a seminary. On Corpus Christi the Bishop celebrated and carried the Blessed Sacrament at the house of the Dominicans at Springfield near by. Their provincial is Father (Thomas) Wilson. They have a beautiful church and have five novices already. Last Sunday they were at St. Mary's where there is a priest's home and about 80 parishioners. They will go to Holy Cross three miles away next Thursday. There are enough people for 25 congregations within 90 or 100 miles of Bardstown and only 4 priests because of their college. They could use 20 priests. The Catholics are good and very simple and subject to their priests.
II-3-n A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.
9
1811 Jun. 27
David, Father J(ean)
St. Stephen's, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté
Baltimore, Maryland)
He will finish his story of the journey which had taken them to Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin's home. Bruté's letter has arrived by Mr. Elder. For the reception of the Bishop David suggested that Bruté see Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget)'s letter to Father (Jean) Tessier. He speaks of his pleasure in learning that Bruté has taken over the direction of his former students. He is embarrassed that Bruté asks him for advice. He advised him to reread the book of Father Surin. He has also read with profit the book on prayer by Father Cloriviere. David outlines his manner of treating new penitents. He advises prayer, particular examen, reading of books, the practice of aspirations, regular confessions, Communion once a month. He then describes his methods for the illuminative way, following again Surin. About the unitive way David professes no knowledge. He let them go to balls when the parents or guardians insisted but with a warning of the evils to be expected. He has never been content to avoid mortal sin but has demanded an approach to perfection. He should insist on some recreation with them each week. He suggested that Bruté not spend too much time at study and thinks that this is the cause of his slowness in learning to speak English. David will go on missions until they establish a seminary. A Thomas Howard has left the church a plantation of 400 acres of good land three leagues from Bardstown. It will suffice for the sustenance of the church. They have taken over half of it. The other half comes at the death of the widow. They hope she will consent that they establish themselves alongside her. They already have four subjects for the seminary. They have started a subscription for the cathedral at Bardstown.
P.S. The Bishop sends his affectionate greetings.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
8
(1811) Jul. 6
David, Father J(ean)
(Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
(Baltimore, Maryland)
He forgot to speak of a very interesting subject. They have decided to form a society of young ladies to devote themselves to the education of girls. He believes the Sisters of Charity do not have that object so much as the Ursulines. Cloistered Sisters would not do, but they do not agree with all that the Sisters of Charity do. A good married layman, with his pious wife, has offered them a property, a house and plantation for the community. Two are already preparing in different congregations and can be called back to form the motherhouse. They would not only read and write and make flowers but teach the catechism and form the good habits of the children. The Catholics are anxious for the institution. David asks Bruté for a copy of the rules of the Sisters of Charity which the Archbishop has. He sends this letter in that of Miss Jordan as she says Bruté is the one who gave her those David wrote her from Pittsburgh. (On the back of this letter): Forwarded by Biddy Jordan.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 12mo.
2
1811 Jul. 18
Badin, Father S(tephen) T(heodore), St. Stephen's
Near Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, (Maryland)
Badin acknowledges Bruté's letter of last May through Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) and praises the choice of pictures with which Bruté accompanied his letter. He asks for Bruté's prayers. He hopes that the company of the Bishop and the seminarians now in his house will prove beneficial to his own sanctification. Bruté is to tell Mr. Sinnot that since he is not ready to emigrate to Kentucky Badin cannot answer his questions because of the fluctuations in human affairs. But Badin will do all in his power to serve him. He sends his regards to Father Nagot and the other members of the faculty.
II-3-n A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.
2
1811 Jul. 18
David, Father J(ean)
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté
Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. Elder already has two letters to Bruté and since he will not leave before Sunday he now adds a third. He now tells him where they are and about their daughters. The seminary continues as it can. Moretti is not strong. Buchette has been added and they have some postulants to the future seminary. He told in the previous letter that Thomas Howard had left them a plantation of nearly 400 acres, half to them and half to the widow, three or four miles from Bardstown. The widow has come to offer the other half to Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget, asking only for a house and a small subsistence for the rest of her days. They plan to go there in the fall, if they can get the money to build an addition to the house. There will be need also of a chapel since the people around there will make up a small congregation. They need five or six hundred dollars, but they lack money. Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin says God will provide. Last Saturday after a funeral the members of the congregation gathered to discuss the subscription for building the cathedral. Bruté will laugh at the idea of a cathedral in Kentucky, but they are thinking of one 120 feet by 70 of stone and the Protestants are as eager as the Catholics. Money is rare in Kentucky but the subscription is in cash or trade. Some promise work. He asks for the sisters' prayers for the seminary, the cathedral and the sisters. David is pleased that the Sisters have gone to Bruté for direction. He speaks of a negress Henrietta, a slave of a Catholic who does not practice his religion. He recommends to Bruté George Stamp, Betsy Wheller, the two brothers Wheller, the shoemaker and the tailor. The woman who has married a Lutheran is Mrs. Duffy. The one who has been sick for 7 weeks is Mrs. Schreiber, a convert widow, she has two sisters whom David hoped to convert if he had remained in Baltimore. There are two whites, Abraham and John, and he does not know which addressed Bruté. Madame Welsh is an excellent lady whose husband is not a Catholic. The housekeeper of Mr. Brocon, named Connell, is a fine lady. David is pleased that Madame Elder has chosen Bruté as her confessor. Wheeler is a good man. He heard him in the sacristy after Mass because he is deaf. He hopes that Bruté will give them good inspirations. He goes now with the Bishop to Bardstown.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
5
(1811 Aug. 15)
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté) Brutey
Baltimore, Maryland
Bruté has written him a volume of letters and he has not answered one. The time passes with such rapidity that his mind is in a whirl. He needs a cathedral, a seminary, and a convent for girls. These are some of the problems he contemplates, besides the churches confided to his care. What a difference between his cell in Baltimore and his palace in Bardstown. He thinks of it every day, but he accepts his cross. If Father (William) DuBourg is awake Bruté is to embrace him for the Bishop, since his return must have pleased Bruté, bringing his three religious and his nine children. (Flaget) is interested in all their houses and in the new Company of the Holy Family. He asks Bruté to embrace little Rose. Mr. Buckety has come from St. Louis to join them. He had five dollars in his purse and a package of books. He appears to have forgotten La Trappe. Chabrat and Derigaud received him with pleasure. Moraty does not do so well in his studies. At the September ember days he will give the diaconate to (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat and ordain him priest at Christmas. His English is good enough to catechize Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin's negroes and to give them a sermon occasionally. Bruté tells him nothing of his friend Didier who should have been pleased by the arrival of Dubourg. Bruté is to tell Mr. Sinnott that in Bardstown they have seen doctors who have gained the confidence of the public. When he has more time he will answer little Chance. He remembers M. Pasquiet his agent and Mr. Chevigne, Mr. Joubert and all his companions.
P.S. M. David, Badin, Nerinckx, and the seminarians wish to be remembered. He does not forget MM. Lecombe, Moreau, Fournier, Leynotre, St. Martin, Dejumel, Grandpre. (Flaget) has written to Godefroy for the plan of a church, also the family Jourdan, Elder, and the rest. He asks Bruté to tell him the number of Masses he has celebrated for him, the same for Father Joubert. He wants to know if Dubourg and Babad have acquitted any. They will help him if they say fifty each and commence when they wish. He has many Masses to say for one of his diocesans who left him a beautiful plantation.
II-3-n A.L. (French) 4pp. 4to.
5
1811 (Sep. 16)
David, Father J(ean), St. Stephen's
Bardstown, (Maryland)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, (Maryland)
David expresses his joy at receiving Bruté's letter except that Bruté refuses to be the spiritual father of his children. He presumes that this is because of the return of Father (William) DuBourg. He hopes that after Bruté's retreat he will have more time to write about the college and the seminary. The work there is as usual, (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat teaches until he becomes a priest. Buckety gives him some help, poor Moretty does not do any better in his studies. Derigaud does very well, but not in English. A Mr. Shaffer, driven from the seminary demands a new chance. Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) thinks he can admit him. There is a youngster from Frankfort, Leon Twyman. A half dozen from the parishes want to come to the seminary but they lack a building. The Widow Howard's house would be useful for this when she goes elsewhere. Chabrat will be ordained next Saturday, and priest at Christmas. The Bishop is very hopeful. He is well and has to speak often without preparation. His accent is defective but he gains the hearts. The Protestants are anxious to meet him and there may be a number of conversions. Here none have made their First Communion. Sins of the flesh make awful ravages. The people are good, gentle, inclined to what the priest says. He longs to limit himself to the seminary but now he has to take care of the surrounding congregation. The Bishop has been upset by the death of Mr. Duffault not because of his death which was good, but because of the sufferings of the family. He asks about the reception of the pallium by the Archbishop (John Carroll) and asks if Bruté has received the papers of Bishop (Richard Concanen). September 21. He has some things to say and he delayed closing the latter, but now he leaves St. Stephen's for Holy Cross for the ordination of Mr. Chabrat. From there he goes to Bardstown. At the request of Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin he includes some verses by him on the arrival of the Bishop with a translation by Mr. O'Hara of Frankfort.
A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
Enclosure:
--------
1811 (Jul. 8)
Badin, Father S(tephen T(heodore), V.G.
Lexington, (Kentucky)
Verse to Bishop Flaget on his arrival in the diocese of Bardstown. 100 lines in Latin. Translation in English.
