(1844) (Aug. 1,)
Dalgarins, J(ohn) D.:
(Isle of) Guernsey, (England)
to (Benjamin B.J. McMaster):
(New York, New York)
Dalgarins failed to answer McMaster's letter because he has been at Guernsey with his parents and has found so much to occupy him that he could not write. He has been thinking of McMaster, however, for he himself is in much the same situation as McMaster, and can well appreciate the pain suffered by one on his way to Rome, as McMaster is. Dalgarins is not surprised as McMaster's announcement that his going over to Rome is now only a question of time, for, judging from previous letters describing his state of mind, Dalgarins had for seen the event. He had refrained from telling McMaster this, since going over to Rome is a serious step, and he does not wish to influence anyone. He sees his own way clearly now, and since McMaster has trusted him with a confidence, he, in return will trust McMaster. He has made up his mind to become a Catholic, for reasons he thinks would be useless to tell. But he will delay his actual profession until the end of (1844) for reasons of his own. Most of his friends in Oxford have not yet made up their minds. When those who have decided to become Catholics do so, the act will not be done in a corner. News of it will soon cross the Atlantic when it occurs, but at the moment no one contemplates taking the final step before Dalgarins. He hopes to see McMaster some day, and hopes they will continue writing. Next week he returns to Littlemore, to remain there some weeks. P.S. He asks McMaster to keep the contents of this letter secret.
I-1-m - A.L.S. - 3pp.12mo. - {1}
(1844) (August 1)
(Hailandiere), Cel(estine de la) Bishop of Vincennes.:
(Vincennes, Indiana)
to Bishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Hailandiere) is pleased that Purcell has approved of the names he has sent to Rome, because it shows that he approves of his demands, and because Purcell knows personally the three men mentioned. He does not believe that Purcell was the author of the letter against him but he believes that Purcell is aware of the charges that have been made against him in (Vincennes) and knows of the letter or can easily know what (Hailandiere) desires to know. He does not know who wrote the letter. His informant feared that (Hailandiere) would use his name and thus he does not know whether the letter was anonymous. The letter has accused him of arbitrariness, caprice and of scandals, according to a holy bishop who warned him. The charges are untrue and he wants Purcell to believe this. He has asked for a copy of the letter but does not believe he will get it. Nothing that he knows in Vincennes would have enabled him to foresee the letter and nothing will put him in the way to knowing the author unless it be some accidental matter such as a letter from St. Louis by Sister Ben(edicta) and the first letter dated from Cincinnati and returned to him from France. That seems to be instigated by a wicked priest whom (Hailandiere) knows. Would there be some connection between him and the second letter? It is important that (Hailandiere) discover the source of the letter, but he does not wish to bother Purcell. He asks that the correspondence on the subject be destroyed.
II-4-i - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1844 Aug. 2
Blanc, Bishop Anthony:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father C(onstantine) Maenhaut:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Blanc dispenses the three banns for the marriage of Guy Ad(?) Dreu and Amelia Roy, widow of H(enry Sermin?) Sermit.
V-5-b - A.D.X. - (Latin) - 1p. - folio - {4}
1844 Aug. 2
Clark, Ja(me)s:
St. Mary's College
Emmittsburg, Maryland
to F(rancis) P. McFarland:
St. Charles SeminaryPhiladelphia, (Pennsylvnia)
Clark has received McFarland's letter late because Father (John) McCaffrey was in Emmittsburg recovering from a fall from his horse while going on a sick call. He is recovering. There are many changes at the Seminary. Ingoldsby, Brady, Futterer and McNamara have left. O'Neill has gone to Frederick for orders. There are new men. The building is being changed. He lists the various changes. Miss Virginia Morgan who had become a Sister of Charity has died of consumption. He has packed McFarland's books. He hopes the city will remain quiet for the elections and that the Catholics go to vote quietly and leave the fighting to the Nativists.
