1870 Dec. 1
Brownson, O(restes) A.:
Elizabeth, New Jersey
to (Father) Thomas (Fagan):
Milwaukee, Wis(consin)
Brownson thanks Father Fagan for the kind notice of his writings and of himself, but believes he placed him beyond his merits. Brownson has suffered from the defects of his early education and has no language but his own. Brownson has not been a hard student. The early subjects he really studied were English style, philosophy, philosophy of history and of religion, or theology, under the head of philosophy. "He includes politics or the moral law applied to the state. Father Fagan had given the wrong date for "New Views of Christianity, society and the Church." Monsigner Marit turned Brownson's mind toward the church by his work, "Pantheism in Modern Society". Father Fagan commends Brownson as a philosopher and yet irregularly enough pronounces the principle on which all of Brownson's philosophy is based, a manifest error; somewhat more than noutralizes Father's praise. They do not understand and creat existentias in the same way. In saying that the ideal formula is intuitive Brownson does not say Deus creat existentias is intuitive. The formula is not intended from orally, but is the basis of all intelligence or real science.
The philosophy which Brownson defends has no relation to the ontology of the Louvain professors which Brownson condemned before the Holy See did. He never entertained their seven propositions and has regarded them as pantheistic. He is no more an ontologist than he is a psychologist. His primary philosophy is the synthesis of being and existence. Father Fagan is wrong when he says Brownson has been mislead by Gioberti. "You will pardon me if I intimate that you have condemned the formula which is only the first norm of Genesis. If you had read the philosophical articles in the Catholic World, your views would be different." Brownson does not deserve the title of philosopher. In speaking of him, Brownson would have suggested that he himself is a frequent contributor of the Catholic World on the average of nine articles per issue. "I have in fact been writing and publishing more than I wrote when conducting my own review. I believe your article was meant well." He only wishes Father Fagan had consulted him before publication. Since Brownson admits he is an infirm, old man, praise or blame can no longer much affect him. Father praises him with no basis for the praise, so thinks Brownson. He admits he is not as grateful as he should be for a person his age. "What I wish is to be suffered to remain in quiet, to make my soul to die and be forgotten of men."
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1870 Dec. 1
Hewit, Father Augustine F.:
New York, (New York)
to Bishop (Francis P. McFarland of Hartford:
Providence, R(hode) I(sland)
Hewit has received (McFarland's) letter and will give a conscientious opinion of the man in question. It is difficult to decide the vocation of the young man. He was not dismissed or advised to leave the (Paulists). He would have been admitted to orders before Christmas had he remained but he found the restraints of religious life irksome and preferred the secular priesthood. His scholarship is fair and his knowledge of French is one of his best points. In piety and discipline he has been exemplary but there is levity of disposition. There is reason to believe that the temptations at the beginning of his career would be dangerous to him. This is the opinion of Father (George) Deshon, his director. He will require special care and vigilance for some years. If his vocation is decided, Hewit would not hesitate, were he the bishops, to receive him. (Note on back): Higgins.
I-1-c - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1870 Dec. 1
Spalding, M(artin) J(ohn), Archbishop of:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Bishop (Francis P. McFarland of:
Hartford, Connecticut)
Spalding was very sorry to learn at Louvain that Father H. Spruyt had returned to America. For his own good and to avoid scandal, Spalding advised him to go back to Belgium and to stay there but he told Father (John) DeNeve that (McFarland) had agreed to take him. For the sake of religion (McFarland) should induce him to go back to Belgium as he is totally unreliable. Spalding thanks (McFarland) for his congratulations.
I-1-c - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {3}
(1870?) Dec. 2
Simplicia, Sister M.:
South Boston, (Massachusetts)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Brownson's telegram was received. They expect him for the 8th. Sister would like to offer her condolences in his suffering and her thankfulness that the attack has been thrown off. Brownson's letter of the 30th was just received. If Brownson will notify her in time, she will have someone there to meet him.
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 3
Stan:
Wilmington, Ohio
to James F. Edwards:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He feels very unhappy. He was informed that Edwards is soon to be married. Edwards was the only man he trusted during college life. He wishes Edwards would pay him a visit.
