1875 Dec. 2
Murphy, P. A.:
Oakland, California
to
(James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Murphy writes McMaster that Bishop (Eugene) O'Connell sends the enclosed P(ost) O(ffice) money order, and asks McMaster to send to him at Marysville, a supply of genuine wax candles and genuine oil for sanctuary lamps. This order is to amount to about $40.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 2
(Tenney), Sarah (Brownson):
Elizabeth, N(ew) J(ersey)
to
(Orestes A. Brownson):
(Detroit, Michigan)
The "things" which Brownson asked for will be sent. The tin cup was thrown away and the bell was given to Father Von Sebilgen who was glad to get it. Ruth's (Tenney) cough still hangs on. Judge Tenney's son will lost his little boy. The cause was whooping cough. Mrs. (St. John) Eckel did not say that (John) Boyle O'Reilly wrote all the articles for the Pilot which were about Brownson. Sarah's Thanksgiving was delightful. She presumes Henry (Brownson) and Brownson did justice to the day.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 3
Boff, Father F.M., Administrator:
Cleveland, (Ohio)
to
Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell of:
Cincinnati, O(hio)
He received Purcell's letter of Nov. 25. The finances of the diocese have been such, since his return from Europe, that they had to borrow money. He will make an appeal to the clergy of the diocese and will send Purcell's portion of the amount due for lawyers' fees as soon as possible.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 3
Limerick, O.P., F(athe)r Philip:
London, (England)
to
Father (Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
Limerick has procured Father Bertram Wilberforce, (O.P.), to write an article on the Cord of St. Thomas. He has done it willingly, and asks only that in return Hudson should print in the Ave Maria an advertisement of a book Wilberforce has done on the martyrs of Japan, and of which he should like to sell a few copies in America. He has also asked Limerick to write a review of the book. A copy of the book has already been sent, and in a few days Limerick will send Hudson the article and the review.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 4
Donnelly, Eleanor C.:
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
to
Father (Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She sends Hudson a Christmas legend in place of the one that has been lost in the mails. She thinks the theme will interest Hudson's young readers. The price she has set upon the poem is $5.00. She wishes Hudson a merry Christmas.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 18mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 5
(Tenney), Jessie (R. B.):
Elizabeth, New Jersey
to
(Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Detroit, Michigan)
Sarah wishes Jessie to tell Brownson the bundle was sent. Ruthy (Tenney) has another tooth and they hope that she will be able to walk by Christmas. A notice which appeared in the Boston Reflector and Watchman was enclosed. (William) Seton was down and saw a novel entitled "Gieo-Wally" which he would like to read. Seton will send it after he has read it. Judge Tenney did not think much of the book. The bell of Brownson's was given to Father (A.) Von Schelgen who had it on the altar. Seton said Father (Isaac T.) Hecker showed signs of an injured mind. Miss Seton will enter the convent after the first of January. Father (A.) Von Schelgen had a fair last week which took in $1,000. Sarah went to New York to shop. They heard that Father (Josue Peter) Bodfish was stationed at Boston. Regards are extended to Mrs. (Henry F.) and Mrs. (Fifine) Brownson. Sarah inferred from what was said by some visitors that the engagement of Lily Pegram was broken.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {5}
1875 Dec. 6
Dubuis C(laude) M(arie), Bishop of:
Galveston, (Texas)
to
Archbishop N(apoleon) J(oseph) Perché:
(Rome, Italy?)
The Holy Father has consented to grant Dubuis a coadjutor and as the serious illness under which he labors is increasing, he asks Perché to write to Cardinal (Alessandro) Franchi concerning his opinion of clergymen he is proposing: Father Louis Chaland, Father John Claudius Neraz, and Father Anthony Forrest.
VI-2-o - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {6}
1875 Dec. 6
Hemenway, Abby Maria:
Burlington, V(ermon)t
to
(Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Detroit, Michigan)
Mrs. Hemenway thanks Brownson for his review but she is sorry that he discontinued it. She wishes Brownson would have continued for another year. However, if Brownson does not write for himself, he will write someone else. She noticed that the Ave Marie quoted Brownson's valedictory. Hemenway thanks Brownson for the material on his biography. She wants Brownson to get the family history of the Brownson's in Vermont. The history of one town is nearly complete. She was glad to see Brownson's farewell to the Pilot.