Poem (Latin & English) 3pp. folio
II-3-n A.L.S. (French), Poem (Latin & English) 7pp. 4to. & folio
5
1811 Oct. 17
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
B(ards) T(own, Kentucky)
to (Father Simon Gabriel Bruté)
Baltimore, Maryland)
Bruté's letters are always a grand pleasure and he hopes that he will write often although Bruté must not expect a letter in answer to each letter. He fears the arrival of the religious ladies from Bordeaux and regrets that they did not receive his letter. Their hopes will be frustrated and they will not like either Baltimore or Emmitsburg. If there is time yet to turn from their project Flaget advises them to do so. At least, the spirit of Emmitsburg offers little hope for work in hospitals. When Bruté has the details about the national council he should inform Flaget as he is very uneasy that evil will come. He envies Father Emeric but his sons have a right to complain. The opinion of Father J.M.B. Pasquiet of Bruté's house is not so strange as might be expected. Bruté has much to fear if things are delayed as they have been. He expresses his regard for Mr. Castel and is surprised that he has not received one of the articles he has sent him in one of his letters to M. Chevigne. The picture of the Redeemer has arrived and is on the altar where he says his Mass. So also for the flowers of Madame Dumoulier. Flaget will try to answer seriously the questions of Mr. Duclaux in a little while. Bruté can make copies of the letter. He is now 50 miles from his home, 9 miles from Frankfort, and 15 miles from Lexington. There is no Catholic in Frankfort, the capital of all Kentucky. He blessed it in general Saturday, accompanied by Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin. Next Sunday he will be in Lexington where many trials await him. The subscription for the Cathedral continues but with less fervor. They acquired the stones and may begin the foundations before winter. Bruté is to tell Godfroy that Father (Jean) David is charged with answering his letter and assure him of Flaget's attachment. (Guy) Chabrat has been a deacon since ember week and undergoes an examination. Two days after his ordination he preached his first sermon in the presence of the bishop and the seminarians and repeated the same sermon at Holy Cross parish the next Sunday. He will be an excellent missionary. He sends regards also to Deidier. The building of the cathedral will be a great obstacle to the erection of his seminary and the convent for the sisters, in asking too much he ruins all. If De Chevigne is successful in his subscription Flaget will be ahead and will make a start in the spring. He has at least a dozen seminarians. Bruté cannot do too much for his seminary because in the future it will be one of the great resources of Saint Sulpice. He asks Bruté for a riding raincoat, a hat and a pair of shoes. Castel has some of his money and can pay for these articles and Madame Amiot will help procure them. Mrs. Owing will see that they come to him. He received some invectives at Lexington but did not reply. He met the person a few days later and shook hands with him. There are few Catholics in Lexington but the Protestants are well disposed. Although only 3 or 4 families are Catholic they plan to build a church. Flaget thinks he has done some good by his words. One old Frenchman who had become a Methodist came to confession after 25 years.
II-3-n A.L.S. 4pp.
5
(1811 Oct. 29?)
(Flaget, Benedict Joseph), Bishop of
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté) Brutey
Baltimore, Maryland
(Apparently the postscript of a letter entitled Commissions). He sends his thanks to Madame Berquin who told him of the death of Mrs. Duffant and who has promised rosaries for him, to Madame Fournier, Madame Leroy, Madame Lacombe, Madame Miran, and Dumoulin. Also Mesdames St. Martin, De Levite, and Mademoiselle Constance. He asks to be remembered to Mesdames Orrourck and Latallaye, Madam Granpre and her brother, Madame Amiote and Madame de Volumbrun. Mr. Xoupy is a little negligent in not writing, and that goes for Didier. He asks God for the humility they both need. He asks that Bruté embrace Nagot and the others. He greets the seminarists beginning with Mr. Cloriviere. He greets the families of Elder, Jourdain, Walsh, Sinott, etc. Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin joins him in greeting all the guests and Mr. Godefroy.
II-3-n A.L. (French) 1p.
1
1811 Nov. 3
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas
Near Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, (Maryland)
They will find encouragement in the Sacred Hearts. David expresses his union with Bruté in thought and service but regrets that Bruté has given up his place in the confessional of his children. He has difficulty finding these, his dear souls of Baltimore, although there are some good souls who are ignorant from a lack of good books. There are also the little time he can give them and the fear that they are accustomed to have for priests. They advance more from fear than from love. They are given to gross sins. He is in charge of three congregations until the ordination of (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat, St. Joseph, St. Michael and St. John. He is always on the way but has the satisfaction of receiving wandering souls. Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget draws even more because of the sweetness of his manners. He feared that he could not ride a horse but finds that he does not mind that. He went some time ago with the Bishop to bless a church erected by eleven families on 400 acres of land they bought the priest. It is 35 miles from St. Stephens. They had rain for 20 miles of the trip. They stayed two days. David has had better health since he has been in Kentucky. He mentions the food he eats without any inconvenience. He feels well but misses the chance to sing, but there are good singers there. father (Stephen Theodore) Badin has fifty at Holy Cross. He has tried to reform their singing but it was time lost. David has lived at St. Thomas in a log cabin built by the widow Howard. That is four miles from the town. Bruté says he asked for the Sisters of Charity. But David said he merely asked for the rules of the Sisters by which he will measure his own sisters. He does not want the particular rules of Baltimore; they will probably modify the rules themselves. Chabrat is very zealous and has preached 3 or 4 sermons at Holy Cross. Derigaud studies philosophy together with Baquetti and Moretti. They have a youth named Leo Twyman, aged 14 or 15 and two aged 21 who studied under Mr. Priestly. They build their chapel not of stones but of bricks. He sends his regards to Cloriviere and his other friends.
P.S. When he said that the Sisters would not come he meant those in France. He would like 2 or 3 from St. Joseph to start those there. Those in France are for the sick, not for the work they have to do there.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
6