(1875) Jan. 3
Eckel, Mrs. L. St. John:
New York City, New York
to (Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Mrs. Eckel has moved from the house of St. Joseph's to an apartment in the upper part of the city. Many refused to continue their annual contributions if Eckel stayed there. Mrs. Eckel is thankful for the New Year's gift. There will be great opposition against Brownson, but writing for conscience sake God will take care of both. Mrs. Eckel has no fear as long as she does the will of God. All of her mail will be addressed General Delivery. Brownson's kindness to her leaves her unable to express her feelings toward him.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 4
Fitzgibbon, Mr. M:
Camden, New Jersey
to Father Edward Purcell:
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
Purcell's draft of Dec. 29 for $250 was received and he is thankful. Upon his return from Norflok he will send the Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell) his certificate and stock in the Canal Co. He advises him not to sell it. Congress will probably do something for the Canal as the United States owns a majority of shares in the company.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Jan. 4
Franchi, Alex(ander), Cardinal Prefect:
Rome, (Italy)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
This letter will be brought to Purcell by John Leahy who has been forced to leave the Urban College because of ill health. He had observed the rules of the college and had given promise that, by reason of his qualifications, he would be a worthy priest. For his expenses home the Sacred Congregation gave him one thousand pounds which is the allowance for the student to be sent by Purcell each year beginning with 1874. As to a substitute student for Leahy, Franchi asks that none be sent before the next year lest he come after the course of lectures have started. Franchi includes also letters concerning the questions to be answered by prospective students of the College. Purcell is to see that the students are accepted by the college before sending them to Rome. no. 1. Signed by John Simeoni as secretary.
II-5-f - L.S. - (Latin) - 1p. - 8vo. - {2}
1875 Jan. 4
Sherman, (Mrs.) Ellen Ewing:
St. Louis, (Missouri)
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Mrs. Sherman entered her protest and now she is done. She did not intend to find fault with Brownson. Mrs. (Madeleine Vinton) Dahlgren and herself, she claims can never be placed in the same category as (Mrs. St. John Eckel). She is sorry Brownson could not attend the wedding of her daughter. Mrs. Sherman thanks Brownson for the kindness he showed towards the general. She wishes Brownson to pray that the general has the same gift of faith as does Brownson. She feels the position of president is one to be avoided rather than sought for. Mrs. Sherman would like for Brownson to notice her memorial of her father. She only published what has appeared in the papers. The only letters written for the memorial were those in evidence that he died in the Church. She is sorry that Brownson is ill.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1875 Jan. 6
Brownson, Anna:
North Cambridge, (Massachusetts)
to Orestes A. Brownson:
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Greetings of the New Year were extended to Brownson by Anna. She was sorry to hear Brownson was ill. She will tell "sister" that Brownson will come to lecture anytime. She thanked him for the present. Anna has had a cold. She will ask Father (E.H.) Welch and Father (Alph) Charlier to say Mass for John (Brownson) The cemetery lot has enough room left for Anna. Brownson's plan to get a fence for the lot if the Review was successful was well received. Times were hard. Anna doubted if Father (Joseph M.) Finotti would do much for the Review. Anna will depend on Brownson for the news. When she sees Brownson the reason will be given why (Sarah Tenney) does not write to her. The Christmas services were beautiful. Anna has had trouble with her hearing.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 10mo. - {3}
1875 Jan. 6
Murphy, Bridget:
Elizabeth, N(ew) J(ersey)
to (Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Detroit, Michigan)
Bridget went to see Mrs. (Sarah) Tenney who informed her Brownson's health was good. She had an increase in the family, a boy, after Brownson had gone. Mrs. Tenney told Bridget she would write Brownson about the news. At first Bridget was going to name him Orestes but thinking Brownson would not like it, called him Thomas. Since Brownson has gone, Bridget's husband has been working irregularly and she would like Brownson to send her a little money to get some flour. It seems impossible to borrow or to get rust where she is. All Bridget can do in return is to have her children pray for Brownson. If Brownson ever comes back to Elizabeth, Bridget will be at his service.
(Undoubtedly this letter should be dated 1876)
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 7
(McMaster, James Alphonsus):
New York, (New York)
to John A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
John's visit is too protracted. His father expects him home.