I-1-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 4to. - {2}
(1844) (Aug. 2)
Hecker, Isaac:
(New York, New York)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Hecker is going to the Cathedral to receive Baptism, then the following day confession, then confirmation. The surrounding life engages very little of Hecker's time. For the mere physical subsistence this labor and waste of time is not necessary. The progress of spiritual life is in an inverse ratio to physical indulgence. "We feel best when freest of external conditions." Man cannot know what he is until after death. "Until his nature is restored to its primeval innocence its likings are not all lawful." Hecker wants Brownson to give his idea concerning Hecker's begging, walking, and working his way to Rome for the purpose of doing penance. The project is only a thought. If Hecker does go, he would like to have as his companion Henry (David) Thoreau. If the thought becomes more serious, Brownson shall be informed. His mornings are spent in business, and afternoons are spent as he so desires. He will continue to study if he remains. He is willing to undertake any discipline to attain a desirable end. His chief reading now is on the sacraments, disciplines, and ceremonies of the church. "Our feelings increase with the knowledge of the Church." Digby, the author of More's Catholici, became a Catholic in preparing himself to refute Milner's End.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1844 Aug. 4
Boué, Father:
Lyons., (France)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Boué takes advantage of the return to New Orleans of Blanc's master of ceremonies, who has just arrived from Rome. He wishes he could have given him a fellowtraveller but it is not possible at the moment. Today, Boué received a letter from Father (Bonaventure) Armengol asking for 2000 francs for the trip of a young Louisiana who is going to complete his studies at Propaganda. Boué told Armengol that he was no longer in charge of Blanc's financial affairs and that he had sent the balance to Mr. Choizelat. Blanc must have had notice of the extraordinary allocation granted to help Blanc in his fight against the trustees of the Cathedral. Boué's Archbishop's strong and wise memorandums for the freedom of education have resulted in him falling out of grace with the authorities. This week Boué received a visit from Blanc's elder brother, who was in Lyons on business. He told Boué that he had not received any letter from Blanc; Blanc will find inclosed a short note addressed to Father (James) Lesne; his brother is Boué's parishioner. He had a brilliant future but he only thing he has left not is a numerous and interesting family. Boué is busier here than he was at St. Just, he has to receive many visitors.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {4}
1844 Aug. 6
Boullier, (C.M.), Father J(ohn):
Donaldsonville, (Louisiana)
to Bishop A(nthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, L(ouisiana)
Boullier sends with Blanc's pontifical which he forgot, a letter for Father (Joseph) Paquin, (C.M.). Blanc is to send it to Galveston. He also sends another letter for Father (Stephen) Rousselon with $2.50 for several expenditures. Mr. Champion, the bearer of this letter, is going to New Orleans to obtain a position. Yesterday Mr. Israel asked Boullier to ask Blanc to send him a little girl, 10 or 12 years old, to take care of this little girl. He will take care of all the expenses and will see that she fulfills her religious duties.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {5}
1844 Aug. 6
Fitzpatrick, Father Pat(rick):
Mountrath, (Ireland)
to Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Fitzpatrick writes at the request of a parishioner and friend in this part of the diocese of Leighlin in consequence of the death of his son, John Horan. The son was in trade in Dublin but, anxious to see his brother, since dead, who had settled in Indiana, he succeeded in gaining an engagement with a Mr. Landon of Bazzar Street in New Orleans. Pat Gohen recently returned and wrote the father Pat(rick) Horan that he had (heard) from a Tho(ma)s Delany that his son John died of yellow fever in October. Fitzpatrick asks Blanc to forward any information he can. (P.S.) Bishop Haly is their bishop of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. (Folded in the letter is a slip of paper on which is written): John Herin, John Horan, or Moran; admit(ted) Nov(ember) 6, Dead Nov(ember) 12, Y(ellow) fever.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {5}