I-4-f - A.LS. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 6
Livingston, L. L.:
Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York
to
H(enry) F. Brownson:
Detroit, (Michigan)
Mr. and Mrs. Livingston thank Henry for the box of game and invite him to visit them. Livingston is in Oswego for the usual court martial duty. It is possible Livingston's company will be sent to Buffalo. To operate in the South would be very unpleasant and he wonders if the country will ever return to first principles—constitutional government. His eldest child attends St. Agnes' school in Albany. He presents his regards to the brothers Van Dyke, to Henry and Fifine. He hopes to see Henry sometime in Henry's charming summer home.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 8
Borgess, Caspar H(enry), Bishop of Detroit:
Detroit, (Michigan)
"The Regulations of the Diocese of Detroit" to which the Bishop has added chiefly from the decrees of the Councils of Baltimore and the Council of Trent (in Latin).
III-2-m - D. Printed - 11pp. - with paper cover small 8vo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 8
Kelly, James R.:
Fort Warren, Massachusetts
to
H(enry) F. Brownson:
(Detroit, Michigan)
Kelly is very glad to hear Henry is well to do, that Henry occupies a high position in the city where he resides, and is still more pleased to hear of the fine family Henry is getting to perpetuate the name and, he hopes, the brains of Henry and his honored father. Kelly has much to be thankful to God for. From an humble start he now occupies a high position, he thinks so at least. He married a Protestant girl seven years ago last month—Tim Sherman's niece—and now she is a devoted Catholic. They have three beautiful children and a fourth coming. Like the Brownsons, the Kellys do not follow the American fashion of being contented with one or two, but obey the orders of the Church. Kelly has one boy whom he intends to give to the service of the Church, and he hopes the coming one may be a boy that he may go there also. Indeed if he had a dozen he would send them all the same way. The Church needs native American ministers. Kelly is moving to Madison Barracks, Sackett's Harbor, (New York), the last of this month. He will start when W(illia)m M. Graham relieves him here. Kelly shall be glad to welcome Henry whenever he cares to come. He asks Henry to give Sergeant Boll his discharge when Henry sees him. Kelly saw Hayden a few days ago in Boston. He hears poor John Edwads is going to the dogs in Portland (Oregon).
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 9
Greene, Charles W.:
Philadelphia, Penn(sylvani)a
to
(Father Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He received Hudson's kind note of November 20, and explains that he delayed answering because he expected to receive two or three copies of the issue which carried the piece. He does not know if he can contribute regularly to the Ave Maria, so he does not know if he deserves to be sent the publication regularly. He would, however, like to have several copies of each issue in which some of his work is printed.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 12
Smith, Mary E.:
(New York, New York)
to
Father (Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She thanks Hudson for his frank note, and hopes she will benefit by his advice. From the kind tone of his letter she judges that he will read any prose sketches she may send— provided she does not do so too often.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 16mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 15
Martin, S.J., Father F(elix):
Rouen, France
to
Father (Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
Notre Dame, Ind(iana)
Martin agrees to the publication of his biographical essay on Father (Isaac) Jogues. He also requests two copies of the translation. He reserves the copyright for himself if such articles are ever published in book form. If he has a chance to do so, he will profit from the translation.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - (French) 2pp - 8vo - {1}
1875 Dec. 17
Foley, Bishop Thomas (Patrick Roger ):
Chicago, (Illinois)
to
R(ichard) H(enry) Clarke:
(New York, New York)
Foley was disabled by an accident some three weeks and deferred thanking Clarke for his excellent defense of Maryland's original claims of civil and religious toleration. If Gladstone or any other gentleman wants to learn the true history of Catholic Maryland, they can find it in Clarke's work. Clarke has done a great service to truth and to Maryland. Foley does not intend that his biography be in Clarke's next volume of "The Deceased Prelates". Some persons have asked Foley why Clarke omitted Bishop (Anthony) O'Regan from his "Lives". Was it because Clarke found nothing to say of O'Regan, or because he resigned and transferred to Dora? He thinks Clarke omits Bishop (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat. Foley tells Clarke where he might obtain a copy of a pamphlet containing the view of Gladstone in a paper given before the Maryland Historical Society, published by the late Honorable John P. Kennedy. The pamphlet was answered by B(ernard)arry U. Campbell. If Clarke has not seen them, C(harles) I. White of Washington can supply them or John Murphy of Baltimore or the Baltimore Historical Society. Foley lost his books in the fire. Foley hopes to see Clarke's writings when the new quarterly spreads its pages.