I-2-m - Telegram - {1}
1875 Jan. 9
Brownson, O(restes) A.:
Eliz(abeth), (New Jersey)
to H(enry) F. Brownson:
Detroit, Mich(igan)
Brownson has been very ill and suffering also from his eyes and the little time he has been able to write, he has had so much other writing that he could not write Henry. Yet not a day has passed without his thinking of Henry, dear Fifine and the children. He thanks Henry for the photographs. Phippy (Philip Brownson) is a fine looking boy but rather slender and delicate. Sally (Brownson) is very bright and intelligent looking and as she grows up will look like her mother, though somewhat like her grandmother (Sarah Healy) Brownson. Orestes (Brownson) has the most striking head, and the most regular features. He is too light to be a full-blooded Healy or Brownson, but if he lives he will make the name of Brownson more distinguished than it is now. He bats on (Orestes). Yet Brownson loves them all and is sorry that he can see so little of them. (One day later). Brownson is obliged to Henry for a copy of Judge Cooly's (Thomas M. Cooley?) article on Constitutional Guarantees of Republican government. It is the only sensible document on the question Brownson has seen. It explodes the fallacies that played so prominent a part in the acts of reconstruction. It excuses some things which Brownson does not but it does not pretend to justify them by the constitution. (Cooley's) doctrine that it belongs to the president, not to Congress, to decide which is the legal government of a state is sound and just. The Rhode Island case in which Brownson had some share, is a case in point. Brownson has a thorough want of confidence in (Ulysses S.) Grant who is absolutely destitute of a moral sense, a low vulgar mind and at ease only when surrounded by blackguards, as (Grant's) friend Dr. (Henry S.) Hewit always insisted. Brownson does not believe there is a shadow of excuse for (Grant's) recent interference in the organization of the Louisiana legislature. The Southern States are states in the Union and can stand on a footing of equality with all the other states of the Union. Yet the Republicans in Congress will, and must, sustain Grant for he is their only hope. The Democrats have no leader and they have not recovered from their demoralization and have no policy. Brownson hopes Henry is prospering and is well. Sarah (M. Brownson Tenney) keeps a close watch over Brownson lest he marry again and disgrace the family. This is very kind of her. Henry is not to be uneasy should her vigilance relax for no woman will ever take the place of Henry's mother, although very day Brownson misses her more and more. (Sarah) will give him very soon a grandchild. She is very wild and eats enormously. Henry is to pray she may have a safe delivery. Of (William J.) Tenney Brownson has nothing to say but that Tenney is much spruced up. He is to Brownson, inscrutable. Love to Fifine.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {5}
1875 Jan. 10
Blanchet, F(rancis) N(orbert), Archbishop:
Portland, Oregon
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
Cincinnati, (Ohio)
For many years, according to the small ritual, they were forbidden to publish bans in mixed marriages. Now, feeling the publication necessary in such cases, he has just consulted and Sacred Congregation on the subject and encloses the answer, leaving it to Purcell to send it to Archbishop (John McCloskey) of New York and Archbishop (Peter R. Kenrick) of St. Louis. He asks if he is going too far in sending his notes to the American hierarchy. The American Catholics must know the situation to come forth and help them.
- A.L.S. - 1p.
Under the heading (in French) of: Response from Rome to a letter of the Archbishop of Oregon City dated January 9, 1874 touching the note of the little Ritual of Baltimore on mixed marriages, page 189.
1874 Feb. 28
Antonelli, J(acobo), Cardinal:
Rome, (Italy)
to Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet:
(Oregon City, Oregon)
Antonelli acknowledges the letter of Blanchet of Jan. 9 in which he asks about a book published in Rome in which the letter of the Sacred Congregation dated July 3, 1847 to the Archbishop of Baltimore concerning the proclamations to be made regarding marriage, especially mixed marriages is incorrectly stated. He says the answer had been repeated again and again. He cites the answer of the Sacred Congregation to the Bishop (John Chanche) of Natchez on May 11, 1864 in which it said such proclamations could be made if the religion of the contracting parties was suppressed. Again in May 1870 the same Congregation referred to the decision of the Council of Smirnensis to the same effect. The document was signed by John Simeoni as Secretary and G. Gans as prosecretary ad hoc. The present copy is certified by Archbishop Blanchet.
- D.S. Copy - (Latin) - 2pp.
1874 Sep. 28
Franchi, Alex(andro), Cardinal:
Rome, (Italy)
to Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet:
(Oregon City), Oregon
After the Sacred Congregation had written to Blanchet in February repeating the decree of the Congregation of July 3, 1847 the note in the Baltimore Ritual of 1866, page 189 was brought to their attention. This not inserted without the knowledge of the Sacred Congregation is based on an incomplete reading of the original decree in a theological manual. Consequently the note in the Ritual is to be rejected on two counts and the answer given in the previous letter is to be held, that there are to be no proclamations in mixed marriages, unless such are necessary to detect impediments and with the advice of the ordinary. John Simeoni signs as secretary. This copy is in the hand of Archbishop Blanchet.
