1846 Jan.
(Eccleston, S.S.), Samuel, Archbishop of:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere:
Detroit, Michigan)
Eccleston encloses the questions (not with letter) proposed for their deliberations at the P(rovincial) Council which will open the fourth Sunday after next Easter. Although he has not heard from all the bishops he believes it the common wish no longer to defer this letter. He has omitted many questions submitted but those would be included in the questions actually listed.
III-2-h - L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1846 Jan.
(Eccleston), Samuel, Abp. of Baltimore:
Baltimore, Maryland
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
(Circular letter) Enclosed are the questions which after attentive perusal of the letters of the other bishops he has prepared for the Provincial Council of (1846), to meet the fourth Sunday after Easter. He has not heard from all but feels that he has their consent in not deferring this letter. He has necessarily omitted some of the questions transmitted to him because they come under questions already suggested. (To this he added in his own hand.) Purcell did not mention the erection of a new diocese in Ohio which was among the questions suggested as being the desire of Purcell. Should Father (Edward) Purcell's name be mentioned he is persuaded that there will be no objection. He finds no one more suitable to give the opening sermon than Purcell and asks him to accept the invitation as now officially given.
II-4-j - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. -
Matters which the Archbishop of Baltimore, after consulting the chiefs of the Province, thinks should be considered at the sixth Provincial Council at Baltimore Mar.10,1846. 1. The execution of decrees of other Provincial Councils. 2. Concerning the erection of single additional sees in Illinois, Ohio, Maine, and two in New York. 3. Concerning the removal of the see of Hartford to Providence. 4. To decide something lest departing missionaries injure a new diocese. 5. Whether ordinations can be held on ferial days outside the proper time. 6. Whether in mixed marriages the priest is to wear a surplice, bless the ring or say the prayer Respice. 7. Whether anything further about clerical garb should be determined. 8. About the christian education of children of poor parents. 9. About speeches by traveling priests, and whether they should be forced to collect within their own diocese. 10. Whether baptism in private homes be without solemnity with the ceremonies to be supplied in the church. 11. Whether the Council should ask the Holy See to declare the dogma of the Immaculate conception. 12. Concerning the choice of the Blessed Virgin Conceived without Sin as the patron of the province. 13. Concerning certain questions proposed by the Holy See in reference to the decree of the 5th Provincial Council (1843) of Baltimore about the extension of the Tridentine decrees on clandestine marriages to Detroit. Finally that the united bishops inform the Association of the Propagation of Lyons and Paris of their needs and desires.
II-4-j - D. - 4pp. - 8vo. - (Latin) - {12}
1846 Jan. 1
Dufour, Father L(ouis):
St. Martinville, (Louisiana)
to Father (Peter) Lucas:
New Iberia, (Louisiana)
Dufour has just learned from Mr. Leblanc, father of Mrs. d'Hauterive that Lucas asked $50 as a fee for her husband's funeral. Lucas probably would have done the same for Mrs. Neuville Duclouet. Does Lucas consider himself only as a seller of funerals in the parish and church of his neighbor, in his absence? Dufour has never seen a confrere act like this. He asks Lucas never to visit him again; in case of illness or need Dufour will always be ready to help him or his parishoners.
P.S. He feels obliged to notify the Bishop of this. (This letter apparently was sent on to) Bishop (Anthony) Blanc, (by Lucas).
V-5-e - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {5}
1846 Jan. 2
Brunner, C.PP.S., Father Francis D.:
St. Alphonsus, Norwalk, Ohio
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He extends to Purcell the greetings of the New Year, and assures him of the prayers and gratitude of the Precious Blood Fathers. The faithful of (Thompson's) Settlement where a church of wood has been begun have buried some of their dead without a priest and against his wish in the lot where the church is being built. Later he explained to them and argued with them that before these had been buried two days they should be removed to the cemetery of St. Michael. This they refused and asked that the new cemetery be blessed. This matter Brunner leaves before the bishop for decision.
