1869 Jan. 2
Spalding, M(artin) J. Archbishop of Baltimore:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Spalding finds that their letters cross each other. This is a serious case and if it is true they should go to the Holy Father through the Propaganda as the pope is the only judge of bishops in serious cases. It is up the Metropolitan to act if they have sufficient grounds, though fraternal charity should be used first. It is a sad case and the only one in their hierarchy. If the case has not gone too far nor the scandal kept in the family their honor will be sorry in Rome. He is glad that Father (Ignatius) Mrak has accepted. Mother Ignatius is asking permission to remain in Baltimore. Spalding wishes she would go elsewhere. Some one calling herself an ex-Sister of Charity has been there. He sent her to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and he has been learning from the Bishop of Newark that she is a dangerous person. He has sent her away. Her name is Gorman in case she strays out west. The Jesuits have left the diocese of Louisville and Spalding is sorry. He still hopes that things will go better than he anticipated under Bishop (William McCloskey). He does not know how he gets along in temporalibus. He has sent him several signed documents for transfer of stocks. There were certain mistakes in the statements he sent Purcell concerning the financial state of that diocese. There may be others as it was only an estimate.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 Jan. 3
O'Reilly, James A.:
Reading, Penn.
to James F. Edwards:
(Toledo, Ohio)
He arrived home safely Christmas eve. He met the ex-Rev. Joseph Cal of Niles fame. He is enjoying his vacation.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 4
Weninger, S.J. (Father) F(rancis) X.:
Cincinnati, Ohio
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Father Weninger thanks Brownson for his defense of him against the Churchman. He only wishes Brownson had made some reference to the celebrated Canon of Tertulian. The two chronological mistakes could have been avoided, and Weninger ordered the corrections but it was not done. The plan of the book:—Victor decided the case, not Anicetus. The argument becomes stranger because when Polycrates urged against his decision the authority of John the Evangelist and some other apostles, Victor said he felt sorry being opposed by men like Polycrates. To bring him to duty, he menaced to cut them off but Trenans interceded. Because these characters appear at the dawn of the Christian day, they are of the highest interest. In the second edition of the book, the slight anarchronism is corrected. Weninger wants Brownson to receive the enclosed as a Christmas gift.
I-4-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1869 Jan. 5
Preston, Father Th(om)as S.:
New York, (New York)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Father Preston encloses corrections for proofs he sent yesterday, which he did not look over. He asks McMaster not to forget the corrections if he publishes the letter, as he supposes will be the case. He encloses also tickets for his platform lecture. (Enclosure gone)
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 6
McCloskey, W(illiam), Bishop of Louisville:
Louisville, (Kentucky)
to Archbishop (John Baptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
McCloskey thanks Purcell for his invitation to the consecration of Bishop (Ignatius Mrak) of Marquette, but he is so overwhelmed with business that he cannot go. He has several disagreeable cases and lacks priests to supply vacancies. He has been giving confirmation and has been absent most of the Sundays. He asks how the Little Sisters of the Poor do in Cincinnati and whether Purcell thinks it prudent to introduce them there. There is work for some such people there. He asks about the new bishop of Covington. The presumption is that the administrator (Father James M. Lancaster) will succeed Carrell. He asks if there is news of the Council in Rome.