IX-1-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 6
Bergen, Thomas J.:
Utica, (New York)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
Bergen informs McMaster that his wife is near death as a result of consumption, and is given only a few hours to live. It is a terrible blow to Berger, and he has been unable to concentrate on business of any sort, not leave her even to meet his friend Father Reardon, who has just returned from Europe. Father Reardon brought Bergen's wife several gifts which of course will be of no use to her now. Bergen will telegraph McMaster when the end comes. Father Daley thinks she will live until the 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the same day that Bergen and his wife entered their new home. Bergen asks McMaster's prayers for his wife and for himself. P.S. Bergen asks if McMaster recalled choosing Mrs. Bergen's engagement ring.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 6
Denman, W(illia)m:
New York (City), (New York)
to Orestes A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Denman sent to Brownson three copies of Harper's Weekly which contains an advertisement which Denman would like to have commented upon because there have been many complaints about it. The Archbishop(John McCloskey) of New York desired Denman to send the copies to Brownson and instructed the latter that he could not be too severe, because nothing can be too strong. The note should be considered as private and not to let it appear that the article was suggested by headquarters.
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1870 Dec. 7
Persico, I(gnatius) Bishop of Savannah:
Savannah, G(eorgi)a
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
The Bishop says he has just returned from the visitation of a good portion of the Diocese, and he encloses the Pastoral he intends to publish on the morrow. He plans to have a mass meeting in every parish to protest the occupation of Rome. He will have to go to Augusta to attend the funeral of Father (G.) Duggan, pastor there for many years, who died on Monday night. The Bishop says he intends to appoint Father (W. J.) Hamilton as pastor, but suggests that McMaster withhold this information and merely state that the people of that parish should put themselves in the Bishop's hands and that he will do whatever is good for them. He feels his responsibility most keenly and hopes that God will always help and be with him.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1870 Dec. 8
Audran, Father E(nest):
Jeffersonville, (Indiana)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
Father Audran rejoices that McMaster has started a new subscription for the Pope, now that the Pope is practically a prisoner. He feels that whatever may be the embarrassments of clergy and faithful in the United States, none of them can overlook the necessity of doing all they can to succor the Pope in his trials. Steam (ships) have made the Vatican much nearer than formerly. (Letter torn off at bottom) Audran points out the wonderful example of true faith that Canadians have given, and he feels that the respect they have won by their noble confession of faith can be duplicated (in the United States) only when true respect for the Vicar of Christ and a devoted filial love for him become essential characteristics of the faithful. Audran sends $10 regretting that it cannot be more.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 8
Blakely, S.:
(St. Mary's) ( )
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Blakely encloses a manuscript for McMaster, and points out that the acrostics on pages six and seven. "Jesus-Maria" and "Thou art Peter" may be published of McMaster wishes to use them. Blakely feels that McMaster will at least agree with the sentiment. He asks that the manuscript be returned and the article, if used, inserted without signature.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 9
Hannin, Father E(dward):
Cleveland, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Hannin has been visiting the western part of the diocese and found Purcell's letter on his return. He is grateful to General (Wiliam) Rosecrans for his favorable report on the condition of the church in Cleveland and to Purcell for sending it on. He has not met the General and is sorry that he could not entertain him as his devotion to the church deserves. Hannin did not publish the communication he read to Purcell because on his return from Cincinnati he found that the people paid no attention to the article from Bishop(Amadeus) Rappe and that all was quiet. With the exception of 5 or 6 persons who are trying to cause mischief, conditions have not been better for a long time. The collection for the seminary exceeded last year's, the orphan collection found the people kindly, the 40 hours devotion was better attended. He sends several articles that had been published during his absence. The writer refers to a sermon preached during the 40 hours. The preacher, Father (F.) Boff, referred to resides in Tolodo and knows little of what goes on in the cathedral parish, nor is he known for his prudence. The 40 hours was an occasion of much edification. More than 20 priests attended, Irish, German and French. This, because of the national feeling supposed to exist, caused a good effect. The great object of the person writing in the papers is to destroy the character of priests and the confidence of the people in the priests. Hannin cannot see how Rappe ever sanctioned him. Next Sunday Hannin will insert an article, feeling that he has cleared himself of any party link. As Purcell can see, the correspondence cannot be allowed to continue. He will write to Purcell Monday.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {4}
1870 Dec. 9
Purcell, J(ohn) B(aptist) Archbishop:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
to General Ch(arles) Ewing:
By this mail he is writing to Bishop (Sylvester H.) Rosecrans for the required faculty which he is sure will be granted. He will be in M(ount) Vernon, (Ohio) on the evening of 19th prox. ready to do the needful on Tuesday, 20th. He expresses his hopes for the blessing on the nuptials.