- L.S. Copy - (Latin) - 2pp.
II-5-f - A.L.S., L.S. Copies - 5pp. - 12mo. - {6}
1875 Jan. 11
Blakely, Walter J.:
St. Louis, M(issouri)
to Ja(me)s A(lphonsus) McMaster:
New York, (New York)
If an assertation be true because many make it and none deny it, McMaster's severe denunciation of Isabella of Spain and her character is merited. He paints her as not only immoral, but as a lewd and degraded prostitute. Many readers of the Journal cannot understand why the Press seems to have a monopoly in accusing her, while persons in exalted stations respect her. Even the Holy Father, a few years ago, marked her as recipient of His favor by sending her the "golden rose." If Isabella, her mother and her aunt are as corrupt as McMaster says, why would the Pope single her out of all the princesses of Europe? Many will look with intense interest for McMaster's reply.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 12
Franchi, Alex(ander), Cardinal Prefect:
Rome, (Italy)
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio
Having received Purcell's letters of Nov. 15 and 23, Franchi has written to the Superior General (Schwindenhammer) of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost and the Holy Heart of Mary asking him not to remove from the archdiocese of Cincinnati the Fathers who are doing so much good. At the same time Franchi has asked the Superior General if there be any reason why he should not dispense Father (B.J.) Bigot from his vows. (Schwindenhammer) has said that it was not his intention to remove his priests from Purcell's diocese to transfer them to another diocese. He would not consent to the dispensation of Bigot's vows, and has written to Purcell the reasons for his stand. There remains then for Purcell for his stand. There remains then for Purcell to urge Bigot to persevere in his religious obligations. no. 2. John Simeoni signs as secretary.
II-5-f - L.S. - (Latin) - 1p. - 8vo. - {4}
1875 Jan. 12
Seton, Elizabeth:
Bozen Tyrol, (Bavaria)
to (Orestes A. Brownson):
(Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Elizabeth sends Brownson greetings of the New Year and she hopes Brownson continues his fight against the Church's enemies. Elizabeth cannot forget the blessing which Brownson gave to her and her sister when they left America. (William) Seton, her brother, expects to take unto himself a wife soon. His expected wife is all that one could ask in a wife. The winter has almost become extinguished. Labor has begun in the vineyards. Spring is near because the birds are stirring. Tyrol is enjoyed more and more. She would like for Brownson to be there and then they could walk together to Mass. One can appreciates more those names which "we" give to Our Blessed Lady, such as Morning Star. On the way the Setons usually meet a Franciscan Monk who is on his way to say Mass. Also they meet the milkwoman. The mass and the congregation make a spectacle. Holy, Holy, Holy is sung by the congregation in German. William and Helen (Seton) send their warm greetings. Best regards are extended to Sarah (Tenney) and her husband, Judge Tenney. The Review has not, as yet been received, Elizabeth wants Brownson to check into it.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 6pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1875 Jan. 13
Neu, Father W(illia)m:
Bunker Hill, Ill(inois)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
He recommended the Freeman to his parishioners, but received nothing but promises. Most of them are poor, some take the Pilot, and many cannt read. There has only recently been a Catholic school there, but it now numbers about 85 students. The teachers are graduates of The Teacher's Seminary at St. Francis Station, Milwaukee, Wis., which deserves all praise for its fine standing. The spirit of its founder, Father (Joseph) Salzmann, who died Jan. 17, 1874, seems still to animate all at the Institution. Neu has had good success in persuading his parishioners to read the book published by Frederick Poslet, entitled "Explanation of the Epistles and Gospels." This book is superior to the one published by the Catholic Publication Society in its size, arrangement, index, wood-cuts, and different sizes of print. The book is read extensively in Germany and should be so done here. He asks McMaster's opinion of the book. Neu is interested only in the good that the book can do.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {2}
1875 Jan. 14
White, Father Charles I.:
Washington, (District of Columbia)
to John O'Kane Murray:
(New York, New York)
In reply to Murray's favor, he says that he has an invincible repugnance to give information about himself personally, with reference to public display. With regard to other individuals, he can only state his recollections. Matthew Carey was a Catholic, and was unconscious at the time that the Sacrament of Extreme Unction was administered. He had expressed previously a desire to have the assistance of a priest and had a Catholic funeral service. Robert Walsh, the author, was also a Catholic, and died in the Catholic faith. With regard to (Henry Carey) and Richard N. Wilde, White can give no positive information.