1844 Aug. 8,
Baraga, (Father) Frederick:
Lapointe, (Wisconsin)
to Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere:
Detroit, Michigan
Baraga is at present with all his Indians from L'Anse in Lapointe, who came to receive their payment. He is greatly disturbed that his Indians of Lapointe have not yet received a missionary since he left. They desire one so much, that he promised to spend every summer with them until they will have a priest. He wrote to Bishop (John Martin) Henni of Milwaukee to send them one as soon as possible. The Indians of Grand Portage and Fond du Lac, who are also here are even more to be pitied. Baraga deplores it greatly that there is not another missionary besides himself for that big district on Lake Superior and no hope of getting one. The Catholic religion cannot make great progress among the Indians if there is only one Catholic Missionary to 50 of other denominations, if women are counted in them 450 to 1. Baraga's mission-settlement in L'Anse will be finished before the winter. He hopes that the Bishop has received his letter with the documents asking him to speak to the Secretary of War. He is very anxious to know the outcome of that unusual procedure (circular). The Indians of L'Anse are very poor, especially in regard to agriculture. Baraga had proposed to cultivate a big common field, but they had no seeds. They lost all their potato seeds through famines. They received no help from the government because they are Catholics and since Robert Stuart started to persecute them it will be worse. He asks the Bishop to send them next spring 25 quarts of potatoes so they can sow about 4 minots for each family. That would be permanently sufficient. Mr. Livingston would send the potatoes from the Saut to L'Anse. It might be more advantageous to but them this fall when they are cheap. Aug. 16. Bishop Henni of Milwaukee has confirmed 122 persons this morning in Lapointe. Baraga asks the Bishop again to send Father (Otto) Skolla to Lapointe this fall as he had been destined for the mission since he left Europe. Father Skolla himself desires to come.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - French - 3pp. {6}
1844 Aug. 8
Beauprez, Father P(eter) F(rancis):
Pointe Coupée, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Ant(hony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Beauprez received Blanc's letter from which he learned that his own had neither signature nor closing. He had left it unfinished because he was trying to remember to ask permission to erect the stations of the cross in the chapel of Fausse Rivière. Last winter Beauprez directed all his efforts to having the law for the celebration of marriages amended; it seems that almost all the other priests have done nothing; he will speak to them again. Last spring Beauprez saw the candlesticks Mr. Bonmot offered for $150. He believes they are too small. In order to build a chapel at Bayou Sarah, Mr. Hall should give back the money from the subscription and take back his land. Beauprez thinks that it was the Catholics of Bayou Sarah who gave the money Hall has now. P.S. Why does Father (Stephen) Rousselon not send Beauprez the Annales of the Propagation of the Faith; he never fails to send them to his great favorite, Mr. Binaud.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {7}
1844 Aug. 8
McLaughlin, Father Peter:
Cleveland, Ohio
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He hopes that Purcell had a pleasant trip to Detroit. The brother of Father McCaffrey has become a public drunkard. The priest sent to Cleveland last Sunday said that Father Selesius Brunner had told him that one of the Precious Blood Fathers would come there every month. McLaughlin desires some instruction on this head. He has received letters from Father Howard and Doherty saying that they do not go to Niagara for some weeks yet, and that "Peter" is to preach the sermon at the church consecrations at Massillon. He hopes that Purcell's health continues to improve. He sends his regards to Father Schonat.
