(1813) (Feb. 17)
Badin, (Father) Stephen Theodore
( )
The Undersigned sent by the Right Rev(eren)d Bishop Carroll to Kentucky A.D. 1793 as Catholic Missionary, had been able to build several chapels in the state aforesaid now having three buildings, one in Lexington, another in Louisville and a third in Shelby County, which has been unroofed and otherwise damaged by a hurricane and the fall of a tree. Attempting to build one more on the place of his residence against which a land claim has lately appeared which said claim he must also extinguish to preserve the land for its original purposes of public soliciting the benefactions of liberal persons animated with public spirit. Archbishop (John) Carroll of Baltimore certifies that the statement of Badin is correct, and only expresses very inadequately his great services in the cause of (civilization), morality and religion; and that he is much entitled to public encouragement and the undersigned is not afraid of adding to public gratitude. To this is added the signed statement that, Bishop Leonard Neale fully supports Archbishop Carroll in supporting the statement of Badin and in recommending him to the attention and encouragement of the Public. (The signatures of several who contributed and the amounts given are added).
II-5-h A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.
2
(Photostatic copy from the Archives of the College of Mt. St. Joseph, Delhi, Ohio).
1813 May 3
Grassi, S.J., Father John
Georgetown, District of Columbia
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté
Mt. St. Mary's, Emmitsburg, Maryland)
Grassi has received from a friend at Louvain some articles of devotion. He feels that he should share them with his friends among whom he considers (Bruté). He is sure that (Bruté) will find them agreeable and hopes that he will accept them as a token of his respect. He suffers from a fever and is told that he must change air to be relieved but he cannot do so. He intends to visit Father (Francis) Malevé at Fredericktown. Father Ladavière already goes on the mission to Alexandria but his health is poor. Father Cary is well and has received a letter from his sister in Paris, Mother Lambert. She says that the Pope is with the Emperor and the Cardinals imprisoned in Vienna are freed. Next week they expect the Archbishop (John Carroll) in the City and in Georgetown.
II-3-n A.L.S. 1pp. 4to.
3
1813 Jul. 12
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas Seminary
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, St. Mary's Mountain Seminary
Emmitsburgh, M(arylan)d
It has been a long time since he wrote and he would be surprised at that were he not so conscious of the press of duties. The long absence of the Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) places on his shoulders burdens above his ability and causes him great anxiety. He has enjoyed some tranquility since his return. The seminary continues to console. The Bishop gave tonsure to two, one of whom is Moretti and the other Charles Coomes. He has also promoted Desrigauds and Shafer to minor orders. Since the departure of two others all goes sweetly. They also commence their community of young ladies following the lines of the inimitable Father (Charles) Nerinckx. He has gathered six girls in a log house on the plantation a half mile from the seminary. It is the home of a tenant, a two story house of logs about 18 feet square. They were allowed after hearing a Mass by the Bishop, in the presence of him and Father (Guy) Chabrat to elect officers -- a mother, an assistant and a procurator. The mother is the youngest of the group. They have begun their school and have only two boarders and one or two externs. David thanks Bruté for a copy of their constitutions and hopes he will also copy the rules. He has given them one in the meanwhile. He can place his copy in the hands of Miss Connel who comes to join them. Or of Mr. Monyhan whom the Bishops have agreed to accept into the diocese. David is busy building a chapel. Today they laid foundations of stone. The bricks are there but they lack means. They need another thousand dollars. The chapel will be 64 by 30 with a sanctuary of 40 by 5 and a choir 24 by 20. The Bishop is a marvel and his speeches are admired. He has brought back many wandering sheep. He speaks English well. He wishes that Bruté could do so also. He does not know how Bruté now speaks English but the efforts require work. Many times he has imagined that Bruté was with him and he dreams that it may happen some day.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
4
1813 Jul. 13
(Flaget), Bishop B(enedict) J(oseph), St. Thomas Seminary
B(ards) T(own, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, St. Mary's Valley
Near Emmits Bourgh, Maryland
(Flaget) profits by the return of Thomas Hariss to greet Bruté. The poor child is not well after his trip to Kentucky and (Flaget) doubts that he will ever get better. He tried (Flaget)'s seminary but it was not the place for him. They have been awaiting a long time the rules of the house of St. Joseph, (Emmitsburg) so that they can use them for the house at Nazareth which begins to take shape. It is on the same land a half mile from the seminary. There are six ladies with 3 or 4 students. All goes well up to the present and will go better if Fanny Jordan or Mrs. George are sent to them to guide the ship. Bruté should intercede for them. One of the sisters or both could join Clauzel to go by stage to Pittsburgh and there go on the Ohio to Louisville where he will go to get them. He has already written to the ladies of Baltimore for the cost of the trip. He asks Bruté to receive Clauzel for him and tell him that he must not listen to the old boy who tells him that Kentucky is a land that devours its people and inhabited by monsters. George Elder is sufficient proof of the contrary. (Flaget) dares to say that Clauzel will not repent crossing the Alleganies to live with him. On June 20 he gave minor orders to Derigaud and to a German and tonsure to Morety and a Kentuckian named Charles Cooms, a child of benediction. Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin has received a book "Reflexions sur l'etat de l'eglise en France pendant le 18eme siecle et sur sa situation actuelle," Paris 1808. He asks Bruté if the author is not his friend from St. Malo.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 8vo.