I-1-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {5}
1875 Jan. 15
Dwenger, Joseph, Bishop of Fort Wayne:
F(or)t Wayn, Ind(iana)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
of (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Dwenger acknowledges Purcell's letter of Jan. 12, and also a letter and a copy of the decree from Cardinal (Alexander) Franchi. In one particular he wishes to correct the decree. He did not ask for a change, but merely reported that it was difficult for Purcell to devote care to the (Sisters of Holy Cross) and that they did not consult him about anything. He stated that he felt it his duty to explain the matter. He hopes that Purcell is not offended. Dwenger has read Father (Henry P.) Delbaere's pamphlet and thinks him a fool. Delbaere had nothing to do with the Lebel affair and what he wrote is scandalous. "Inter nos" Dwenger thinks that Bishop (Caspar) Borgess made a mistake afterwards in demanding that Delbaere admit that Lebel was a defaulter. It would have been better to have admitted the default without making Lebel a defaulter. Lebel undoubtedly was poisoned and his papers destroyed. Whether other priests urge Delbaere on or not Dwenger does not know, but he thinks that Delbaere should submit to his bishop and apologize. Dwenger says that everything is going as usual. He has to build a new orphan asylum and dreds it because of the hard times.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1875 Jan. 15
Roman Catholic, A:
Jersey City, (New Jersey)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
He encloses a clipping from the Jersey City Evening Journal in which the editor, Major L. K. Pangborn, attacks an article in the Freeman concerning the obedience demanded of Catholics upon order of their Bishop. The writer of the letter sends the clipping to McMaster to show him that even in such a small city as their's they have men who are foolish enough "to bite against a file."
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. (Clipping enclosed) - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 15
(St. Palais), M(aurice) de, Bishop of Vincennes:
Vincennes, (Indiana)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
of (Cincinnati, Ohio)
(St. Palais) thanks (Purcell) for his New Years wishes and wishes him the same in the terms he learned from his mother. (Purcell's) memory has not failed. They have an understanding that the priest on the boundary of the dioceses have the necessary faculties to care for the need of souls, with the understanding that such faculties are to be exercised with prudence.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - (French) - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 16
Walter, William R.:
Fort Wayne, Ind(iana)
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
He encloses a short synopsis of the school question. Two weeks ago he sent McMaster one on compulsory education. He does not mind if his efforts go into the waste basket. He merely wants to show that McMaster's complaint that those who can and yet do not speak out on such questions, is not in Walter. (Clipping Daily News enclosed).
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 17
Eulalia, (Pearce) Sister M.:
Mt. de Chantal, (Wheeling, W. Virginia)
to Orestes A. Brownson:
Elizabeth, New Jersey
According to Sister Eulalia, the January number was more than satisfactory. The most gratifying article was "Maria's Monk's Daughter". The thoughts as expressed by Brownson are the same as the sister's. Mrs. (St. John) Eckel has had the prayers and warmest sympathy of the Sisters. Sister Eulalia upon completion of the book had written Father (John) Bapst (S.J.) to find out if the book expressed that which was true. Father Bapst's answer affirmed Sister Eulalia's convictions. Some day Mrs. (St. John) Eckel will do some great work. The attack by (James A.) McMasters and others proves Sisters Eulalia's point. With the aid of divine grace Mrs. Eckel will triumph. In his next issue, Sister Eulalia will look for an article on female novelists.