P.S.—He sends rembrances to Father Edward (Purcell) and other priests.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 Jan. 6
Ricard, Louis:
Montreal, (Quebec, Canada)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
of (New York, New York)
Ricard is a constant reader of the Journal and tells his friends that McMaster is the Louis Veuillot of America. The purpose of his "Echo de la France" is the spread of good literature and of sane doctrines. The two papers complete and fill out each other. He would like to cover the two in joint subscription $3 for the Echo and $2 for the Freeman's or $5 instead of the present $8. This would increase the circulation of the Freeman's in Montreal. He will be pleased to have McMaster consider the matter. They should work and pray and leave the success of their work in the hands of Providence.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 9
McCloskey, W(illiam), Bishop of Louisville:
Louisville, (Kentucky)
to A(rch)b(isho)p (John Baptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
McCloskey sees by the Telegraph that Bishop (Ignatius) Mrak's consecration is still uncertain. He hopes to be able to attend since besides paying his respects to the new bishop he desires to have a talk with Purcell. As yet he is uncertain because he is in the midst of disagreeable work and there is more ahead, and he needs the direction of older heads. The Bishop (James Duggan) of Chicago is is said to be gravely ill. Three pastors of St. Patrick's (Chicago) have died in one month. He read the interesting letter by Geyer etc. from Rome in the Telegraph. So Purcell is going to take Father (Francis) Pabisch with him to the Council. Miss Whipple is so enchanted with Louisville that Detroit may lose her. He sends his regards and asks that the date for the consecration be sent. He asks if there is any new from Mother Ward. Archbishop (Martin J. Spalding) doubtless invited her to remain and found a new house.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {7}
1869 Jan. 9
Purcell, Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist):
Cin(cinnati, Ohio)
to Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefevere:
Detroit, (Michigan)
Bishop-Elect (Ignatius) Mrak, writes Purcell that he intends being there as soon as he can after New Year's. He has not yet arrived. Purcell asks Lefevere to be senior assistant bishop; he hopes he will come as there are more urgent reasons for his presence than for that of any other prelate. Father (Nicholas Louis) Sifferath, has written Purcell a letter, speaking right hard of Lefevere, which Purcell will show Lefevere. They have no answer from Rome in the Covington case, nor anything about the blessing in non-Catholic cemeteries. He fears they will not do much for the American College in Rome. Their German Catholics have not manifested any interest. Some $1600 has been subscribed toward the wing of their own Seminary.
III-2-l - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {5}
1869 Jan. 9
Weikamp, Father John B(ernard):
Cross Village, (Michigan)
to Bishop P(eter) P(aul) Lefevere:
Detroit, (Michigan)
Weikamp adds to his letter to Lefevere of ten days ago about Father (Nicholas Louis) Sifferath. The latter had a meeting in the schoolhouse which infidels, Protestants and many Indians attended, at which he criticized Lefevere and Weikamp, and a complaint was signed by these groups to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell) of Cincinnati against Weikamp.
III-2-l - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 Jan. 11
Lemonnier, C.S.C., Father A(ugustus):
Notre Dame, Indiana
to James F. Edwards:
(Toledo, Ohio)
He wishes Edwards to enjoy the vacations which his health requires. He cannot hope for a trip to Toledo, although through Prof. (Joseph A.) Lyons he has a pass. Father Superior (Rev. William Corby, C.S.C.) is away on business connected with the building of a church to Notre Dame of the Sacred Heart. He hopes that Edwards prays for him.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1869 Jan. 13
Kehoe, L(awrence):
New York, (City), (New York)
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Kehoe wants the other article at once.
I-4-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 14
Joos, Father Ed(ward):
Monroe, (Michigan)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
Within is a letter of Father (Andreas) Herbstrit, (C.PP.S.) who used to be in Sandusky and is now stationed in Randolph. His health is somewhat impaired by asthma. He would rather be admitted by (Lefevere) as this would keep him nearer to the other members of his Community. What Joos knows of him by visits is in conformity with the enclosed recommendation. He speaks English and German and his companion speaks French.
- A.L.S. -
1869 Jan. 14
Herbstrit, (C.PP.S.) Father Andreas:
Monroe, (Michigan)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
Herbstrit encloses a copy of his recommendation. He requests a time to see Lefevere. He probably will bring another priest as an assistant.
- A.L.S. -
1868 Dec. 22
Kunkler, C.PP.S., Father Andreas:
Minster, (Ohio)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
Father Andreas Herbstrit has asked permission to have the Precious Blood Fathers for five years support his aged and sick father. Kunkler asks the bishop to receive him. He is a pious priest, free from censure.