II-4-j - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - (Latin) - {4}
1836 Jan. 3
Charles, Father:
Ambierle, (France)
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc?:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
He received the letter sent with Bishop (John Mary Odin) with great joy at this mark of (Blanc)'s remembrance and affection. Charged with so large a mission (Blanc) no doubt has many cares but also many consolations. Here the ideas of independence have seized all heads so that it is almost impossible in France to conduct a parish. There is nothing but games, dancing, and debauchery. (Blanc) would not know Ambierle parish. The only bourgeois family left in the parish is the youngest of the des Chaux. The mother, on the death of Madame de Ligniere, went to Live at Roanne where she died almost two years ago. She endowed his school of the Clerks of St. Viator with 600 francs so his two schools are quite safe and he can pass by the aid of the "commune". Mr. Ollier, notary and Bouquet Lageneve, who run the parish seek above all to "de Catholize" it. That is how it has been since 1830; the Archbishops and bishops seek to uphold the rights of the Church which nevertheless escape them. The university monopoly is the great plague of the Church in France. Young des Chaux has just brought the news that his wife of three years, a young lady of St. Germain L'Espinasse, is dead. (Odin) will tell (Blanc) how happy they are to receive the bishops from overseas.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {3}
1846 Jan. 3
(Kenrick), Bishop Peter Richard:
St. Louis, (Missouri)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
(Kenrick) introduces Mrs. (J.C.?) Dinnies who is to become a resident of Blanc's city. She is a convert and a lady of no ordinary literary acquirements. Her contributions to periodical Catholic literature have been considerable and her exertions in the cause of the orphan have been unremitting.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {2}
1846 Jan. 3
Spalding, Father M(artin) J(ohn):
Louisville, Kentucky
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He sneds the greetings of the season to Purcell and his collaborers. Immediately upon the receipt of, Bishop (Guy) Chabrat being away, he communicated with Father (Charles) B(oeswa)lt(?) warning him in a charitable manner. Spalding had not yet heard from him, but thinks that it will go all right. Bishop Chabrat will call B(oeswalt), in a few days, to Louisville where he will live with them and Father Heymann, just ordained to Covington. As he understands English very well he can take care of the English congregation there also. They are all taken back by the decision of the Jesuits to abandon their college at Louisville and to leave the city altogether. Their superior has ordered them to St. Mary's College (Kentucky). They give as their reason the intention to leave Chabrat free to erect the cathedral, but Spalding says it is because of their differences with the Bishop. He would not be surprised if it resulted in the complete withdrawal of the Jesuits from Kentucky. He had apprehended difficulties of this kind when they refused to take over the bishop's college. He and Bishop Chabrat are poles apart, and Purcell will understand that they cannot act together for the interests of religion. Poor Bishop Haile. (Celestine De la Haillandiere?). Spalding is sorry he is in such trouble, but is pleased that he could not "come it" with a certain "servant of" percell at Rome. The good Archbishop (Samuel) Eccleston) told him this with other secrets when they were at Cincinnati. He is imitating Purcell in writing by "thinking aloud", but unlike Purcell he thinks foolishly. He is recovering his hope by reviving his faith in Providence. He hopes that Purcell will write soon, will win his suit, and pay for his cathedral, that the people will pay for his house, and that he will never have cause to quarrel with the Jesuits.
P.S. He would be much pleased to go to the Provincial Council (1846). The Archbishop invited him especially, although he doubts if Bishop Chabrat will let him. If there are any difficulties about it he will stay home, although he has not been in the East for 11 years.