II-4-i - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {5}
1844 Aug. 9
Gale, N.:
Boston, Massachusetts
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Boston, Massachusetts)
He requests that if Brownson will take the trouble to call on the Collector, Mr. Williams, it will be of great service to Gale in securing a job as inspector. He has given Brownson's name as a recommendation, and Williams requested that Brownson call on him. It would be well to say that he is not opposed to Mr. Henshaw and is a most decided friend of Mr. Calhoun.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1844 Aug. 9
(Hailandiere), Cel(estine de la),Bishop:
of Vinc(ennes, Indiana)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
Hailandiere has no intention of showing discontent with (Lefevere) in this letter. He will show none and made no pretext. What he wanted him to say is an object of pure administration. He opposes this gathering together of Brothers and Sisters and desires to prevent it. If he proposes Madison for the Sisters of Holy Cross it is because people demand that they be received in the diocese. He is not opposed to the Sisters of father (Edward F.) Sorin and has no objection that they settle outside the diocese. More important of him are the contents of a letter he sent (Lefevere) the receipt of which (Lefevere) has not acknowledged. In it he said he asked Rome for a coadjutor and presented three candidates: Fathers Martin (John) Spalding of Louisville; Charles White of Baltimore; and George Goodwine of Boston. He prefers Spalding for several reasons. He made the presentation on the advice of Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget and with the consent of Bishop (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat. He asks (Lefevere) to give his advice on the matter to the Perfect of Propaganda.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {8}
1844 Aug. 10
(Fenwick), Bishop Benedict:
Boston, (Massachusetts)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
They have in Worcester, only two hours ride from Boston, a flourishing college under the direction of the Jesuits. They receive only Catholic boys. If any of Blanc's Louisiana friends wish to send their children there Blanc can depend upon their receiving a first rate education. The college closed the academic year with twenty-two boys, a President and five professors. Fenwick encloses a translation in French (of the advertisement) which he published in the paper in Montreal. He asks Blanc to have the same published in one of the best papers in New Orleans. The facility of learning English as well as the other branches of education will be a great inducement to parents in New Orleans.
- A.L.S. -
Mulledy, (S.J.), Father Thomas F.:
Worcester, Massachusetts
The College of the Holy Cross, under the patronage of Bishop Fenwick of offers three courses of study - commercial, professional, and ecclesiastical. The annual pension is $150.
- Printed Advertisement -
V-5-b - A.L.S. Printed Advertisement - 5pp. - 4to. - {4} (English and French) -
1844 Aug. 10
M(c Master), Benj(amin) B.J.:
Hyde Park, N(ew) Y(ork)
to Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams:
Ticonderoga, New York
He resolved upon his return from home a week ago to write to Wadhams again if he had not heard from him. He expresses his grief concerning the death of Mr. Dyer. Realizing how this death has affected Wadhams, he does not believe it likely that Wadhams will be able to fill his place with so pleasant an associate. This probability of a change interests him because he still has a desire to go to that part of the country. He has little hopes of this event occuring since he has neither heard from nor written to the Bishop since May. He desires to hear from Wadhams and wonders why he hasn't written. Perhaps if this desire had been fulfilled he would have been able to visit Wadhams. He resolves to have Wadhams over for a visit soon, unless the latter's ordination will interfere. In that case he should come at a later date, so that Wadhams can hear McMaster's confession to prepare the latter for his ordination should it occur before winter. He received a pleasant letter last week from a Mr. (John D.) Dalgairns, a layman and M. A. of Oxford and an inmate of (John Henry) Newman's at Littlemore. It was Mr. Dalgairns whom Mr. Newman pointed out to Carey as a suitable correspondent. This letter was a reply to one of McMaster's letters sent and is probably the beginning of a correspondence. This letter was difficult to transcribe. It is stated in one part of it "If ever you feel tempted to despond at the state of things in America you may turn your thoughts to England where I am sure you may rely on meeting with sympathy." Mr. Dalgairns compared (Arthur) Carey's death with that of Fronde's, whose death was of great importance to the Oxford Movement. At Oxford it is hoped that the lives of the saints will replace the Critic. McMasters states that he has read the first and third of the series, which are good works. Dalgairns, in his letter, mentioned Mr. Newman's illustration of a series of devotional works by Pusey, translated from French Catholic writers, only one of which is yet published; "Guide to Passing Lent Holily." This was accompanied by the remark that the lax attitude towards theology makes it necessary to infuse unction now that deeper religious feelings are awakened. This letter also inclosed a note from "St. John" of Littlemore. It contains "St. John's" of Littlemore opinion of McMaster's expressed desire to see Carey's writings edited by Newman. He thought it a good idea, even though his writings were not well received, to give the world the remains of such a man. Further, he gives advice to the effect that rising men should devote themselves more to personal duties than to gain theological and ecclesiastical knowledge. McMaster expresses his desire for a reply to his letter as well as a visit from Wadhams, although he does realize that if the Bishop visits Essex County, and Wadhams should be ordained he would not have time to write. His greatest wish is to be a monk with Wadhams and begin a monastery in a log cabin in the heart of the Essex County woods. If they will strive and hope, he believes they will acauire this end. Johnson has gone South, but as yet McMaster has not heard of his ordination. He believes there will be trouble in this case. Platt has been ordained. McMaster is going to write to him. (Henry) McVickar is continuing prayers at the Seminary.