- A.L.S. Copy - (Latin) -
III-2-l - A.L.S., A.L.S. Copy - (Latin) - 3pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 Jan. 14
(Lefevere), Peter Paul, Bishop of Zela:
Detroit, (Michigan)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
(Lefevere) acknowledges (Purcell's) letter and is pleased that Father (Ignatius) Mrak has accepted. He has not heard from him but supposes that he will visit Detroit on his way to Cincinnati. (Lefevere) will be happy to assist at the consecration. As regards Father (N.L.) Sifferath who wrote to Purcell against him, Lefevere says he is a poor production of Bishop Frederick Baraga, formerly a lay brother in the 3rd Order of St. Francis who had been dismissed. He was never in a seminary but because of his knowledge of the Indian language was ordained priest. He knows little theology or Latin. Last summer in the presence of Bishop Mrak, Lefevere withdrew from him all faculties for disobedience, and he will not give them back until he spends a year or more in a regular seminary. He sends his season's greetings.
II-5-d - A.LS. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 Jan. 15
McCaffrey, Father John:
Mt. St. Mary's Seminary
(Emmitsburgh, Maryland)
to Bishop (Francis P. McFarland of:
Hartford, Connecticut)
He asks if Michael P. Curran reported to McFarland after running away or tried to get into another seminary. This is his duty even when he is not directly responsible. It has been reported that Curran is in St. John's Seminary, Fordham. If the Jesuits want him they should know of his leaving the seminary a few months ago. Edward Martin, McFarland's subject is a good man but he is of little use to them except as a sacristan.
I-1-c - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1869 Jan. 20
(Seton), Harry:
Fort Fetterman, D(akota) T(erritory)
to (Monsignor Robert Seton) Bob:
(Madison, New Jersey)
Harry received a letter from (Robert) about ten days ago. Harry left N(ew) Y(ork?) sooner than he intended in order to avoid being present at the marriage of their cousin. He could not afford a new uniform coat. His only regret was not seeing (Robert). He arrived at Laramie on December 27. He spent Christmas at Fort David Russell. On January 2 they started for this post, four officers and a driver of the ambulance. They bivouaced on Horseshoe creek; they had to decrease their fire at night for fear of hostile Indians. They hardly expect to get through the winter without an occasional brush with them. Elise wrote that (Robert) wanted to send some money to buy a robe for Father (Bernard) Smith. Harry can get a finer robe than the one (Robert) has which he may send to Smith. They now send an army wagon and 14 men to escort the mail on account of so many Indians around them. He sends love to the girls and to Charly Lee and Berrian. He congratulates Charly on the safe arrival of the little one. Harry wrote Ethelinda (Seton) a letter by the last post.
II-1-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 4to. - {5}
1869 Jan. 21
Korst, Father C(ornelius M.):
Coldwater, (Michigan)
to (Patrick Marentette):
(Mendon, Michigan)
Korst thinks night and day about Mendon. The Missions are a real burden to him. Coldwater is increasing, he is needed there every Sunday. Mendon is the only place where a priest could be stationed, and great good would follow. A talented priest has accepted to give a four day retreat. If the chapel is too small he is able to preach in any place. When would be the best time?
- A.L.S. -
Written in lead pencil on same letter paper but with no signature, presumably the writer is Marentette:
They would be obliged to Korst if he came the second week of February or of April, with another good priest. He will procure the best hall in Mendon. The whole congregation has refused to build a house. They have compelled him to write the bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere) for a decision but no answer from him. After several meetings (Marentette) has consented to let them build a church 36 by 70. He would have written to Korst but he knew it would cause him trouble.
- A.L. -
III-2-1 - A.L.S., A.L. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 Jan. 22
Corby, C.S.C., Father W(illiam) (Superior at Notre Dame):
Notre Dame, Indiana
to James F. Edwards:
(Toledo, Ohio)
He asks Edwards to call on Mrs. L who intends to send her son to Notre Dame.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 16to. - {1}
1869 Jan. 22
Spillard, C.S.C., Father D(aniel) J.:
Notre Dame, Indiana
to James F. Edwards:
(Toledo, Ohio)
He is pleased to learn that Edwards will return in February. Spillard spent New Years at his home in Elgin. The (St. Aloysius Philodemic) Society is doing bravely: two very good numbers of the "Inclitian Gazette" have been read: the last number of the "Two Penny" (Gazette) was one of the spiciest. Edwards must hurry back with a whole pack of new and startling articles for it.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 16to. - {4}
1869 Jan. 23
Brownson, Orestes A.:
Eliz(abeth), (New Jersey)
to Father (Isaac T.) Hecker:
New York, (New York)
Brownson sends an article which he entitles the "old and the new". If Hecker thinks it suitable, Brownson will add one or two additional conversations. He would like Hecker to signify his intentions soon. Brownson's son told him Hecker had something for Brownson to do. He would like to know what it is so he can be about it. Brownson wants to see Hecker but feels he is not completely recovered and he fears he cannot do so till after Easter. He can work as well as he ever could, provided the work he has to do does not require him to cream for it. He would like for Hecker to spend a day with him. The visit would do a great service to Brownson. If Hecker has any work he would like to have translated from the Italian, Hecker should send it to H(enry) T. Brownson. He claims to have knowledge of all the languages of Europe. Henry is struggling hard to correct his former faults, marriage has done him good. Brownson would like for Hecker to encourage him.