I-2-n - A.L.S. - 4p. - 8vo. - {5}
1875 Dec. 17
Moyes, (Father) D.:
Fitchburg, Mass(achusetts)
to
Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, (C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He sends Hudson a translation of a few pages of Gaume's Cathechism of Perseverance— on the Immaculate Conception. Hudson can print it in the Ave Maria if he thinks it worth while. If Hudson intends to print the few pages of the pamphlet on "Les Lampes du S. Sacrement", Moyes would like the proofs. If Father (Edward F. Sorin) is at home, Hudson might tell him that Msgr. (Claude M.) Dubuis of Texas wrote a very satisfactory Exeat, so that Moyes is now formally a member of the (Diocese of Springfield.) Gaume's Cathechism should be translated; it is in 8 volumes, addressed to the layman. Moyes is sure it would sell. But it is too great an expense for any one person to undertake. He wonders why Hudson's house does not undertake the publication of works on a large scale. He hopes to receive the proof of the "Lampes", and wishes success to the Ave Maria.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 18
Huntman, Gerald H.:
Callisoon Depot, N(ew) Y(ork)
to
J(ames) (Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Huntman asks McMaster to send him a prospectus of Mount de Chantal Academy near Wheeling, (West) V(irginia) and asks his opinion of the institution. He inquires if girls can get a solid Catholic education there, or merely a superficial polish.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 19
Keily, (Father) Denis:
Salt Lake City, (Utah)
to
(Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Detroit, Michigan)
Keily read Brownson's article entitled "Valedictory" and hoped against hope that the present number was not the last. Keily did not want such an advocate of Catholic principle to quit. Keily claims to have learned more from the Review than he did from all other literature he has ever read. In the surrounding country the morals were low, there were few traces of Christianity and Brownson's Review acted as a stimulus. There were crude utterances made against the Review which were injust and uncalled for. The sentiments expressed by Keily are those of his pastor also. All Keily can do is to comply with Brownson's last request, i.e., of being mindful of Brownson at the altar.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {1}
(18)75 Dec. 21
Taylor, S.M.G., M(other) Magdalene:
London, (England)
to
Father (Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She writes him about a beautiful incident. She has at last finished the "Apostle of the Sacred Heart", with which she has been so long delayed.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 18mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 24
Dahlgren, Madeleine Vinton:
Washington, (District of Columbia)
to
(Richard H.) Clarke:
(New York, New York)
Dahlgren thanks Clarke for his admirable brochure. If the Catholics of Maryland erred, it was in being too liberal! Perhaps without the admixture of dissent, they would have built a stronger colony in the end. This country is in a bad way and it looks as if it will get worse. The poor freezing and starving Catholic Indians are being made confessors for the Faith. Dahlgren placed a bundle of papers in the hands of the new Secretary showing the villainous practices in the White Earth Reserve. She hopes that (Zachariah) Chandler may be moved to pity. She has a letter from Cardinal (John) McCloskey sending $100 to the cause. This combined with various letters received from Archbishops and bishops will be published in part in the next manual. She will send one to Clarke. She sends Mrs. Clarke her pamphlet on "Etiquette".