4
1813 Jul. 28
(Flaget), Benedict J(oseph), Bishop of Bards Town, St. Thomas Seminary
Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Mr. Clauzel, St. Mary's Valley
near Emmits Bourg, Maryland
(Flaget) has written two letters, one to Father (William) DuBourg and one to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté in which he had endeavored to call to his mind the promises to get ready and come from that sterile land to the rich land of Kentucky. He writes now to say that the time has arrived and that everyone at the seminary is ready to receive them. He has no doubts that the devil is making objections to impede the departure, but Flaget wishes to recall that after six months in Maryland Clauzel had renewed his promises. He should go to Baltimore and get a robe to guard against the cold and the heat. If Mr. Monyhan persists in his plan to come to Kentucky he should join him. He should ask Mr. Vepres and Mr. Bertrand to expedite his baggage for Pittsburgh and Louisville. He and his companion can take the stage from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. At Pittsburgh they should apply to Mr. Kelly an Irishman who will lodge them and get them passages for Louisville. He should send him warning from Pittsburgh so that he can have some one meet them at Louisville. Father (Jean) Tessier will give him the costs of the trip. He should embrace his friend from Kentucky, George Elder, whom he prays for every day, and also his friend Roment.
P.S. At Louisville he can stay with Ives, a Catholic hotel man. He sends greetings to DuBois, Bruté, Duhamel, etc. If Tessier can get him a line for fishing of 36 or 40 yards he will be obliged. He is not to forget the remedies and the classic books for which he sent a list to Tessier or Maréchal. There is a Miss Connel on Gay North Street who thinks of coming to Kentucky to join his convent and Clauzel is to gather information about that subject when he is in Baltimore. She is essential for his schools. He is to ask Father (Ambrose) Maréchal to talk to her of his desires. It would be a blow to the devil if he could get the three.
II_3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
3
1813 Sep. 1
DuBourg, Father W(illia)m
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father Simon (Gabriel) Bruté, Mt. St. Mary's Seminary
Emmitsburg, Maryland
DuBourg has received through his brother Louis (DuBourg) the letter Bruté wrote out of his affection for him. Because such letters are so helpful he hopes that Bruté will repeat them frequently. However Bruté must not expect replies with the same vivacity as he is living among a people who do not believe and must be affected by them. He is at peace and that seems to be the fruit of his efforts. Some of the people have retained traces of their faith, and a few apostles would do an immense good there. He wishes for more priests and has asked the Trappists to establish a house which should be suitable to them. Besides being a French neighborhood there are no sects and they could wear their habit in public if necessary. He asks Bruté to help convince them that they should devote their energies to the active service. The time has not come to speak of the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul, but Bruté should commend him to their prayers. DuBourg relies on Clauzel and his confrere McGee. He asks to be remembered to the good families of Elder, Browner, Hughes, and Woods.
P.S. He does not remember the arrangement with Mr. Burke to make the decision between Bruté and Dubois, but the decision being made in Council should be on the registers. As to Ward he remembers that he paid $650 which went for the erecting of the new seminary. DuBourg thinks he would have a better right to be kept than many others. DuBourg forgets the time of his entrance and asks Bruté to tell him how long he can remain in the seminary on his funds and about his virtues. At least they should not send him away without warning DuBourg so he can decide with his uncle about his future, as his tutor through charity for his dying mother.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
3
1813 Sep. 5
Carroll, John, Archbishop of Baltimore
Rock-Creek, Maryland
to Mrs. Elizabeth Seton
Emmitsburg, Maryland
Carroll is writing from a place not far from Washington. A great niece of his, Jane Brent, is being sent to be under Mrs. Seton's care. Since her uncle neglected to ask Mrs. Seton whether she can afford to admit the girl, the Archbishop is asking for her admission. He believes "unimproved but innocent" Jane will, under the care of Mrs. Seton, Margaret, and Fanny, give satisfaction to Mrs. Seton and the neighborhood. It is Sunday and the Archbishop is fatigued. The gentlemen who came to church are about to return. He has time only to express his paternal affection for his children with Mrs. Seton and her sisters. Charlotte is near his heart. He is looking for a more advantageous position for her. He is her servant and friend in Christ. Note presented to the Bishops memorial hall by Rt. Rev. Mgr. Seton, D.D.
II-1-a A.L.S. 1pp. royal 8vo.