I-4-g - A.L.S. (Photostat; Paulist Archives) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1869 Jan. 23
McCloskey, W(illia)m Bishop of Louisville:
Louisville, (Kentucky)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
In answering Purcell he forgot to say that he does not consider the Xavieran Brothers as competent teachers. They have spread too rapidly and besides regular teachers have boys keeping order and teaching. He calls them boys because they look like such to him, being from 14 to 18 years old. The opinion of the clergy is that they are incompetent but that they do what they can. McCloskey is convinced that they have spread too fast and have accepted too many schools without having competent teachers. He has determined not to allow any pastor to accept their services until he is sure that the ones they already have are properly taught. They are excellent men and very edifying; it is only as teachers that he is dissatisfied with them. The Brother Superior says that the boy system has worked in England, but McCleskey says it has not worked in Louisville. The cathedral school was nearly broken up twice by the removal of a brother who was very popular and it will require all the efforst of (Father John II.) Spalding to bring it up again. He speaks confidentially of these matters.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1869 Jan. 25
Lemonnier, C.S.C., Father A(ugustus):
Notre Dame, Indiana
to James F. Edwards:
(Toledo, Ohio)
He received the answer for which he had waited impatiently. He will forgive and forget and write a few lines to his dear friend. He has much work with the Examinations. He his afraid it is impossible for him to go to see Edwards.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 25
Spalding, M(artin) J. Archbishop of Baltimore:
Baltimore, Maryland
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
It was precisely because Spalding had been informed by those who knew best that (Bishop William McCloskey) had so little idea of the value of money that he was anxious to have the financial estimate kept in Purcell's archives, and for the same reason that his brother Father Benjamin Spalding asked him to the disposition of his funds to charitable institutions. Sisters who have the vow of poverty can not give presents excepts for strictly charitable purpose and with the permission of superiors. Mother Ward stopped at Baltimore without his permission or knowledge. She cannot remain consistently with the welfare of the house. They have written to Angers to have her removed to some European house. The priests of Covington will find themselves mistaken. While they blame Father (John) McMullin in Rome they also blame Bishop (James) Duggan. He asks Purcell to give the enclosed to Father George H. Doane. P. S. He ventures to enclose a letter Just received from Father (J.) Simeon, S.J. who is trying to build a second church in Washington, D. C. At his request Spalding asks Purcell to consider his appeal since he would beg only after Purcell's collections have been taken up. Spalding has never before consented for one of his priests to beg in another diocese. Bishop (Patrick)Lynch is still beggin there, and can hardly stay in Charleston for duns. Father (Francis X.) Weninger is still begging him for a recommendation on his book on papal infallibility. Spalding told him first to get the imprimatur of his own ordinary. He sent Father Doane's letter by separate mail on reflection.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {11}
1869 ( ) 25
Vries, Father J. de:
Browling Green, K(entuck)y
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
de Vries encloses $3.00 for a subscription to the Journal to be sent to Father (Henry) Mertens of Franklin, K(entuck)y. He says McMaster may put him down for $10, and Mertens down for $5. for the fund to send delegates to Rome. He has lost the receipt for his last payment of the subscription, and if it is (run) out, please inform him, if only with a pencil scratch on the next number. De Vries mentions that Fr. Mertens has received the application of Mr. Patrick O'Reilly of Hartford, Conn(ecticut), with McMaster forwarded to him without recommendation. Fr. Mertens feels that as he (O'Reilly) is a married man, he will not suit, as Mertens had planned for the sake of economy to board the teacher.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1869 Jan. 26
Hecker, (Father) I(saac) T.:
N(ew) Y(ork) (City), (New York)
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Hecker requested Kehoe to send Brownson the last two numbers of Harpers which contain two articles on "The Pope of Rome".Since Brownson has shown that there is a continual conflict between the Popes and Kings on morality, liberty, and true progress that he may write a subsequent article either in a series form or in one article. It will not be much of a task because Brownson is familiar with the points. A line on "The Old and New" will be sent to Brownson if needed. Hecker would visit Brownson soon but the trip out West has caused his work to pile up, but will come if for only a few hours. The April number pays $4 instead of a $3 and he wants Brownson to manage it that his articles do not run more than 10 or 12 pages. Hecker may have some translating work to be done. Last week Hecker received a letter from the Holy Father in which he expressed his joy at the success of the Catholic World and bestows his Apostolic Blessing on those connected with the publication.