II-4-j - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {11}
1846 Jan. 3
Barthe, Father F(ranc)ois(?):
St. Charles, (German Coast, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Barthe, even before his last trip in October, has been ill and the doctor says he believes it is the effect of the climate. Barthe asks Blanc to send him ordos, one for the church and one for himself. Em(ile) Rost told Barthe that he read in the paper that they were to have public prayers ordered by Blanc. Blanc can write Barthe at St. Charles as postal service has been reestablished. Next Tuesday, feast of the Epiphany, Barthe will give First Communion to ten young people of the principal families of the coast. If Barthe was installed in his own place, as he should have been long ago, he would have asked Blanc to come for Confirmation. He counts on having others at Easter time when he can receive Blanc in a suitable manner. In a few days Barthe will put a barrel of sugar on a steamboat for Blanc as a small token of his gratitude. Rost says give the sugar time to be cleared of molasses.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {2}
1846 Jan. 5,
Baraga, (Father) Frederic(k):
L'Anse, (Michigan)
to (Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere:
Detroit, Michigan)
Baraga had recieved no news from the Bishop since the arrival of Father (Otto) Skolla. He asks the Bishop to bring with him next summer the money which the Archbishop of Vienna had sent to him. He would like to have as much as possible in hard money, the rest in light drafts. At present there are several merchants in L'Anse and Baraga is not obliged anymore to buy everything from the Fur Company. He could have done better shopping before with cash money. He intends to be in L'Anse the greater part of the year. When the Bishop passes through Saut St. Marie next summer he should obtain information from Mr. Barbean in regard to the marriage of Alexis Byron with Angelique Misai. Baraga is very anxious to see the Bishop, he has much to tell him. If the Bishop cannot come, then Baraga will go to Detroit. The Bishop should not forget the temperance pamphlets in the Indian language. Father (Otto) Skolla told him that all letters to the Bishop have to be prepaid. He did not know this. When he was in Lapointe, he could have done so, because there was a postoffice, but from L'Anse he must send the letters as he can.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - French - 2pp. {3}
1845 Jan. 5
Boullier, (C.M.), Father J(ohn):
Donaldsonville, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Boullier asks for a dispensation for Joseph Théodule Landry and Manette Landry, children of two brothers. They wish to marry on the 14th and Joseph is leaving to bring this to Blanc.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}
1846 Jan. 5
(Dufour, Father Louis:
St. Martinville, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
(Blanc has no doubt received (Dufour)'s letter telling of Father (Peter) Lucas' conduct in regard to two funerals he had at St. Martin during (Dufour)'s absence. He enclosed his letter for Lucas; today he sends Lucas' reply. (Blanc) will see how subtly Lucas charges lying. (Dufour) did not ask Mrs. Valière if she lied in saying that Lucas came to her house. Lucas does not speak of having told the chanter and his wife that he intended to keep the fees of these funerals for himself. The chanter observed that Lucas was only there as assistant and that Father (Julien) Priour was still the pastor. There was a meeting of the council. Mr. Dumartrait was not ready to make things any clearer and said, with humor, that he would let them know the situation in April. It seems there will be more than 14,000 piastres. Zenon Derbes gave his opinion of the role of the trustees (and Dufour quotes him here). Dufour than gave them his proposal (whose conditions are given here). In speaking of the division line for Fausse Pointe everyone said it ran from Mr. Neuville de Clouet's and along the slope as Lucas said in his report but there is nothing in writing.
- A.L. Incomplete - (French) -
1846 Jan. 3
Lucas, Father P(eter):
New (Iberia?, Louisiana)
to Father (Louis) Dufour:
St. Martin, Attakapas, (Louisiana)
Yesterday Lucas received Dufour's insolent letter. For three years he has been in St. Martin parish and has had trouble only with Fathers Martin, (Anthony Désiré) Mégret and Dufour. Dufour says the LeBlanc family is astonished and afflicted. It is Dufour who is doing the underhanded work about the $50. Dufour says that Lucas asked this sum from Mrs. d'Autrive and would have asked it of Mrs. Neuville (Declouet?). If Lucas had not held the funeral, Dufour would have been angry. He told them that he had held $3000 worth of funerals for nothing at St. Martin, and no longer wished to do so. According to the rules of the synod, Dufour owes Lucas half the fees for the funeral of Mrs. Derozin Broussard, of the Gaudrant(?) child and a colored person. Dufour forbids Lucas his house; he is surprised he does not forbid him to come to St. Martinville.