I-1-m - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {5}
1844 Aug. 11
St. Aubin, Father C(harles) B(outelou) de:
St. Joseph's Parish, (Thibodaux, Louisiana)
to Bishop A(nthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
(Peter?) Roussel of Terrebonne Parish, landowner in Houmaville, asked St. Aubin to write Blanc that he would be willing to have a Catholic church built on his lot in Houma. Roussel is ready to have a deed made in Blanc's name with Lenfroy Barras, judge of the Parish, on condition that the church be built within one year after March 1, 1845. If the church and the other buildings are removed to some other place the land is to revert to the donor. He would have liked the church to be named after St. Peter, his patron, but as St. Aubin told him that there was already one in the diocese he said his second choice would be St. Bertin. Quick action is necessary in order to prevent some Americans from building a Methodist church. They counted on Roussel's lot but he refused to sell. It seems the construction of the Barataria Company Canal, which they are working on now in Houma to join Black Bayou and Bayou Terrebone, will give importance to Houma.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {4}
1844 Aug. 12
Billon, Father J(oseph):
Assumption Seminary, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
What Blanc tells Billon in his letter makes him sad. He sees that Blanc cannot help the zealous good people of St. Mary's parish. Their efforts and numerous petitions to Blanc are proof of their good dispositions. Billon hopes that the first priest Blanc has at his disposal will be for them. Blanc gave Billon permission to enter the Congregation of Lazarists. He will leave at the first occasion for Missouri. P.S. G.L. Fuselier is the same person as Laclaire Fuselier.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {2}
1844 Aug. 13
Masnou, C.M., Father J.:
Assumption, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Ant(hony) Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Masnou has received no news from (Lucien) Arcenaux since he left the seminary. He thought Blanc had written to Father (Julien) Priour about Arcenaux's birth. Priour said he knew Arcenaux's brother at New Iberia and that he had none of the characteristics of a colored person. Priour did not believe that Arcenaux was colored.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}
1844 Aug. 14
Augustin, D(ieu), A.J. Guirot, and I(sido)re Labatut:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Ant(hony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The conference committee call Blanc's attention to the letter sent him on July 30 to which they have never received an official reply. The trustees of St. Louis Church will meet on the 20th and they must submit their report to them.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {4}
1844 Aug. 14
Burns, David Jr.:
New York, (New York)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana
About five years ago Burns' father David was carried off in New Orleans by yellow fever. He left with Bishop Mullins (Father James Ignatius Mullon?) $600 for David, Jr. and his brother. The father acted as a watchman in a cotton press. If Blanc will inquire into the matter, they will forever feel grateful. P.S. Blanc's reply is to be directed care of Patrick Egan, New York. (A note on the back of the letter): Answered - not found.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {2}
1844 Aug. 14
Delpeuch and Chataigne:
Paris, (France)
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Before leaving for New Orleans, Father (P.) Guerard, assistant at the Cathedral, and Father (Cyril) Delacroix each gave a note for goods sold to them by Delpeuch and Chataigne. Guerard has refused to pay, objecting that he left everything at Franklin. Delacroix sends back the note pretending that he has no funds. But they heard that Delacroix had recently bought a negress from Father (Constantine) Maenhaut and had paid half cash. Before suing them they ask (Blanc) to use his influence to get them to pay. P.S. They heard that Guerard had asked his pastor how he could make the most profit from his money. Guerard's note is with Father (Stephen) Rousselon and Delacroix's with Brant and Landry. Mr. D'Aquin has agreed to take care of their business.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 8vo. - {6}
1844 Aug. 14
Lucas, Father P(eter):
St. Martinsville, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Lucas received Blanc's letter on the 11th. Lucas had hoped that Blanc would come to the commencement at Grand Coteau and then to St. Martin. He begs Blanc to think about his transfer. Blanc's act would destroy any suspicion. Father (Giles F.) Martin is well. Lucas is well liked in the town and in the country.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}
1844 Aug. 14
Nash, James P.:
Galveston, (Texas)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Nash asks for Blanc's prayers for the repose of the soul of Father Joseph Paquin who departed this life at 10 o'clock last night. Paquin and Father (John Brands) Brants took ill on the 5th. The yellow fever epidemic is still raging. Brandts seems to be better this morning but he is not yet out of danger. Several Protestants called for the assistance of the priest but there were none to attend. Bishop (Peter Richard Kenrick) left Galveston about 6 weeks ago; they have heard nothing of him since. The shock to him will be more than he can well bear. The funeral will take place this morning at 10 o'clock.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 4to. - {4}
1844 Aug. 14
Williams, Maria B.:
(Rapides, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Williams hastens to reply to Blanc's letter with the candor justified by the emergency. They would welcome the priest Blanc speaks of were he ten times more inefficient than Blanc represents but in this Protestant or free-thinking community, he would be exposed to slander and ridicule. An eloquent clergyman would doubtless draw nearly the whole parish within the pale of the Catholic Church. Father (Stephen) Chartier owes his extreme unpopularity to the difficulty he found in expressing himself well in English and also to the great violence with which he inveighed against the follies of the people. The beloved and lamented Father (Robert) Doogan pursued a temporizing policy with slow but sure success. The Episcopalians, with a renegade priest at their head, are making the most strenuous attempt to secure a footing in the parish. They seem determined to establish their church on the ruins of the (Catholic one).
V-5-b - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 4to. - {4}
1844 Aug. 15
Greenleaf, Abner Tasker, John T. Beck, Andrew J. Hadley, Josiah G. Jenness, Richard:
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Boston, Massachusetts)
The Democrats of Portsmouth, at a preliminary meeting held in the offices of the N. H. Gazette, have made plans to hold a meeting to institute the organization of the Portsmouth Democrats for the presidential election, and invite Brownson to address this meeting.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1844 Aug. 15
Tanner, M(artha) A(nn):
Mackinac, Michigan
to Bishop P(eter) P(aul) Lefevere:
(Detroit, Michigan)
Miss Tanner received Lefevere's letter of August 7 and the order which was immediately paid by S. Herrick. Her school is nearly the same as when she sent her last report. 13 boys and 23 girls of different ages attend, who study reading, spelling, writing, ciphering and geography to which the girls add needlework, etc.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1844 Aug. 15
Vial, L.:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Miss Marie (Dedune):
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Receipted bill for $2.60 for groceries.
V-5-b - Receipt S. - (French) - 1p. - 16mo. - {1}
1844 Aug. 15
McLaughlin, Father Peter:
Cleveland, Ohio
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He will take the pledge if Purcell will administer it. He has sent for the priest's brother and found him depraved. Two ladies who had left the church have returned and Dr. and Mrs. Griswold have applied for admission. He suggests that Purcell prevent the Precious Blood Fathers from Norwalk from wearing their garb publicly. He had not heard of his congregation having a German church until Purcell announced it from the altar. He yields but admits that his feelings have been wounded. He is happy that Purcell has not ordered him to leave Cleveland, because of the evils that would happen from such absence. He has several applications of ladies who desire to be Sisters of Charity, nuns, etc. He asks Purcell how to act in these cases.
