1873 April
Catholic Telegraph
of Cincinnati, Ohio
A clipping containing a letter of Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell containing the report of the committee appointed to investigate German Catholic schools. The report concerns the activities of the committee and their opinions of textbooks etc. It is signed by Father F. Ubald (Webersinke), O.S.F., Father H(erman) Ferneding, Father J(ohn) C. Albrinck, H. Himmelgarn and F. A. Grever, Mar. 28.
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1873 Apr. 2
Borgess, C(aspar) H., Bishop of Detroit:
Detroit, (Michigan)
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
The case of Lebel-Bunbury does need an explanation and Borgess is sure that Purcell will sanction his cautious proceedings in the interest of the disputing parties. The congregation claim they are not indebted to Mr. Patrick Bunbury, who in turn claims that St. Augustine's Church and congregation owe him $9,500 and interest for which he became the security on promissory notes of Father I. A. Lebel. Borgess told Bunbury that he could do nothing unless it was proved that the money had been applied for the benefit of St. Augustine's Church in Kalamazoo, (Michigan). When Purcell dedicated the Church he was informed that the entire indebtedness of the Church was only $6000, but this has been increased several times and claims against the church amount to some $19,000 more than can be accounted for. He gives an itemized account of the various expenditures and revenues of the church during the years since its dedication. On Feb. 22, 1856 Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefevere appointed Lebel to the spiritual charge of the congregation of Kalamazoo, a copy of the authorization being in the Archives of the diocese. There is no mention that he was to be the temporal agent of Lefevere and according to the Laws of the Plenary Council of Baltimore, the Prov. Council of Cincinnati, and the Statutes of this diocese, such an agency or authorization does not exist unless expressed in writing. Therefore, it is not true that Borgess told Bunbury, either tacitly or expressly that his claim was just. He does not believe that the Bishop of the diocese should be held for the agreements existing between two parties in open violation of the Laws of the church and the statutes of the diocese. All the courts were open to Bunbury to which he could appeal in sustaining his claim against the congregation, as he did. However, that does not mean that he had a right to do so in justice of his claim or as a member of the Catholic Church. As a citizen he availed himself of the privilege of withdrawing his appeal to the civil law, exercising his liberty in the one and the other instance.
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(1873 Apr. 5)
Atkins, Sister Mary Bernard:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Archbishop (Napoleon Joseph) Perché:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
On July 19, 1871, February 2, 1872, April 12, 1872, and in September, 1871 and July, 1872 Atkins received various amounts of money from Perché. (Notation by Perché): February 18, 1873, he owes to Sister Victoria for the account of Sister Bernard $749. March 13 he advanced to Sister Victoria $100. Settled, April 2, 1873. December 3, 1872 advanced $200 to Sister Victoria. He owes Sister Bernard $900 plus $72 interest to April 5, 1873. She owes him $23. As of April 5, 1873 he owes her a total of $949.
VI-2-o - A.D.S. - (French & English) - 1p. - folio - {2}
1873 April 5
Barnabo, Al(exander) Cardinal Prefect:
Rome, (Italy)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
The draft for 580 pounds which Purcell included in his letter of Mar. 12 has been received and presented to the Holy Father. (Pope Pius IX), insisted that Barnabo write to Purcell extending his thanks and assuring Purcell of his apostolic benediction not only to Purcell but also to his priests and faithful, especially those who made the offering. Barnabo adds to these his own good wishes.
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1873 Apr. 6
Borgess, C(aspar) H., Bishop of Detroit:
Detroit, (Michigan)
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
No person can question the right of Mr. Patrick Bunbury in the exercise of his civil rights and in calling the assistance of the civil laws in defense of his claims against St. Augustine's congregation. Borgess had no disposition to interfere because such an attempt would be folly and because he was desirous of having a decision in the case for future guidance. For that reason he had employed two attorneys to defend the case and was awaiting the trial in the court in Kalamazoo, (Michigan). On Nov. 3, 1872, Bunbury approached the Communion rail while Borgess was present. He came in the presence of the congregation who were well aware that he had instituted proceedings against his Bishop. He came as a well known transgressor of the Laws of the Church. Therefore, Borgess believed it his duty to refuse him Communion. Borgess explained the reason to the congregation after Mass. He is justified in the Laws of the Church well known to Purcell. Some time after that Bunbury withdrew the suit and gave Borgess legal notice of the fact. Borgess had his reconciliation published to the same congregation last January.