- A.L.S. - (French) -
V-5-e - A.L. Incomplete, A.L.S. - (French) - 8pp. - 4to. & 12mo. - {15}
1846 Jan. 5
McCloskey, Bishop John:
New York, (New York)
to Bishop A(nthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
A Spanish clergyman, Father Ildefonsus Medrano, has left the city accompanied by a Spanish gentleman named Hernandez who has deserted his wife and taken her three children with him. It appears that they have with them Mary McKeon, aged 18, a servant in Medrano's house. Medrano has accompanied them and they sailed from New York to New Orleans on December 30 on the "Franconia". Medrano has an exeat from McCloskey given on the eve of his departure for Europe. Bishop (John) Hughes had not found sufficient evidence to censure or remove Medrano from his pastoral charge at Staten Island. Medrano was disappointed in going at that time and it is supposed they will sail from New Orleans either to Liverpool or Havana. Blanc would greatly oblige by making inquiries about them. (P.S.) Medrano is upwards of 70 years old; he has sustained a good character but his mind is now in a very strange and disordered condition. Hernandez has caught the infection; his mother resides in Havana and they are a family of great respectability.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 4to. - {4}
1846 Jan. 5
Scott, J. Parkin:
Baltimore, Maryland
to (Orestes A. Brownson:
Boston, Massachusetts)
The managers of the Young Catholic Friends Society desire Brownson to deliver his promised lecture to them before his proposed course of lectures there. He advises that Brownson deliver their lecture on Jan. 12th. From present indications, Brownson will have a large audience. Because of the selection of the Young Catholic Friends Society, it will be necessary to select days other than those first proposed. He asks that Brownson please inform him what days will suit his convenience. He will meet Brownson at the cars when he comes, and his room will be ready for him.
I-3-h - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1846 Jan. 6
Choiselat Gallien, J.:
Paris, (France)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
He has sent a box to Le Havre which will leave on the 10th on the American ship Elizabeth, Captain Hasty. The bill for the contents amounts to 2000 francs. Choiselat Gallien received Blanc's letter of October 3. On June 3, 1845 he paid 4000 francs to the order of Bishop (John Mary) Odin, (C.M.); on June 24, 4000 to Chapuis; on August 11, 4000 to Father (Julien) Priour. On October 28 he received 200 from Father Borgnet of Arras diocese; on December 30 he received Blanc's draft to the order of A.Z.M. Heine(?) for 5000, adding to that the bill for 2,090. Today he has at Blanc's disposition 5,905.60. Bishop (John Joseph Chanche) will receive 20,500 this year. (P.S.) Blanc will find in the box the chalice, holy oils box and the pyxes.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {8}
1846 Jan. 6
Warland, John H.:
Manchester, N(ew) H(ampshire)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
Boston, Mass(achusetts)
When he was at New Bedford a year since, he was happy to receive Brownson's Review. Since, he has changed his residence and would be pleased to have it sent to him there in exchange for the Semi-Weekly or the Weekly, to be sent to the American.
He wants to see whether Brownson is giving any indications of getting out of his Catholicism. The letter of Bishop Sartun was one of the most absurd things he has seen of late. Though not what Brownson would call a Catholic, he will say that.
He wants to know whether Brownson will lecture at the Lyceum.
I-3-h - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1846 Jan. 7
Lyttle, Nicholas:
Corpus Christi, (Texas)
to (Bishop Anthony Blanc?:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Lyttle inquires if the Bishop got the money from Bishop (John Baptist Purcell) Pursile and asks (Blanc?) to let Lyttle know. The letter is to be directed in care of Captain R.B. Screven, U.S. Army.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {3}
1846 Jan. 7
McCallion, Father Charles:
Washington, Ohio
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He acknowledges Purcell's of Dec. 15, and is sorry that Father (J.A.) Jacomet is not there now. Something must be done. $800 is due April 1, and the only way to get it is to beg it. Had he dreamed that Purcell would have let him go to New Orleans after his retreat he would have gone. Had he dramt that a law would be passed limiting him to Ohio he would not have undertaken so much. He intends to leave the 19th and hopes that Father Jacomet will be there by that time. He will expect a formal letter of permission so that he can stop on the way down. If Purcell wishes Jacomet to live at Malaga he has no objection but thinks it better for him to stay at St. Dominick's. He asks that Jacomet and he be given the same directions. He has not heard from Father (Philip) Foley since he parted with him at Washington. He has very little to write about, except one communicant a member of the Jeffers family who had not even been to church. There is some hope for more of them.