I-4-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 26
Kehoe, L(awrence):
New York (City), (New York)
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Father (Isaac T.) Hecker has lost the first and second page of Brownson's manuscript on "The Old and New", or some such title. Can Brownson reproduce these two pages? A check is enclosed for $45.00 for the article on Porter.
I-4-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1869 Jan. 26
Purcell, Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist):
Cincinnati, (Ohio)
to Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefevere:
Detroit, (Michigan)
What has become of Bishop-elect (Ignatius) Mrak? No one knows; if he keeps on so, he will be too late for the Council. Father (George H.) Doane is there to collect for the endowment of the American College (of Rome), but he is not making much headway. Money is scarce and their own local wants are many and urgent.
III-2-1 - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {4}
1869 26
Sharkey, Father F(rancis) A.:
West Phila(delphia), (Pennsylvania)
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Father Sharkey thanks McMaster for printing his article, but feels that something should be done to reassure the priests that Jus is not a myth. Sharkey suggests that McMaster print up a fair synopsis of the whole argument in two or three columns of the Journal, and send copies to all the secular priests in the United States. He feels that if that does not bring them out in support, then they deserve to remain as they are. The result of such action would be to increase the fund, show the unanimity of the clergy, and would also further the interests of the Journal.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1869 Jan. 28
Hendricken, Father Thomas F.:
Norwalk, Conn(ecticut)
to Bishop F(rancis) P. McFarland of:
(Hartford, Connecticut)
Hendricken had many things to put before the Bishop and is sorry that by illness he had to miss the conference. He asks a dispensation from the banns for Michael Moran and Mary Deigan, because of the short time before Lent. A man half Catholic and Protestant for twenty years has begun to live with his niece as husband and wife. A child will be baptised that night in Waterbury. They are Terence Caffrey and Margaret Reilly. If the Bishop will grant the dispensation he will endeavor to collect the fine. They cannot be separated. He encloses a letter Father (Michael) O'Connor wrote on the same subject (not included) but the decision is up to the Bishop. There were 19 priests at the conference. The matter for the next conference is baptism and confirmation and will be held May 13. He did not telegraph the Bishop as he prefers Father (M.) Princen to the others mentioned. He fears the latter would give scandal.
I-1-c - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1869 Jan. 31
McCloskey, W(illiam) Bishop of Louisville:
New York, New York
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Purcell asked him if he were in earnest in asking to borrow $10,000. To get that and more is the purpose of his visit to New York, hoping to get a satisfactory rate there. He must be relieved of the great weight of debt before he can do anything else. He would dispose of some of the property of the diocese and pay the debts but that is out of the question. If Father Edward Purcell would let him have the $10,000 at 6% he would gladly take it. The St. Patrick's church business embarrasses him much because the creditors are poor. The cathedral deposits are also sought by many. His ammunition seems to have been used up before he reached Louisville. He has an empty treasury and statements at the doorway. He asks where Father George H. Doane is. Purcell is to tell him to postpone his visit to Louisville until he can give him a worthy invitation.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {3}