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1873 Apr. 7
(Hipelius)O.S.B., (Father) Edward:
St. Mary's, P(ennsylvani)a
to Sarah Brownson:
Elizabeth, N(ew) J(ersey)
He enjoyed the April number of the Review. He believes (Orestes A.) Brownson soars higher in proportion to his advancement in age. Edward is glad to know that the Hibernian bigotry has failed in its attempt to crush Borwnson. Catholicity and Hibernianism used to be looked upon as identical, but now it is different. Father Edward has only one wish and that is the Review and the Reviewer to live some 40 more years. A happy Allelujah is extended to Sarah and her father.
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1873 April 8
Sibley, John Langden, Librarian of Harvard:
Cambridge, Mass(achusetts)
to Orestes A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
The College has accepted Brownson's Review as a gift and hope for its continuance.
P.S.—It has been many years since the writer and Brownson have met. When the Review was discontinued, Sibley felt sorry. Even though Brownson and he differ, Sibley appreciates Brownson's ability as an able defender of the Catholic faith. The new review is welcomed with great satisfaction.
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1873 April 13
Brownson, Sarah M.:
Elizabeth, N(ew) J(ersey)
to Henry (F. Brownson):
(Detroit, Michigan)
Sarah was very glad to have a letter from Henry and hear that he is getting on so well. She thinks to have a house of one's own is about the height of human happiness. Sarah was very gratified at Henry's big order for (Life of) Gallitzin. She straightened out the sentences as well as she could without taking the whole thing to pieces for the second edition. She had such a quantity of things to say, and such a horror of boring people with long stories that she did not observe until the book was out, how much she had pressed between periods. Of course she is delighted with the success, but the pleasure is much marred by the scoldings that come from all directions about the paper and binding. She hopes Father Gallitzin will put it into people's heads to buy up the first edition right away, as they are anxious to get the third thousand out. Mr. Blumeling is a real little gentleman and Fr. (ernest) Van Dyke will find him a most agreeable man to buy of, attentive and most obliging. She hopes Henry has got The Review. They like it here better than the first number, though rather heavier. She has read only two articles, the first and the primeval man. (Orestes A. Brownson) wonders much why she has chosen to crack her brains over them in preference to the others. But she has an instinct that in the others she will hear more about their age and infirmities, and shivers at the idea of meeting those announcements. She had spoken to him about them, and without offending him, she had some hope he would give them up, until the Tribune come out with an article headed: "Dr. Brownson's Confessions", and gathered these personal allusions into one bunch, and without malice, but with respect, and made them appear very well. So she fears now they shall have more of them than ever. Probably they do not strike other people as they do her, and perhaps Henry. When Sarah sees (Brownson) eat three fearful meals, each enough for a large family, every day without flagġing, and that he lives through it, she rather laughs at the feeble tone he seems to delight in assuming. The last paragraph on the last page is enough to frighten anybody from subscribing, but she assures Henry it is all a pleasant fiction. (Brownson) is better, more active and looks younger than in years, and as long as he keeps within ten pounds of meat a day he is very well. The first number of the Review has reached up to about 1500 and it is expected they shall have to point more. Sarah identifies herself with the Review. It is the one subject of conversation. Sarah is glad Lent is over because of the rigorous law of abstinence. She is surprised but glad that Henry had Mass said on Wednesday last. Fr. (Leo G.) Thebaud put it off until Tuesday after Low Sunday. As a general thing, Sarah feels much happier and more contented than she used to. It was so hard to see (her mother, Mrs. Sarah Brownson) going through so much trouble. The cross is infinitely easier now that Sarah has it herself. She is very grateful to Henry and Fifine for their invitation. At present, she dares not look a day into the future. She scarcely ever goes out of the house for more than two hours at a time, as she feels uneasy until she comes back. Lily Pegram is expected home in May. Mrs. Fleming begins to show her age and is not as vivacious as she used to be. Sarah thinks Madame and Emilie Dumazeaud have seen hard times this winter, for Emilie lowered her pride to take the Elizabeth agency for Gallitzin. She sold twenty right off, and has orders for many more, as soon as she can get them; the binder is slow, a German of course, and the books are called for quicker than he can get them ready, which sounds more important than it is. They think everything of Father (Leo G.) Thebaud. He has done wonders among the Catholics here. He comes often to see the Brownsons. She cut out the extract from the Tablet a year ago and will mail it to Henry. She does not think much of it. She asks if Henry knows the editor of the Western Catholic. The Review and Gallitzin were sent to the paper but it does not come to the Brownsons.
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1873 (Apr. 13)
Corrigan, Bishop-elect M(ichael) A.:
Seton Hall College,
South Orange N(ew) J(ersey)
to Archbishop (John Baptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
Purcell has always been kind to him and he asks now that he remember him in his Mass, that God may grant him strength and grace to discharge the heavy duties that he is about to take up. The consecration will take place in Newark three weeks from today, (May 4.).