II-4-j - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1846 Jan. 7
O'Connor, Bishop M(ichael):
Pittsb(urg, Pennsylvania)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
N(ew) Orleans, Louisiana)
O'Connor received an answer from Propaganda that the case of Louis Daughetti had been transmitted to the Holy Office. As soon as O'Connor receives a reply he will forward it to Blanc.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
1846 Jan. 8
Byrne, Father (Michael) A.:
Cleveland, Ohio
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He expresses his joy at receiving the letter from Purcell. As to the new lot he consulted a lawyer, Parks, without suspicion of being excited. The article is assigned in true legal form to Bishop Purcell by Father (Peter) McLaughlin. The seller is fully capable of selling but to get a deed Purcell will have to give promissory notes secured by a mortgage on the property. Should Purcell be unwilling to do this no risk is incurred since the article is endoresed. A payment of $400 is to be paid the first of the month. When Father McLaughlin asked him about it he told him that he should have given the people sufficient warning so that they could raise the funds. The best they could do was to arrange a delay until the 20th through Parks. He feels that certain individuals will raise the money within the time. He is going to investigate the subscriptions so that the payments can be made lighter. He has proposed the erection of two societies one for the males and one to raise funds. Asks about the certificate Purcell has asked for. Captain McKinty came and told what his wife had neglected to tell. He investigated and found evidence of McLaughlin's failure. Suggests that Father McLaughlin go to Ireland and he has spoken of going to England to Mrs. McKinty.
II-4-j - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1846 Jan. 8
DeGoesbriand, Father Louis:
Toledo, Ohio
to Bishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
He apologizes for his delay in writing, and wishes Purcell a happy new year. Judging Purcell interested in the parishes of Louisville (Ohio) and Toledo he will speak about them. Father (Peter) Prenderprat did not arrive at Louisville until five days before Christmas. They visited the parish together and it seems that he will do much good there. All was tranquil at Louisville. Many had taken advantage of their visit to approach the sacraments and Christmas was a day of benediction. The heirs of James Moffitt have not terminated their unahppy process and this causes him unhappiness at leaving the parish. Fearing that he acted with too much vigor, against Richard Moffitt. He suggests that Purcell appoint someone to look into the matter. Theolf Ruffener has finally abandoned the five arpents of land given by Dovany. He left Louisville Christmas day arriving at Toledo Tuesday. He visited Sandusky City and Father (Joseph P.) Machebeuf accompanied him to Toledo. Since his arrival they have been preparing the children for first communion which they expect to receive on Epiphany. Father (Louis Amadeus) Rappe seems well, although fatigued. There is much sickness in and around Toledo now. There have been six or seven deaths, one of the dead being the wife of Mr. O'Hara whom Purcell knows. His own health has been good. The sisters of Notre Dame also have excellent health. The next week they hope to visit the principal points of the mission.
II-4-j - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - (French) - {7}
1846 Jan. 8
Saint-Marc, Bishop Godfroy (Brossais):
Rennes, (France)
Isidore Cuny is given a letter of excorporation to go to New Orleans to pursue his studies and become a priest. Father Desnoi(?) signs as secretary.
V-5-e - Document S. - (Latin) - 1p - 4to. - {1}
1846 Jan. 9
Gallwey, R.S.C.J., Madame J.:
St. Michael, (Louisiana)
to Bishop A(nthony) Blanc:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
She received Blanc's letter of the 5th. Their sick take all her time; they have thirteen in the Infirmary, all convalescent except Elmire Jacob who has scarlet fever. Madam (Maria) Cutts gives permission for Antoinette (Pizarro Martinez) to make her vows, with Blanc's approbation. Gallwey has heard nothing from Mr. Goodshaw(?); Mr. Ried examined their plans and is making an estimate.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {4}
1846 Jan. 9
Martinez, Antoinette Pizarro:
(St. Michael, Louisiana)
to Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
On the 14th she will finish her two years of novitiate and asks for permission to join the (Religious of the Sacred Heart) on the 17th. She also asks Blanc to come to receive her vows.
V-5-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {2}
1846 Jan. 9
Ménard, Father:
Servon, (France)
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc):
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Ménard recommends to Blanc, young Isidore Cuny whom Father (Julian) Priou(r) of Blanc's diocese will bring to the vast country under Blanc's administration. Impressed by Cuny's piety, Ménard could not resist his request to write to (Blanc) in his favor. (Blanc) can refer to Bishop (Celestin do in Hailandière) for a confirmation of recommendation. Gaudiche certifies Ménard's signature.