The novelists, M.A.T., sister thinks, can stand plenty of criticism. Sister Eulalia would like to know if Brownson failed to notice Father (Joseph W.) Stenger's sermon.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 10mo. - {6}
1875 Jan. 18
Boyd. Jr. D. M.:
Philadelphia, (Pennsylvania)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
Desiring to extend to the Freeman a pass over the lines of the Pennsylvania Railroad, he asks in whose name the pass should be issued.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 18
Lynch, John Joseph, Archbishop of Toronto:
Toronto, (Ontario)
to Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell:
of (Cincinnati, Ohio)
(Marked) Private and Confidential. In reply to Purcell's letter of Jan. 15 Lynch says that he found Father O'Reilly in Rome under a cloud and rather roughly handled. Dr. Kirby of the Irish College had authority of his bishop, Dr. Leonard of Cape of Good Hope, to reinstate him and to dispose of him. Lynch took him without a formal exeat. He fears he has given him too much latitude. Mrs. (Sarah) Peter asked him to resign him to Purcell and he replied that that belonged to another order of persons to arrange. Lynch does not approve of lay people making such arrangements. O'Reilly has money affairs to arrange in Africa as well as in Toronto and he would prefer to return him back to Dr. Kirby or his own bishop than let him loose there. It appears that O'Reilly does not like the cold of Canada, and Lynch does not wish to expose him to the circumstances that have proved dangerous to him before. He would not like to add any further to O'Reilly's sufferings, but feels that bishops must be candid with each other. He is pleased to express his good wishes for Purcell.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1875 Jan. 20
(Matassi) C.P., Father Guido Provincial Secretary:
Cincinnati, (Ohio)
to Cardinal (Alexander Franchi):
(Rome, Italy)
In conformity with the order of Franchi, Archbishop John B(aptist) Purcell of Cincinnati summoned before him Bishop Caspar Borgess of Detroit and Father Henry Delbaere of the same diocese. Borgess came Jan. 19 with Father Henry Schutjes, his secretary, and Father M. Schaeken of Dearborn, Michigan. Also, Father Delbaere came at the appointed time. Purcell acting as mediator rather than judge proposed that Borgess forget the past and revoke the sentence of suspension against Delbaere and give his exeat from the diocese, Delbaere going free from any censure. Borgess declared himself willing and Delbaere declared himself satisfied, Purcell then ordered Guido to prepare a brief account of the affair for the Cardinal prefect. (Apparently a first draft in English.)
II-5-f - A.D.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {6}
1875 Jan. 25
Jones W.:
Toledo, Ohio
to James F. Edwards:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
John (Jones) writes that he cannot have his dancing school lessons paid at the college office. Jones is willing to send the money if it is all right. Edwards can give John a larger amount of pocket money if he thinks he deserves it.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 26
Sorin, C.S.C. Father Edward:
Notre Dame, Indiana.
to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell:
of Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Withdraw to Provincial Archives).
{2}
1875 Jan. 28
Perché, N(apoleon) J(oseph), Archbishop of:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Perché promises to pay $770 on demand to Sister Augustine, Superioress of the Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration.
VI-2-o - A.D.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Jan. 29
Eastman and Bartlett, Booksellers:
Chicago, Illinois
to James F. Edwards:
Notre Dame, Indiana
They are sending the numbers of the Atlantic they had, and will procure the numbers wanting from second-hand dealers.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1875 Jan. 30
(Martin,) Aug(uste) M(ar)ie, Bishop of Natchitoches:
Havre, (France)
to Archbishop (Napoleon Joseph) Perché:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
As he prepares to leave France he extends his best wishes to Perché. He has heard from Father (Celestin) Frain that Providence has blessed Perché's efforts to pay off the debts which others have made in this diocese. He is about to leave with five young priests for the diocese (of Natchitoches). Five more priests are scheduled to follow.
VI-2-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1875 Jan. 30
Ronan, Robert:
Maysville, Maine
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Ronan requests McMaster to send him the Freeman. Due to hard time and Ronan's condition he will be forced to pay gradually during the year. Ronan mentions an editorial in the June issue of St. Louis Times which dealt with the calamities of the present administration and alludes to a bank in Boston which is agitating for the insertion of four clauses into the United States Constitution. (1) compulsory education (2) educational qualifications (for voters) (3) a law to force every citizen to own an American Bible and (4) belief in God as a qualification for being allowed to vote. Another bank, also in Boston, had been set up 55 years previous to pull down slavery. Ronan mentions a prophecy by Andrew Jackson that it (slavery) would only be stopped by amendments. Jackson also warned the people to oppose such an amendment lest the Constitution be changed too greatly by amendments. Ronan fears that these four clauses will be passed and states that his own state (Maine) seems to favor the first clause (compulsory education) and has very quietly mentioned it in addresses to public school teachers. From the worthy columns of (The Freeman), Ronan has learned that New York state also favors this clause and is apprehensive lest too much Masonry will prevent the Democrats from voting it down. Governor Woodrow was called an enemy of education when he opposed such measures in the school system of Missouri. The Masons and Methodists have made it difficult to elect any man into office unless he is a Mason.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Jan. 31
Leyandecker, John Z.:
Loredo, Texas
to James A. McMaster:
New York, (New York)
Leyandecker fulfills his promise in sending $31.50 to be applied to the accounts he lists. The last five names have already been sent in. He adds three dollars for the Papal Zovaves, and he hopes Providence will care for these soldiers of the Church.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {1}