II-5-h - A.L.S.(Photostat) - 1p. - 12mo. - {3}
1870 Dec. 10
Rosecrans, S(ylvester) H. Bishop of Columbus:
Columbus, Ohio
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell:
Cincinnati, (Ohio)
He gives Purcell every faculty and dispensation at his disposal. Gen. Ewing had already spoken to him about his intention.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 11
Tõbbe, A(ugustus) M. Bishop of Covington:
Newport, (Kentucky)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
He asks Purcell to promote Mr. Edward W. Hills to the deaconship. He will send him as assistant to Father (Patrick) Guilfoyle and has promised to ordain him in his congregation next Sunday. He has promised to be in the country during the week and thought of slipping in his candidates, hearing that Purcell will ordain some young men during the Ember Days.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 14
Persico, I(gnatius) Bishop of Savannah:
Savannah, G(eorgi)a
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Bishop Persico requests that McMaster use his influence with the Christian Brothers, in order to get a few Brothers to teach in the parish schools of Savannah. He states that he announced to the Congregation at Augusta that Father (W.J.) Hamilton would be the new pastor and they all seemed pleased. He points out that there is a great deal to be done in the diocese and he will need the help and confidence of priests and people to accomplish it.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1870 Dec. 14
Purcell, J(ohn) B(aptist), Archbishop:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
to General C(harles) Ewing:
He admits a mistake in his letter. The "prox 19" will be the 19th but not January. He will be in M(oun)t Vernon "on 19 Inst." ready for the nuptials on the 20th with Bishop (Sylvester H.) Rosecrans and Father Julius Brent. In the meantime he will pray that God will bless the marriage.
II-5-h - A.L.S.(Photostat) - 1p. - 12mo. - {4}
1870 Dec. 17
De Neve, Father J(ohn):
American College,
Louvain, (Belgium)
to Father P(eter) Hennaert:
Detroit, (Michigan)
DeNeve acknowledges Hennaert's letter of Nov. 26 with draft enclosed for 102 pounds to be put to the account of the American College with Detroit. He cannot understand what became of Father Elvert, a good priest having paid his own expenses. He would be efficient in a German congregation, but not in an Irish one. When DeNeve admitted him to subdeaconship, he thought of Adrian, (Michigan).
III-2-l - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {4}
1870 Dec. 18
Tõbbe, A(ugustus) M. Bishop of Covington:
Covington, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Tõbbe has inquired and found that there is no truth in the statement concerning Mr. Carrell made by his daughter. He is well taken care of, but he is old and difficult to treat with. He has no doubt imposed on his daughter. Tõbbe is very sorry about Mr. Cook. When he came with his exeat from Purcell, Tõbbe suggested that he stay in Kentucky for his health, but on examining him found him very deficient in theology. The bishop has also had to exclude a sister from the Franciscan community. She has for a long time shown a lack of the proper spirit, raising up the spirit of nationality and when confronted by the bishop broke out in a towering rage and passion. The case of Father Schmitt was very wretched. Tõbbe is thankful that Purcell warned him against that man from Paris. He sends Purcell a copy of his pastoral letter. He hopes to see Purcell in a day or so.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 19
Blanchet, F(rancis) N(orbert) Archbishop of Oregon City:
Portland, Oregon
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
The archbishop tells McMaster that he left Montreal on (Nov.) 30th and arrived in Portland on the 14th, safe and sound after two months and seven days from Rome. With the enclosed, McMaster can do what he pleases, and the Archbishop says he is very sorry it has been sent around with so many omissions and faults.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 1pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 19
Hannin, Father (Edward):
Cleveland, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
Cincinnati, Ohio