I-2-n - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 24
Livingston, L. L.:
Fort Wood, (?) New York
to
H(enry) F. Brownson:
Detroit, Mich(igan)
Livingston thanks Henry for the box of yams. Barston is invited at the Livingston's Christmas dinner as well as Col. Loesn (?), Livingston's brother-in-law, and his family. Florence (Livingston?) is home for the holidays. Barston is at last promoted through the death of Morgan, Major of the Artillery, in California. It takes Barston to "Hamilton". Henry is to be congratulated for leaving the Army. Livingston would like very much to see Henry now for life here in winter is horrible. There is no dependence on transportation to the city and sometimes two days go by without mail or newspapers. Mrs. Livingston and he send their kindest regards to Henry, his family and his brothers.
III-3-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 (Dec. 24)
O'Meara, Kathleen:
Paris, (France)
to
Father (Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She received both Hudson's notes by the same post, and asks him to throw the missing manuscript into the fire. She should have sent him the sketch of Mother Teresa (Kelly) ten days ago; the delay is caused by her having given it to a friend to copy. She is grateful to see that Hudson published her account of the miracle. One needs such consolations these days, especially in France where the devil seems to be having things his own way. There is despair at the city of Paris withdrawing all government grants to the (Christian) Brothers, the hospitals, and (good works) generally. This action signs the death warrant of many of them, yet the people lie down quietly and let the infidel walk over them. Since she last wrote Hudson she has made the acquaintance of Mother Mary Angela (Gillespie), and considers it a privilege and delight to have been in contact with a soul so full of love. Mother Angela probably wrote Hudson of the story she asked Miss O'Meara to write. Originally Miss O'Meara had intended it for another magazine, but when she read part of it to Mother Angela, she was advised that it exactly suits the Ave (Maria). She does not know how long it will run, but she thinks about double the length of the Battle of Connemara. It is about the conversion of a young man…. (She describes the story). She asks to be remembered in Hudson's prayers.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 6pp. - 16mo. - {2}
(1875) Dec. 24
(Tenney), Sarah (Brownson):
Elizabeth, (New Jersey)
to
(Orestes A. Brownson:
Detroit, Michigan)
They were surprised the night before last by the box from Detroit. Ruth (Tenney) enjoyed the quail. They expected to celebrate the turkey but the principal sauce will be regrets at Mr. Brownson's absence. Fathers (Patrick) Hennessey and (Leo G. Thebaud) Thebeaud were there the other day and expressed regret that Brownson had gone. Sarah saw Mrs. Fleming a few days ago and she sent her regards. She said that Ruth looked like Brownson. The Judge calls the child Dr. Brownson. She has changed much since Brownson saw her. Sarah hopes that Henry (Brownson's) family is well and that they will have a happy Christmas. They have their own preparations. Jessie is in the cake business. Katy is helpful and the baby is fond of her. Jessie is awaiting an answer to her letter.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 8vo. - {5}
1875 Dec. 25
Adam, Father Joachim:
Santa Cruz, (California)
to
(Father Daniel E. Hudson, C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
Adam sends $10.00 for a subscription for the Santa Cruz Sisters of Charity. He will send another $10.00 in a few days, to make them "life subscribers". He thanks Hudson for retouching his sketches and is sorry he makes errors in spelling proper names. In the No. 13 issue (of the Ave Maria) it appears that San Jose has 1,500 inhabitants. Really it has 15,000. Adam will soon receive a book concerning the principal sanctuaries of Our Lady in Spain. He will translate whatsoever he finds of general interest. He wishes a Merry Christmas to all Ave Maria subscribers. (To this is added: A note "I did not write", and an acknowledgment of $10.00 received, in Hudson's handwriting.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 (Dec. 25)
Rouquette, Father A(drian):
(Bayou Lacombe, Louisiana)
to
Archbishop N(apoleon) J(oseph) Perché of N(ew) O(rleans):
(Rome, Italy)
Rouquette writes as much out of affection for Perché as out of charity for a fellow priest. Perché should have received a letter from Father (P.) Laporte who, by a decision of the Council, or rather of the Vicar General Administrator (Father Gilbert Raymond), has been removed on the demand of Father (Gustave A.) Rouxel. Rouquette assures Perché that Laporte's hot-headed language was only a pretext. Laporte is odious at the cathedral because of his devotion to the colored population. Moreover, (Raymond) did not act without passion; he is not able to forget the past.
