Correspondence from the files of the Baltimore ordinaries (see names listed above). The subjects covered in the letters include the first Synod of the Diocese of Baltimore (1791), the archbishops' pastoral letters, the first circular letter of the American hierarchy (concerning the captivity of Pope Pius VII) written in 1808, the restoration of the Jesuits, the activities of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, and the administrative activities of the archdiocese, such as the ordination and assignment of clergy, the establishment and governance of religious orders, maintenance of schools, the establishment of new parishes and dioceses, and the disbursement of funds. Principal correspondents, in addition to the Baltimore prelates, include the following (arch)bishops: John Ireland, John Cheverus, Michael Egan, Benedict Flaget, Simon Brute, John Purcell, and John J. Keane. Some of the letters deal with family and personal concerns of the Baltimore ordinaries. The letters are arranged in chronological order. Some clippings, enclosures, diaries and sermons also appear in the files.