1872 May
Barnabo, Al(exander) Cardinal Prefect:
Rome, (Italy)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
Cincinnati, (Ohio)
After Purcell, when in Rome for the Vatican Council, exposed his questions concerning the pious benefactions of the late Father John Baptist Joffroy for the diocese of Cincinnati, the Sacred Congregation immediately examined the matter to see what should be done. First, however, the Congregation wishes to expose briefly the history of the benefactions. Father Joffroy made two benefactions. In 1829 he gave the Nuntio at Vienna 2778.75 scuta on condition that it be deposited with the Sacred Congregation on condition that the Sacred Congregation pay to the bishop of Cincinnati 5% each year for the education of three clerics who were to say one Mass each every year for his intention. In 1832 he gave 2394 scuta, the return from which was to be used for the Evangelization of the Indians of the diocese of Cincinnati. The whole was paid to Cincinnati for some time until the erection of the diocese of Detroit when part was sent to that diocese. The Nuntio at Vienna continued these payments until 1847. Because of political disturbances the payments were interrupted. In 1853 the Apostolic nuntio at the request of Purcell paid to the Bishop of Osnabruck 951, 30 florins and in 1855 240 florins which together amounted to 276.52 scuta. No other payment was made. The second sum of 2394 had increased by reason of investments in Austrian Securities by 2141 florins. Including the year 1871 the Sacred Congregation owes 5236.09 scuta, 3334.56 for the first foundation and 1903.53 for the second. For the payment of this and future fruits, the Sacred Congregation asks that the bishops of what was Cincinnati in 1829, Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Marquette and Columbus meet and define the sum that each will receive. The Sacred Congregation wishes to know the play by which this division is to be made. For the first foundation the Congregation suggests that one or two boys be sent to the Collegium Urbanum or the American College, to which the Sacred Congregation will make payments. The Sacred Congregation has also taken care to have said 200 masses provided for by the benefactor but which have not been said.
II-5-e - L.S. - (Latin) - 3pp. - 8vo. - {7}
(18)72 May
New York Archdiocese:
(New York, New York)
Archbishop (John) McCloskey laid the cornerstone of the new St. Bernard's Church.
I-1-e - Newspaper clipping - 1 column - 32mo. - {1}
1872 May 1
Brugere, Joseph:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father (Peter M.) Lacour:
(Bonnet Carre, Louisiana)
Receipted bill for 8.25. Payment received on May 24, 1872 from Archbishop (Napoleon Joseph Perche) for the account of Lacour and also for the account of (Alexander) Brunel, a total of $42.25.
VI-2-o - A.D.S. - (French) - 1p. - 8vo. - {3}
1872 May 1
Pax, Father Geo(rge):
Williamsville, N(ew) Y(ork)
to Rich(ard) H(enry) Clarke:
New York, (New York)
Pax received a letter from Kreuzer Brothers, publishers of Volkzeitung of Baltimore, stating, that as far as they know, no book exists under the title of "America before Columbus". They had received the written manuscripts directly from Rome from Father (Oswald) Moosmuller, O.S.B. for their journal. There is almost a certainly no such book exists and further inquiries would be useless. The remaining chapters of Moosmuller's "America before Columbus" contain nothing that was not already in Pax's manuscripts. Pax suggests these should be soon published in an additional volume. Pax received a beautiful letter relative to Bishop (John Nepomucene) Neumann from his uncle. If Clarke wants it in case he published an additional volume, Clarke need only inform Pax about the translation. Archbishop (John Joseph) Hughes intended to start or form a congregation of German priests with those first ones. A few weeks of combined labor would make materials ready for print. Father John N. Berger, C.SS.R. of Baltimore has already written a life of his uncle, Bishop Neumann, in German.
I-2-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {5}
1872 May 4
Gavisk, Father F(rancis) J.:
Evansville, Indiana
to Ja(me)s A(lphonsus) McMaster:
New York, (New York)
Mr. Samuel Whicher has not received his Freemans Journal, although he has paid Mr. Egan for his subscription. If Egan has failed to send on his name he would like for McMaster to begin sending his paper on.