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187(3?) Apr. 16
Thevis, Father (Pierre) Leonh(ard):
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
On May 1 there will appear with approval of Archbishop N(apoleon) J(oseph) Perché a new paper entitled Echo von New Orleans, a weekly for the Germans in the southern United States. All reports of a religious nature will be written by Catholic priests under the direction of the Archbishop. The proceeds after expenses will be used for the support of poor German schools. Subscription agents are: George Horsch, Cl. Hinslage, Henry Scheue, and J. Sterken. (4 copies)
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1873 April 17
Manly, M.E.:
New Berne, North Carolina
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
New York, New York
He tells McMaster that Father (J.M.) Townsend of this parish is on an excursion through the Middle States asking help for his parish. If he should go as far north as New York, he asks McMaster to offer advice in furtherance of his object. He recommends Father Townsend to McMaster and commends him for his education, zeal and excellent morality, which entitle him to a high social position and confidence. Manly adds his approbation to what McMaster has been saying in the Journal upon, "Our Lord is With Thee". This version of the Angels Salutation is objectionable to him as it dwarfs the grandeur of the announcement. The expression Our Lord instead of The Lord in homilies and prayers is an appropriation to ourselves of the Deity and he does not object to it. He prefers in the Announcement of the Incarnation to have the astounding grandeur of the idea implied by, "The Lord". He hopes that McMaster will continue in his good work.
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1873 April 17
(Hass), O.M. Cap. Father Francis:
Calvary, (Wisconsin)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
This is a testimonial letter stating that Father Candidus (Kiratousky) O. M. Cap. has been with them at Calvary for a month, has performed his religious obligations and now goes to accept any function that (Purcell) may give him.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - (Latin) - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1873 Apr. 19
Blanck, Father Peter Paul:
Copy of the testament of the late Father Blanck. He leaves to Sister Angela Crescentia Niederhoffer three mortgages signed Green, each for $1,000; a note for $1,600 due from Archbishop (Napoleon Joseph Perché); a note for $800 due from Edgard Drouet; a note for $100 due from the Citizens' Bank of New Orleans; a note for $525 due from Father (F.) Bellanger, (S.M.), pastor at Algiers; and a note for $100 due from Mr. Finigan, "Popular Ground", parish of Jefferson on condition that 300 masses be said for the repose of his soul and that she gives 10,000 francs to be given to the Propagation of the Faith and 5,000 to the Holy Childhood. He also leaves all the property found in his inventory upon his death.
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1873 Apr. 21
Jenkins, Father T(homas) J.:
Union town, K(entuck)y
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
He is interested in McMaster's orthodoxy, even in cases of small importance, but would like to call McMaster's attention to a mistake made in a recent issue of the Freeman. McMaster said that no mineral oils, especially petrolium, could be used to burn before the Blessed Sacrament, and cited a decree of the S.R.C. to that effect. Jenkins quotes a reply by the Apostolic See to such a question asked by some French Bishops, in which the See answered that although olive oil is to be used, it is left to the prudence of the Bishops to allow other oils, as far as possible vegetable oils, to be used in the lamps. Therefore petrolium is not excluded and can be used in case of necessity.
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1873 April 21
O'Hara, W(illia)m, Bishop of Scranton:
(Scranton, Pennsylvania)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
of (Cincinnati, Ohio)
O'Hara is pleased to receive (Purcell's) letter. In reply to (Purcell's) request, he says that Mr. S is still pushing his case against O'Hara, and is being encouraged by parties of old Irish stock of convenanters long here but retaining the old leaven. S seems more violent and abusive on the tyranny of American bishops. O'Hara sends a copy of "The Catholic Union" which gives a fair history of the case from the beginning down to the decision of the court. Sometime last winter Mr. S's attorney served notice on O'Hara's attorney that he intended to bring the case up again in Williamsport. O'Hara's attorney has moved to have the case taken off the docket on the grounds that O'Hara is not a resident of Williamsport. The case of Detroit of which (Purcell) writes, O'Hara has seen in the newspapers and Mr. S. is making capital of it. O'Hara refers (Purcell) to Kenrick. ed. 1st. vol. 1, page 80. O'Hara thanks Purcell and wishes him longer life.
P. S.—He is sending (Purcell) the case as lately stated to the Court of Lycoming by his attorney.
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1873 April 22
Persico, Ignatius, Bishop of Savannah:
Savannah, Georgia
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
New York, New York
He asks McMaster, in annoucing Bishop (William H.) Gross' consecration, to mention the great attachment and kindness the Catholics of Savannah had for him. The Catholics of Savannah, upon hearing of his resignation, held a mass meeting where they resolved on sending a petition, requesting the Pope to allow him to be absent from his diocese during the summer months. The petition was forwarded through the Archbishop of Baltimore begging the Archbishop to use such influence as would aid their petition.