II-4-i - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1844 Aug. 17
Hecker, Isaac:
(New York City, New York)
to Orestes A. Brownson:
Chelsea, Mass(achusetts)
One or two events cause Hecker to write again. His mental and moral position is one that costs him much anxious thoughts and painful feeling. His activities are only inward, and no remedy is known. "We have seemed to stopped progress in all external life and all our life is within another sphere. "…"We are neither enlivened by hope nor darkened by dispair. We have but few weak ties that bind us here." Hecker believes Christianity is the law, the light and life of man but it does not change his elementary character, also man's primitive nature must be gloriously great if Christ the Son of God alone could ransom it; the mysteries of the church are the mediums of the mystic life. Hence a church without mysteries is without a soul, a congregation of corpses. Dr. Vethake is trying to keep himself from being a Catholic but cannot do so because all his hostilities he says have ceased at once. Hecker believes that six months is enough and then he will become a Catholic. Bishop John McCloskey informed Hecker of a day dream he had about Brownson. He had it mapped out and had a fine historical Catholic scholar who says it is his delight to handle historical subjects as Brownson's co-editor. If Brownson could only see Bishop McCloskey he would like his acquaintance better than either of the bishops which Brownson knows. He has a very high estimation of Brownson's character. He is glad to hear that Brownson approached the Sacrament of Confession. The news came from one of the clergy. Hecker received Holy Communion this past Sunday. He would like to know the character of the next review.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1844 Aug. 17
Pierz, Father Francois:
Arbre Croche, Michigan
to Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefevere:
Detroit, Michigan
Pierz acknowledges a check for $200 from Lefevere. During his visit to Grand Traverse, he baptized 25 savages. The Catholics there began a church, and Pierz asks for a priest there. He is very tired after travelling 1,200 miles among the savages. Sometimes he spent night and day on his horse or in his canoe visiting the sick. He begs for a good coadjutor because 3 or 4 priests are really needed in the mission. He paid all the teachers except the one from Manistee. As soon as he gets all the receipts he will send reports to Lefevere. He established a new school at Grand Traverse where he has 162 Catholics learning to read. He asked Lefevere to send more of Baraga's catechisms, since his own is not entirely finished. He got a letter from the archbishop of Vienna in which he told him that he sent Lefevere 160 pounds for him. He begs Lefevere to give this amount to Mr. Payment at Detroit, or by someone else to Bidel and Drew at Mackinac. The gold mine was only a good copper mine. He thought to give the mine to anybody who would give him half the profit. He still wishes to establish an orphanage. If Lefevere cannot give him the government money for education, he should try to get some of the $10,000 destined for the Indians.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1844 Aug. 18
Smith, Fersifor F. Judge:
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
License is granted to celebrate the marriage of Philip Grey with Eleanor Dawson, widow of James Brown.
V-5-b - A.D.S. - 2pp. - 16mo. - {3}
1844 Aug. 18
Lunel, Father, Mother, Brother, Sister:
Champoly, (France)
to Father Claude Lunel:
New Orleans, Louisiana
It has been a long time since they have had news of Lunel. Their father has been dangerously ill but is now somewhat recovered. Their dearest wish would be to have Lunel return to France to claim his rights and act as the leader of the family. The will and power of attorney which Lunel drew up at Harve are not sufficient. The father has promised 6000 francs to their sister and the little (brother) will receive his portion when he marries. Lunel is to send his will as the brother has charge of his inheritance until Lunel's return to France. Last March the brother's little girl died; now there is a little boy and Lunel's little goddaughter. (P.S.) The father will give them 3000 francs each.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {1}
1844 Aug. 19
Dupuy, Father Enn(emond):
Iberville, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Ant(hony) Blanc:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Dupuy has just received Blanc's letter of the 14th about the affair of the Asylum. He has run over the whole parish of Iberville in his mind and cannot guess who Mrs. Toussant Le Blanc is. There must be a mistake in the name or the parish. If possible Blanc is to send more details. Dupuy has the plans for St. Raphael chapel; they are too much to send by mail so he will keep them for Blanc to approve.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}
1844 Aug. 19
Hopkins, John H.:
Burlington, (Vermont)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
Boston, Mass(achusetts)
He has read with interest Brownson's forcible and ingenious review of his (Hopkin's) late letters, entitled "The Novelties which disturb our peace." If Brownson's leisure and inclination permit, he would like him to read also another book of his, "Lectures on the British Reformation." This he requests because Brownson is under the impression that he intended to justify the Reformation in the "Letters." What he really intended was to show that those "Novelties" were inconsistent with those established views to which the stood formally pledged. But in the "Lectures" he sought to justify the principles of the Reformation in itself. If he has failed there he would be gratified if Brownson would show this error to his readers, and to him as one of them. He has not a copy of the book to offer Brownson, but the latter can probably borrow it easily from someone. If Brownson's should gratify him in this request, and show him wherein he has not been explicit enough, he will write an essay for the press on this topic. Then he will have done with it, and he can leave such things to better minds, happy in the thought that the absence of really extraordinary powers also exempts him from its corresponding responsibilities.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1844 Aug. 19
Kenrick, Francis Patrick, Bishop of:
Philadelphia, (Pennsylvania)
to Francis P. McFarland:
Dimissorial letter granted because McFarland is leaving the diocese because of his health.
I-1-a - Printed from S. - (Latin) - 1p. - 4to. - {1}
1844 Aug. 20
Missir, Archbishop Stephan:
Rome, (Italy)
to (Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
By special faculties from Pope Gregory XVI, Missir sends pieces of the cross of Christ in a reliquary. Signed also by Father Salvator Claud Souchet. (On the back of the document is written): Miss Rebecca Carroll.