I-1-o - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1872 May 4
Dwenger, Jos(eph), Bishop of Fort Wayne:
Fort Wayne, Ind(iana)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell) (of:
Cincinnati, Ohio)
He will get the house and part of Cathedral property back. He found Father (Edward) Sorin and Father (William) Corby willing and admitting the justice of the claim. He stated that the priests of the diocese and people were bitterly opposed to it; that the Bishops had disapproved of it, so that Dwenger was convinced that Bishop (John H.) Luers' mind was affected in his last years. He also stated that it was against the Pontifical oath to sell Cathedral property. Luers sold the boys' school house, his new residence, and half of the rear of the remaining Cathedral grounds. Dwenger still has more than $5000 to pay on the new house. He offered to refund them all the money paid, leave them a year more in possession of the house so as not to break of their school, and will do all he can to assist Sorin to have a no. 1 college here but in a different locality. He leaves today for Lafayette until Tuesday. He is very busy and has no clue to many things, no life insurance, etc.
II-5-e - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1872 May 5
(Pearce), Sister M. Eulalia:
Mount de Chantal (Wheeling, West Virginia)
to Orestes A. Brownson:
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Sister Eulalia would have written sooner had it not been for her illness. She obtained permission to receive Holy Communion for Mrs. Brownson. Some day Sister Eulalia hopes to meet Mrs. Brownson in Heaven. Sister would, like her love and sympathy be extended to Sarah (Brownson).
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1872 May 6
Gross, C.SS.R., Father W(illia)m H.:
Boston, Mass(achusetts)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
He calls McMaster's attention to the "Peace Jubilee" which is about to begin at the "Hub." The world assembles to sing an anthem of peace while the Pope is still in horrible imprisonment. This sort of action does not become Catholics; the political status of the world should not be a cause of joy while the temporal power of the Pope has been taken from him and he made a prisoner. Enemies of the Church should celebrate but Catholics cannot consider any such state of affairs a peace worthy of their rejoicing. Mr. Gilmour is said to be a Free-Mason and the enterprise is a Free Mason affair. This is a private letter, but he thought it well to call McMaster's attention to this view of the universal peace jubilee.
I-1-o - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1872 May 10
Merkel, S.J., Father William:
Schweidnitz, Silesia(Germany)
This is a certificate that Father Paul Leopold of the diocese of Breslau was a member of the Society of Jesus until August 1869 when he was released from his obligations to the Society to support his parents who had fallen into poverty since his entrance into religion. (Apparently handed to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell.)
II-5-e - A.D.S. - (Latin) - 1pg. - 8vo. - {2}
1872 May 13
Sorin, C.S.C., (Father) E(dward):
Notre Dame, Indiana
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Father Sorin has heard of the death of Mrs. (Sarah H.) Brownson. He said Mass for her. He had the opportunity to visit with her when he last saw Brownson. Father Sorin offers Notre Dame to Brownson if the latter should feel desirous to retire within the boundaries of any religious community. Brownson has not written an article for the Ave Maria for a long time. Whenever he feels like writing for it again, he has the permission of Father Sorin to write on any subject he chooses. It is the ambition of Father Sorin to have 100,000 subscribers for the Ave Maria. Mother Angela of St. Mary's sends Brownson and Sarah her affectionate regards.
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1872 May 14
Holland, Father J:
Freeport, (Pennsylvania)
to Ja(me)s A(lphonsus) McMaster:
N(ew) Y(ork), New York
Knowing McMaster's devotion to St. Joseph, Holland sends him a clipping from the (Pittsburgh) Catholic in which the attention of the Catholic world is called to the fact that although St. Joseph has been made Protector of the Church by Pius IX, still St. Joseph is not included in those honored in the Mass. The correspondent asks that the Catholic press and people lead a request that St. Joseph's name be so included. Holland hopes McMaster will insert the clipping in his paper or advocate it in some way.
I-1-o - A.L.S. (clipping enclosed) - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1872 May 14
Borgess, C(aspar) H., Bishop of Detroit:
Dexter, (Michigan)
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell (of:
Cincinnati, Ohio)
He apologizes for delaying in thanking Purcell for his kindness upon the occasion of the death of Borgess' mother. He thanks him also for other proofs of paternal affection for more than twenty-six years. He hopes his Mother in heaven joins him in praying to God for Purcell. Since Purcell is so interested in the work of his sons in Christ, Borgess sends him a report of his visitations and the number confirmed since his last visit to Cincinnati. He hopes Purcell will visit him soon, and asks to be remembered to (Father Edward Purcell).