2
1813 Sep. 7
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas Seminary
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Emmitsburg, (Maryland)
David and Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) were walking in the woods when they received the sad news from Bruté of the death of the young people. They feel that it is a great loss to the diocese and they feel the great loss in possible pastors for the flock who needs them so badly. Their seminary goes passably and could go better if they had a better guide than himself, Gras does well. They have many energetic people if they would be filled also with the divine love. Some have been sick and he has had to act as physician, giving out the medicine. The nunnery advances. The six philotheas persevere. One only give him pause, a convert and he fears he will have to send her away. The mother is 20 years old, the assistant 17. Already they have 4 boarders and 7 or 8 externs. They are ready for the log raising for the addition to the house. It is the work of his young charges with the aid of an overseer. They are now making the roof. They are now making the roof. They have zeal. Gras with Desrigauds, Moretti with Coomes, the rest help. He hopes they finish before the winter. They will then have five rooms, one 29 by 17 for a dormitory, three 17 feet square, and one 12 by 17, all at the cost of only the nails. David is sorry that Bruté cannot give him Rose who is suitable for the task. If her sister Kitty had sufficient health she would do. Fanny is suitable for teaching, but they refuse him all his requests. The Sisters (of Nazareth) suffer from a lack of rules. He has given them a provisionary rule similar to that of St. Joseph as he recalls it. If they had sent him only the order of exercises but they did not take an interest in an establishment so distant. The vows taken at Emmitsburg are another instance since the Bishop does not think that they can be dependent on Emmitsburg. He asks only for a rule and will aid them with the help of Flaget. They are mature for their age. He teaches two classes, grammar and arithmetic. The establishment of Father (Charles) Nerinckx (Lorettines) is very flourishing. They have laid the foundation of the chapel, blessed by the Bishop and have a fourth of the money for it. He thinks this letter will be given Bruté by Father (Edward Dominic) Fenwick who goes to Maryland. He asks Bruté to have the rules ready so he can bring them back on his return. They have received indirectly bad news from the seminary at Baltimore. David thinks that Bruté's silence might be because of the delicateness of the affair.
P.S. The Bishop tells him that Father (John) Dubois has a cure for worms. Since the youngsters there are subject to this trouble he would like to have the remedy. He sends regards to Father Duhamel and his other friends.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
6
1813 Sep. 21
(Flaget), Benedict J(oseph), Bishop of Bardstown, St. Thomas Seminary
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, Mount St. Mary
Emmits Bourgh, Maryland
Bruté expresses his sorrow at the news of the deaths of these two youths. Their death excites his envy rather than his sorrow, but he sorrows more for the diocese than for himself. The seminarians of his own share his grief and those in minor orders and tonsure will receive Communion the next day for them. To that bad news Father (Jean) Tessier has added another, the recall of Father (Jean) David, plunging the diocese in the worst sorrow in five years. It is proper that they have some sorrows after all the consolations they have experienced. He forgets his sorrows when he remembers the sorrows of Mt. St. Mary's. Bruté must adore the designs of God. If it is determined that the establishment will fall the will of God be done. The way of probation is the most sure as well as the way of the Divine Master. The more they sow in tears the more will they hope to reap in peace. (Flaget) starts out in a few days to visit for two or three months people he has never seen and who see a priest only once or twice a year. Father (Charles) Nerinckx will accompany him, though he counts on the prayers of Bruté and his young friends. He sends friendly greetings to Father (John) Dubois. He carries in his heart G(eorg)e Elder and the pious Grandchamp. Bruté should hasten to send the rules. David and (Guy) Ignatius Chabrat should write Bruté since they claim to love him. The parents of young Elder are well. Two daughters of Mr Browner are in the school of Nerinckx. A cousin of Elder of the same name, a Protestant, comes to him. He would like to write to Mr. Pasquiet.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
5
1813 Sep. 26
Babade, Father Pierre
L.S.C.
to Rebecca Mary Seton
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)
From the letter he received from her, he sees that she has fear of death and the judgement. God should be thanked. Salutary fear is a favor of the Holy Ghost. He counsels her to have humility to make amend for the other virtues which are wanting and which she is striving to acquire. She is still a child. God loves her and will not be too exacting. She must prepare herself for the coming of the good angel and believe him, her loving father.
II-1-a A.L.S. 1pp. 18mo.
1
1813 Nov. 24
Grassi, S.J., Father J(ohn)
G(eorge) T(own), (District of Columbia)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, St. Mary's College
Emmitsburg, (Maryland)
Grassi takes advantage of the trip of Father Miguel to visit (Francis) Beschter to send these lines in answer to Bruté's letter. In the newspaper appeared an advertisement for "The Catholic Question in America with a Short Account of its Subject." A new edition of the "Pious Guide" has been announced by Dornin. He agrees with Bruté that changes should be made in the book and he asks Bruté to write the improvements he thinks should be made. Grassi will send them to Father (Francis) Neale and get a new edition. Neale is absent. Grassi will ask him to put in the front a short explanation of the ceremonies of the Church. Father Lavadière received Bruté's letter in New York. He was at Georgetown last week for a visit and has returned and will soon sail for France. He hopes to arrange in New York for a monthly or at least a quarterly Catholic publication. Their school at Stonyhurst suffers from Protestants and from jealousy with 230 boarders. In the last discussion of the Catholic bill several invectives were sent their way and even visitation by a committee was hinted.
II-3-n A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.
2