Frequent complaints have been made to Hannin concerning certain religious communities in Cleveland, including the superioress of the Ursuline Convent and in Hannin's opinion with some reason. These religious have interferred in the difficulties of the diocese and their religious spirit has suffered from their devotion to Bishop(Amadeus)Rappe. Bishop Rappe had been a father to them and they are grateful, but they should not carry this to the detriment of religion. Hannin thinks he will invite some bishop, and with the bishop and one or two other priests, investigate the whole affair. If Purcell approves, he will call any bishop he names. For the denunciation Hannin mentioned in his last letter, he was attached but did not give the article any notice. The parties have gotten up a petition to the Archbishop of Baltimore asking for the restoration of Bishop Rappe, according to the papers.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {3}
1870 Dec. 19
McCloskey, W(illiam) Bishop of Louisville:
Louisville, (Kentucky)
to Archbishop (John Baptist) Purcell:
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
McCloskey has been at Paducah or he would have answered Purcell sooner. The young man to whom Purcell entrusted his luggage has been locked up in Alsace since August and McCloskey has only now been able to hear from him. He regrets the inconvenience caused Purcell, as well as that to himself in the loss of a young priest. He wishes he could see Purcell but is tied up there. Mrs. Worthington called Saturday but the bad weather keeps him from calling on her. He asks if there is news of the Archbishop of St. Louis (Peter Richard Kenrick); what is to be done about Cleveland, and if Bishop (Amadeus)Rappe gives up willingly. Archbishop(Martin J. Spalding) treated McCloskey politely in Rome where his coming was like an apparition.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1870 Dec. 21,
Brownson, O(restes) A.:
Eliz(abeth, New Jersey)
to H(enry) F. Brownson:
Detroit, Mich.
Henry is appointed to the 25th Reg. but Brownson does not know where it is and asks Henry to inform him as soon as possible. Brownson returned yesterday from Boston. He was absent a fortnight and is quite well excepting a cold and stopped about half the time with Mrs. Smith and all the rest except one night at Cousin John's. Anna (Brownson) returned with him and is now here. He likes her much. Brownson encloses a check for $50. $20 is from Mrs. Smith in payment of a debt principal and interest which she found from Henry's papers that Smith owed Henry. $20 is a present from him, $10 each to Philip and Sally to be employed for them as Henry and Fifine think proper. Brownson hopes Henry will not refuse since Mrs. Smith's and Abby's feelings towards Henry are all he could wish and it would would hurt (Mrs. Smith) were Henry to refuse. The remaining $10 is from Brownson and with the $75 he sent Henry, he begs Henry to accept as Brownson's Christmas present, with his love and best wishes for all. His hand is a little gouty and it is difficult for him to write. He gives his love to Fifine, Philip and Sally. P.S. If Henry is hard up he must let Brownson know.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 22
Lowens, J. F.:
Oswego, (New York)
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Lowens encloses an amount ($30) which will pay the subscription for ten years in advance to the Freeman's Journal. He is sorry that he cannot send enought to pay for a life subscription, but is too poor.
I-1-n - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 22
St. Elizabeth Academy Pupils
(Madison, New Jersey)
to Monsignor (Robert) Seton:
(Madison, New Jersey)
A Christmas greeting and thanks for Seton's interest in them. (Seton adds that he was) then chaplain at Madison.
II-1-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 22
Seton, Elizabeth:
Cragdon, (New York)(?)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Will(iam) (Seton) has forwarded the first volume of his two volume work to Brownson and the writer sends the best wishes of the season to Brownson. She hopes for a visit from Brownson when the weather permits.
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1870 Dec. 22
Spillard, C.S.C., Father D(aniel) J.:
South Bend, Indiana
to James F. Edwards:
Toledo, Ohio
Spillard will go to Toledo during the holidays if Edwards has no engagements made.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 16to - {1}
1870 Dec. 26
Brownson, O(restes) A.:
Eliz(abeth, New Jersey)
to (Henry) F. Brownson:
(Detroit, Mich.)