II-5-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1872 May 15
Dwenger, Joseph Bishop of Fort Wayne:
Fort Wayne, (Indiana)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
He has obtained back the new episcopal residence with the grounds and the deed. He leaves them in possession until another house can be obtained. Father (Edward) Sorin expects Dwenger to refund only the cash he has paid. The (Congregation of Holy Cross) will build another house which will be a complete college for day scholars and Dwenger will urge the people to contribute towards it. Dwenger will not come to Cincinnati until after Trinity Sunday. He has not written to Cardinal Barnabo yet, nor will he next week. He leaves today for Kokomo where he supposes he will have to suspend Father (James H.) O'Brien. He is inclined to give Father Graham a trial because of his exemplary conduct at South Bend.
II-5-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {5}
1872 May 16
Mallet, J. Edward:
Washington, D.C.
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Mallet has read almost everything Brownson has written and is a great admirer. He has been very much instructed by these writings, leading him to his present adherence to sound maxims. The question of property has been hinted at many times by Brownson and Mallet is struck with the importance of this subject. The English speaking people should have a treatise on such a great question and believes Brownson the man best qualified to inform Catholics on this question.
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1872 May 17
Domenec, M(ichael), Bishop of:
Pittsburgh, (Pennsylvania)
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell (of:
Cincinnati, Ohio)
He writes to inform Purcell that he has written to Mother Regina requesting her to let the Sisters of Charity remain a little longer in Pittsburgh, as the sisters who have joined them are yet too young and need the direction of the older sisters. In case she refers the matter to Purcell, Domenec hopes he will encourage and persuade her to let them remain a little longer. He is glad that Cleveland is settled. He fears that there will be no Archbishop for a long time, judging by information he received some have written to Rome changing their views, which will delay the appointment. He hopes Purcell is strong in health, though advanced in age.
II-5-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1872 May 18
Sestini, S. J., Father B:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
The names McMaster sent were not on the list of the Messenger, but they will be sent the May number as soon as Mrs. Nolan's address is sent. P.S. Written by D. McKenna, J. Murphy and Co. 182 Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland, for Sestini.
I-1-o - A.L.S. (Letterhead) - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1872 May 18
Dwenger, Joseph Bishop of Fort Wayne:
Fort Wayne, (Indiana)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Dwenger has received Purcell's letter with delight. Father Graham's sincere humility and penance inclines him to give him another chance, although he would not leave him in a place alone. Father (Edward) Sorin speaks highly of his repentance. Dwenger will come to Cincinnati the day after Trinity Sunday. He gave Father (James H.) O'Brien the choice of a trial or his exeat and he chose his exeat. Despite his troubles Dwenger says he has no reason to complain. He will tell Purcell more when he come to Cincinnati.
II-5-e - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1872 May 22
Pax, Father Geo(rge):
Williamsville, N(ew) Y(ork)
to Rich(ard) (Henry) Clarke:
New York, (New York)
Pax saw in the "Catholic Family Almanac" of 1872 an article on the Cathedral of Garda at Igaliko Fiord, Greenland. The notice about the Cathedral proved the author knew of "America before Columbus" and that investigations were being made about the same. Pax is afraid Clarke is waiting too long before publishing "America before Columbus" and the undertaking will lose its value. At the end of the summer Pax intends to send his scrap book to his nephew in Europe.
I-2-n - A.L.S. - 1p. - 4to. - {2}
1872 May 22
Smith, Stebbins A.:
St. Albans, Vermont
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
He writes at the request of Madam St. Frances, Superior of the convent school at St. Albans. She wishes to know the best Catholic school books published. If McMaster cannot give this information, can he refer Smith to anyone who can?