The Holy Father received the petition most favorably and desired him to remain until a successor had been appointed, but did not deem it prudent to oblige him to remain as his health would not permit him to live in this climate. He asks McMaster to publish this as it would please the Catholics of his diocese to know that their kindness is appreciated. He will be in New York sometime during the month of June and will see McMaster then.
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1873 April 23
Preston, (Father) T(homas) S.:
(New York City, New York)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Father Preston thanks Brownson for the joy which the Review has given him. The Review has the ring of truth and the doctrine is most needed. Father Preston prays God will spare Brownson so as to let him continue doing good.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1873 Apr. 24
McManus, M(ichael) A.:
Seton Hall Seminary
to (Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
McManus makes an application of the phrase, "nothing true or good is ever lost, no brilliant example ever shines in vain," to Brownson himself because of Brownson's continued battle for Catholic truth and Christian philosophy. Brownson's Review has helped to fill some of the needs of a Seminarian. It helps them to become more energetic by having the needs of a Catholic America laid before them. The students have banded together to form a literary association and McManus is writing Brownson for permission to use his name, hence styling themselves the "Brownson Literary Association."
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1873 Apr. 27
Foley, Thomas, Bishop of Chicago:
Chicago, (Illinois)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
He has been remiss about thanking Purcell for the letter he sent by Mrs. Binford, and the pleasant visit she and her husband paid him. He has tried to discover the source or cause of the good qualities Purcell praised in her. She acknowledges she was educated in Baltimore. He is glad that Archbishop (James R. Bayley) of B(altimore) is home and active. He consecrates the new Bishop of Savannah today. It is strange how the newer sees throw their Bishops off and the older sees retain theirs. Savannah has seen five Bishops and Cincinnati still has hers and long may she be so. Chicago has managed to throw off four and will probably upset her fifth before long. Foley was 11 years old when he assisted at Purcell's consecration at Baltimore and Purcell is youthful and active at 74 and Foley is older than Archbishop (Samuel) Eccleston was at the time of his death. He asks if Purcell can tell him where he can get some good German priests. Is the Holy Father really ill or are the reports of his health put out for nothing?
II-5-f - A.L.S. (and photostat) - 2pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1873 April 28
Gillig, Mathias A.:
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Gillig being a theological student tenders thanks for himself and others for the kind remembrance Brownson made of them in the Introductory article to his new series. The succeeding number of Brownson's Review does not arrive any too soon. Indeed the spirit in which Brownson champions our faith spurs the students onward. He hopes God will spare Brownson for years to come.
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1873 April 28
Thien, (Father) H(erbert):
Newport, K(entuck)y
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Father Thien calls Brownson's attention to the German expression "Weltgeist"—"The spirit of the Age"—which Brownson uses. Father Thien believes the expression to mean: the spirit of God pervading the universe or the God of the pantheists, whereas the German expression for Spirit of the Age is "Zeitgeist".
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1873 Apr. 30
Machebeuf, J(oseph) P., Bishop of:
Denver, (Colorado)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
He thanks Purcell for his letter of Apr. 22 and apologizes for not having written first, but in the absence of Father (J.B.) Raverdy, who has gone to Europe, he has been crowded with duties. He is assisted by a young Irish priest ordained in Denver but without experience or confidence in himself and a French priest, Father (L. Benjamin) Leboue, and also a pious German priest (Father Theodore Borg) who has come from Fort Wayne for his health. Besides the administration of the territory and of Denver which is getting very large, half of his time is lost receiving visits from emigrants to Colorado who come with letters of introduction inquiring as to business conditions in parts of the territory. When he saw the list of Archbishops and Bishops in the Telegraph who had signed the letter to the Bishops of Germany he was sorry that he did not write in time, but if it is not too late, he joins with the others in paying a tribute to the courage and fortitude of the Bishops of Germany who are resisting the tyranny of Bismark. They hear reports of the severe winter, but in Colorado they have had one continual spring. He encloses an account of the visit of President (U.S.) Grant to the mansion of Governor Elbert and invitation by ex-Governor Evans, which he politely declined. He sends also a plan of the entertainment planned by Father (Honoratus) Bourion for a general hospital or invalid home to be under the care of the Sisters of Charity. The Jesuits have not arrived. He has 3 large parishes in the Southern and western part of the territory covering 7 counties under 5 Jesuit and Italian priests who all speak Spanish. He sends regards to Father E(dward) Purcell and to all other friends.
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