V-5-b - Printed D.S. - (Latin) - 1p. - folio - {2}
1844 Aug. 21
Billon, Father J(osep)h:
On board The Music
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The day Billon received Blanc's letter he got another attack of the fever. He is going to St. James today hoping that the change will do him good and also so he will not be a burden at the seminary. Not wishing to enter a novitiate until he is perfectly well, Billon will go to St. Mary's until spring.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {1}
1844 Aug. 21
Darby, S(t.?) M(arc?) Jr.:
New Iberia, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Their pastor Father (Julian) Priour is seriously ill. For the last week he has been at the home of Darby's Aunt Dubuclet(?) with fever and colic. His zeal and activity in the exercise of his duty will impede his recovery as his health is completely broken. It seems he has liver trouble. Darby asks Blanc to give Priour permission to make a long trip to France next spring to visit his family. The parishoners favor such a trip so they could keep the pastor who has won their esteem and good will. For the time being one month vacation will be necessary to enable Priour to recover.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {3}
1844 Aug. 21
Labatut, I(sido)re, D(ieu) Augustin, and A.J. Guirot:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop Ant(hony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Blanc's letter of August 3 with the postscript of the 17th has been received. They wish first to reply to the one of July 26. In their letter of July 30, they wanted to know the nature of the reservations of which Blanc spoke in his July 26th letter. They regret that the steps they took were far from what he said he had a right to expect. They did not imagine that so just a proposal would be rejected, especially after reading in the Propagateur Catholique of July 22 that the "decision is important and all friends of order and religious liberty should rejoice." This opinion made the trustees of St. Louis Church hope that their request would be favorably received. The cause of disagreement with the trustees came solely from the appointment of Father (Stephen) Rousselon as pastor. The Supreme Court declared that the trustees have the powers to administer the temporal affairs, to provide for the salary of a pastor, and even to withhold it. In his letter of July 26 Blanc declares some arrangements of the church charter to be unconstitutional. The charter dates from 1816. For 28 years Blanc's predecessors found nothing contrary in it and for 9 years up to now Blanc recognized its authority. On October 22, 1843 Blanc wrote that he was sure they could find a way to reconcile the obedience they owe to the Church with the respect due their charter. 1. They have no objection to the Bishop appointing the necessary clergy but they reserve the right to reject an appointed pastor whose presence might cause trouble. 2. The fabrique will keep the registers in its possession; the Bishop and pastor will have access to them at all times. 3. They agree that the pastor is to have full possession of the presbytery as Father (Louis) Moni did. 4. Blanc stated that the salary of the pastor once fixed by the trustees and approved by the Bishop, could not be changed without the Bishop's consent. This is against the charter. They have Blanc's letter of October 20, 1842 in which certain members of the clergy stated the conditions under which they would remain at the Cathedral. One of the conditions was that the trustees have no control over the appointment of the priests but content themselves with fixing their salary according to their charter. A letter of January 17, 1842 addressed by the Bishop to the trustees stated that it "seems a favorable occasion to inform you of a document I have received form Rome, etc." On October 22, 1843, the bishop wrote that he was examining Article 16 of the charter. 5. The trustees cite what the Supreme Court said in a case of the congregation of the Church of St. Francis (of Pointe Coupée) versus Father Jean Martin: That the trustees cannot be controlled by the clergy in their administration; their authority is only spiritual. 6. The trustees agree that each priest will receive the portion of the fees as assigned by the schedule of charges. 7. The salary of the employees of the church will be determined by the trustees in agreement with the pastor, who is a member of the council. 8. The pastor is to choose the employees with the consent of the trustees. 9. About church burial services, they wish to adopt Article 7 of a letter of October 19, 1842 addressed to the Bishop by the priests of the Cathedral: For all burials they are to come to the pastor and then to the agent of the trustees. 10. They agree that the trustees are not to permit, in the church or cemetery, any action contrary to Catholic discipline. If these modifications are accepted, the interior of the Cathedral and the presbytery will be repaired in a fitting manner.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 7pp. - folio - {8}
1844 Aug. 25
Morin, Rosalie:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
She gives permission to her mulatress Mairy(?) to have her child Jean Louis baptized, aged 2 months, born June 24, 1844. (In another hand): (Godparents?): Jean Louis, slave of Eulalie Mandeville; Marie Magdelaine, slave of Miss Morin.
V-5-b - A. Note S. - (French) - 2pp. - 16mo. - {1}
1844 Aug. 27,
Baraga, (Father) Frederick:
Lapointe, (Wisconsin)
to (Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere:
Detroit, Michigan)
Father Baraga is again in need of $300. and asks the Bishop for it. It will be the last time for the next two years. To build a settlement is always expensive in the beginning. Mr. Crooks, the president of the Fur Company, would like to have all accounts settled before he leaves, but he gives Father a term of 10 months for the payment. Baraga spoke with Mr. Robert Stuart about the Circular. Mr. Stuart hopes that it will not affect the Catholic Mission (in L'Anse) and that the blacksmith may continue to work for the Catholics. Baraga is happy that his Indians are left in peace to practice their religion. Mr. Crooks, the bearer of this letter, will tell the Bishop more about Baraga's present situation.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - French - 1p. {2}
1844 Aug. 27
Irish Emigrant Society
New York, (New York)
to Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
250 subscribers at $5 annually would sustain the Irish Emigrant Society of New York. About 100 have subscribed. The solicit Blanc to become a subscriber. (The names of) Thomas W. Clerke, President (and the other officers and executive committee of the Society are listed).