I-1-o - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1872 May 23
Brownson, (Orestes A.):
Eliz(abeth, New Jersey)
to (Henry F. Brownson):
Detroit, Mich(igan)
Brownson has been very busy preparing a book on the Papal Supremacy, made up of articles in the Review, for the most part in 1853, with a preface and two fresh articles written expressly for the volume, and an elaborate preface. It is nearly ready for the press. The Refutation of Atheism is corrected and ready for the printer, but he has not decided which work he will publish first. Father (Augustin) Hewit in the last Catholic World has an article on philosophy, which has damaged him much in his estimation, by its dogmatic and arrogant tone, and utter unconsciousness, or apparently so, that he or the C(atholic) W(orld) has ever defended the philosophy he condemns. It is aimed principally at Brownson, though it does not name him. Hewit is no Philosopher, and an indifferent theologian. Sarah (Brownson) and Brownson have managed to get along so go. Theresa has been away three or four weeks and Sarah has been cook and maid of all work. He understands Sarah had sent Theresa off, but she had returned today to stay which is a great relief to Brownson, for he could not call upon Sarah, who is hardly able to be about the house to wait on him. Sarah will become a very able housekeeper but as imperious as any old maid in the land. Her great fault is that she will let no one into her confidence, or suffer Brownson to make a suggestion to her or ask her a question. As far as he can gather from her hints, she looks upon him as having made (Mrs. Brownson) live a life of martyrdom, crossing her in every possible way, and that (Sarah) must revenge her mother on him. She intimates that her mother made her the confident of her wrongs. While she keeps house for Brownson and secures a house for herself, he is to have no companionship with her, and to remain in his solitude. No young wife could be more jealous of her husband's speaking to a servant maid than she is of her old Father. Yet she is high principled and honest, but old maidish; she is uncommonly gifted and firmly attached to her religion, but with many impractical notions. With all her faults he loves her dearly, and though his life with her must be all but complete solitude, it would well nigh break his heart to be separated from her. Happily he has nearly finished his course, and it matters not much if for a few days he is victim to a daughter's tyranny. Perhaps it is only what he deserves. Anna (Brownson) is here yet, but she has grown so deaf that it is painful to talk with her; besides Sarah lets him see (Anna) only at meal times. Very Rev. Father Edward Sorin of Notre Dame has written Brownson a very kind sympathetic letter. He said mass for Mrs. Brownson. He kindly offers him a home at Notre Dame whenever he is disposed to seek the retirement of a religious house. It is very generous of him. Mrs. (William J.) Tenney), who has long been suffering from an incurable disease died last Sunday night (May 19), and has been buried from St. Mary's today. Brownson's health is pretty good. He intends going to the City tomorrow for a few days to make arrangements for bringing out one or the other of his books. He is now receiving the Dublin Review, the London Tablet and the Paris Univers. Greely's nomination is very proper, but a disgrace. Grant backs down. Brownson can hardly say he is sorry. Judge Wilkins is called to his rest and reward, Brownson trusts. Love to Fifine, the children and Father Vandyke.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {5}
1872 May 23
Brownson, O(restes) A.:
Elizabeth, (New Jersey)
to (Father) (Edward) Sorin C.S.C.:
Notre Dame, Indiana
Brownson thanks Father Sorin for his kind sympathies in regard to the late Mrs. (Sarah H.) Brownson. She tried to execute faithfully all her duties, was a devout Catholic, conscientious and Brownson believes she never committed a mortal sin in her life. Because she was such a fine woman, Brownson's loss is irreparable. Thanks are extended for Father Sorin's generous offer of a home at Notre Dame but Brownson is not in a position to accept. Maybe sometime later Brownson will accept. Brownson is no longer a contributor to the Catholic World, however, he wrote an article in refutation of Atheism which is ready for the press. There is in preparation a volume of essays on the Papacy and the relation of the Temporal to the Spiritual. Soon Brownson hopes to write for the Ave Maria. Brownson wants to be remembered to Mother Angela who gave Brownson a few words of encouragement when he was despondent. Brownson wants Father Sorin to realize his expectations in regard to the Ava Maria and when Brownson resumes contributions to the magazine, reasonable terms will be reached.
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1872 May 27
Dahlgren, Mrs. Madeleine Vinton:
Washington, D. C.
to Orestes (A.) Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Many mental letters have been written by Mrs. Dahlgren to Brownson but Mrs. Dahlgren has refrained from writing her words of comfort because of the death of Mrs. (Sarah H.) Brownson. Our Lord has called Mrs. Brownson to her eternal reward but Mrs. Dahlgren believes Our Lord is saving Brownson because he has some things yet to do. Mrs. Dahlgren believes that Brownson in the midst of his grief will arouse himself to action. Mrs. Dahlgren's sorrow has been her salvation and believes the same will be for Brownson. She hopes Brownson will show us the true Catholic lesson of conformity to the will of God. All of these views are thoughts of Mrs. Dahlgren and they come from the highest regard and sincere admiration of Brownson.
P.S.—"The Little God children are thinning."
I-4-e - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {2}