Brownson received Henry's letter of the 23th inst. this morning. He wrote (Henry) on the 21st enclosing a check on the Nat. State Bank of Elizabeth which Henry had not received when he wrote. Brownson wishes Henry Godspeed at the Biddle House. The $75 he sent Henry with the $10 in his last letter he begs Henry to accept as his Christmas present to Henry and Fifine. Brownson never expected Henry to pay him. Brownson is glad Henry has resigned and has no doubt Henry will be able to support his family at law after the first year. If Henry is prudent and economical and applies himself, he will at any rate have the sense of being a freeman, and he has done as his father wished, which he did not when he left the artillery but by so doing he got the right sort of wife. (Brownson) thinks Henry will be fitted to exercise at the law. If Brownson's letter of the 21st has not reached Henry he wishes to be informed immediately. He asks Henry to tell (Fifine) that a letter from her would give great pleasure but that the Brownsons do not want her to injure her eyes which is the reason why Brownson has not written her. When Henry is settled down, Brownson shall come to see them both and his grandchildren, unless his old enemy prevents. Having been to Boston, he is full of courage which he hopes is the case with (Henry) and his daughter. Brownson does not think Henry has lost time by entering the Army, but is very glad Henry is out of it. His love to all.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 28
Haynald, Louis Archbishop of Colocza - Bács:
Szécsény, (Hungary)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Haynald thanks Purcell for the book which he has sent to him, from which he has learned much concerning the church in America about which the exponents of liberalism make reference in discussing the internal constitution of the church. He will fight against these men with the arms he has and hopes to save the essentials. The great evil in their country is that in the name of the King as protector of the church so many laymen have become mixed up in the administration of the church. Now when the State refuses to act the laymen attempt to introduce democratic forms into the church. They desire a union of ecclesiastical functions with secular matters. Also the laymen desire the election of the curators by the laity, and demand such an influence in the church that the proper Church rule would be very difficult, if not impossible. Haynald is working to see how detriment to the church can be avoided. How it is to be done he does not know, but he sees in Purcell a helper in his difficulties. P.S. He sends his greetings to Father(Edward)Hecht. The bishops of Hungary have done nothing regarding the decrees of the Council.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - (Latin) - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
(1870-1883) Dec. 28
Percher, Eugene:
Angers, (France)
to Archbishop (Napoleon Joseph Perché:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Perché's nephew sends New Year's greetings. Separated by the sea he can only imperfectly express himself. His father and mother send greetings.
VI-2-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 28
Thien, Father H(eribert):
Delhi, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Since Purcell has not invited him to visit him and explain his case he writes his answer. Last week three men from Industry came to him and wanted to add a clause to the deed to the property turned over for the church thereby which it could never be sold but must be reserved for church uses, because they fear that the land will not be used and if sold they would lose the share that they have contributed. Thien has promised to tell Purcell and let them know his decision. He has received Purcell's letter of the 16th and would preserve silence but cannot forbear making an answer. He did not say he had been at Delhi for a penance, but that he considered it a penance to stay there. He admits that he joked about his salary. He never thought of asking the people for an increase in salary. He has in fact given $150 back to the Congregation for various expenditures. He declines a higher salary because Purcell says he does not need it, and because it would be necessary to raise the pew rent and cause trouble in the congregation. This closes his defense of himself. He will not ask for his dimission papers, but if Purcell gives them to him and he can find a bishop to accept him he, will accept them. However, he feels regret at leaving the diocese where he has begun his missionary career. P.S. Is it true that two of his old friends have denounced him? For what he does not know.
II-5-d - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1870 Dec. 30
Dillon, Mrs. Ellen:
Notre Dame, Indiana
to James F. Edwards:
(Toledo, Ohio)
She is glad to learn that his mother is well and that he has a little brother. She tells news of some of the sisters. Father Quinn who came to join the order preached a wonderful sermon Christmas. She heard that Edwards' sister Mary was married. Sister Hyacinth hopes Edwards will not forget his resolution and return to the College.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1870 Dec. 31
Sisters of the Visitation
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
"For the love of God lend us a helping hand, full twenty young girls are waiting whom we have to refuse."
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 1pg. - 12mo. - {1}