- Printed From L. - 1p.
1844 Jul.
Irish Emigrant Society
New York, (New York)
to Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Having witnessed the sufferings to which friendless emigrants are exposed the undersigned have become incorporated. One of the principal difficulties is the choice of a proper location. They have been requested to address persons in different sections of the country to solicit answers to the following queries: (on climate, soil, cheapest routes, demand for labor). The Corporation of the city presented the Society with $500, Bishop (John) Hughes a somewhat larger sum. The names of the President, other officers, and executive committee are listed. (On the back of this letter in Blanc's hand): Miss Labatut, Mrs. Robertson, Mr. Garidel.
V-5-b - Printed From L. - 3pp. - 4to. - {6}
1844 Aug. 29
Armengol, Father B(onaventure):
Madrid, (Spain)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Armengol received Blanc's letter of June 21 in Bordeaux. He took Felix (Dicharry) to Lyons to fix up his trip to Rome. Felix left Lyons after seeing Father Boué to whom they gave Blanc's letter. Felix should arrive in Rome around the vigil of the Assumption. Mr. Choisselat advanced 500 francs out of Blanc's allocation. Choisselat is also willing to take care of the seminary errands. Armengol has done nothing for Mr. Connway nor Father (Claude) Lunel. Time has been too short. Yesterday, ten Daughters of Charity left for Cadiz. Armengol and Mr. Sanz will leave next Sunday to join the Sisters in Cadiz and will leave on the Isis around September 8 for Veracruz and Mexico. He heard the news of Blanc's triumph over the trustees at Philadelphia, at New York, and at Boston. He hopes the Irish seminarians will soon be at Blanc's seminary. Bishop (Michael O'Connor) of Pittsburgh assured him that the reason for such a delay was the lack of funds to cover their trip expenses. When Boué learned about it, he told Armengol to write to Father (Philip Dowley, C.M.?) Duly, Superior of the Dublin Seminary, that he was ready to add the necessary funds. Armengol sends regards to Fathers Rousselon, Maenhaut, D'Hauw and Lunel. He asks Blanc's prayers for the small colony of Vincentians who are leaving for the New World. Armengol does not necessarily wish to have his nephew Magi (Armengol) near him; but that he would become Blanc's subject. Armengol commissioned one of their priests to obtain Magi's exeat; Armengol could not get to Barcelona to get it himself.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 8vo. - {11}
1844 Aug. 29
Dufour, Father L(ouis):
Paris, (France)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Blanc will be surprised to read the writing of one returned from the other world as he knows Blanc thought he had gone to the second or third heaven. Dufour wrote some time after his arrival in Havana but had no reply. Meeting a missionary who boasted of the climate of the Antilles and told how much a French missionary was wanted by Bishop (Daniel) McDonnell, Dufour decided to go there. He was very well received by the two bishops and French confreres, Father Bertin and Father Poirier, a Eudist of the society of Father Louis of Rennes with whom Dufour was in the seminary at St. Sulpice. Dufour's first mission was in Grenada, at the end of a year the bishop recalled him to Trinidad. Dufour began work in the old town of Trinité. Wishing to snatch from the hands of the Scotch evangelists, the more than 4000 workers in whose midst they had built 2 churches, Dufour devoted himself to saying Mass twice every Sunday and returning to preach at the Cathedral. After 18 months in the burning sun he lingered for 3 months between life and death. It was decided that the air of Europe could restore him. He embarked December 22; he was shipwrecked off the coast of France below Boulogne and lost everything he had. Ten days ago he got to Paris to report on the Antilles and to decide whether to return there or to America. He met Father (Angelo) Mascaroni who told him all the news of New Orleans. Dufour had always had the idea that he could do good there if certain obstacles were not there. He had confided this to Father (Ferdinand Dominic) Bac(h) and to Father (Stephen) Rousselon. Mascaroni told him that the obstacles were there no longer and took him to Father (Matthew Bernard) Anduze. Dufour will follow Mascaroni a little later and go directly to Blanc. America perhaps will be first in many things some day. They talked often of Blanc and Rousselon at the Marist Fathers who have opened a house in Paris. They talk of establishing themselves in the French Antilles.
V-5-b - A.L.S. - (French) - 7pp. - 12mo. - {7}
1844 Aug. 29
Hulbert, Malvina A.:
Saugerties, NewYork
to (Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere:
Detroit, Michigan)
Miss Hulbert, a resident of Detroit until 4 or 5 years ago, but a stranger to Bishop Lefevere, writes to him as her spiritual guide and asks to be allowed to become a Sister of St. Clair Seminary (Detroit). She is now a member of the Episcopal church, joining in 1838, but upon reading a book she was induced to believe Roman Catholics not as bad as represented and after further reading she is now a Catholic in heart. She has not openly declared it for fear of opposition from friends and relatives. She asks Lefevere to use the utmost secrecy until she has commenced her novitiate. She will leave one month from this time and would like to go directly to Detroit if Lefevere permits her.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {2}