VI-2-o - A.L.S. - (French) 2pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1875 Dec. 26
Bayley, J(ames) Roosevelt, Archbishop of Baltimore:
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to
Archbishop (John Baptist) Purcell of:
Cincinnati, Ohio
As Purcell knows, the American College in Rome has been running into debt for the past several years, on account of the small number of students and lack of interest of the Burses to meet expenses. This has been met by some surplus funds held by the Treasurer, but since these are almost exhausted, it has been decided by the Executive Committee to approach those Bishops interested in the College, asking them to subscribe a small sum annually to make up the deficit. At present there would be no use in attempting to increase the number of students by a general subscription, though this may be done later. During the life of the Holy Father it would not do to let the College be broken up, although this is the best way to keep it going. The Cardinal has given his promise to subscribe $1500 to $2000 and Archbishop (James F.) Wood has been taxed $1000 and the other bishops are asked to give from $100 to $1000 according to their means. He knows Purcell will be willing to help. He asks to be remembered to Father Edward (Purcell).
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1875 Dec. 26
Nigsch, C.PP.S., Father Francis:
Wapakoneta, Ohio
to
Archbishop J(ohn) B(aptist) Purcell(of:
Cincinnati, Ohio)
As Purcell has decreed, he nominated 18 candidates for trustees, one treasurer, one secretary for St. Joseph's Church for 1876. They are all good practical Catholics with whom he is well acquainted. He informed the congregation that he would not acknowledge any other trustees than those he proposed, as some members intimated that they would be able to choose their own candidates without bishop or priest. They elected one treasurer and two trustees he had not nominated. The treasurer was opposed to the former priests here, one of the trustees is said to be addicted to liquor, although he performs his Easter duty. Another does not perform that duty. They also elected three men as a school board for the Catholic school. Two freemasons were permitted to speak and vote for this. They have caused him great trouble. He asks Purcell if he sanctions this election and how long he should continue service if the congregation does not elect other trustees.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 27
Konings, C.SS.R., Father A(nthony):
Ilchester, (Maryland)
to
(James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Konings had intended to go to New York at Christmas time and express personally his gratitude to McMaster for his kind words about his Moral Theology, but as his trip has been delayed, he will not defer the fulfillment of his obligation. The Catholic World has been deceived in regard to Rohling's "Moral Theology". In passing by New York he will communicate to McMaster some remarks that may serve for an article.
I-2-a - A.L.S. - (French) 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 27
Erenstrasser, Father J(ohn) G.:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
to
Father (Alexis) Granger, C.S.C.:
Notre Dame, Indiana
He sends a draft of $125 on Bryan account.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1875 Dec. 28
Vries, Father Joseph de:
Rome, (Italy)
to
Most Eminent and Reverend Fathers of the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide:
(Rome, Italy)
In keeping with its growth the American Church has a hierarchy and regular clergy with proper rights, but the secular clergy who have the chief burden of the ministry remains unprotected by due rights. They are subject to the bishop's arbitrary command. The acts of the provincial and plenary councils are useless in a land in which their basis, canon law, is powerless. On the contrary these acts aim to increase the seculars' burdens and diminish their safeguards. Their language is an indication of their character. There is left open only one recourse; to the Holy See; but this is fraught with difficulties: because he has no rights the secular cannot claim any ecclesiastical law save the bishop's orders; a journey to Rome is long, time-consuming, beyond a missionary's means; he is unskilled in the formalities one style of written presentations and hence must submit to public suspension, for his bishop always denies him faculties of going (to Rome?) and is ever ready to suspend him- some bishops think it good sport— the bishop has the means or going or sending someone to Rome to plead his case or stir up hostile feelings against the appealing priest, even before the latter has introduced his case; further it is known that the officials of the Congregation don't like American priests to come to Rome with their quarrels and submit them personally to the Congregation, their sole court of appeal— hence the privilege, if not the right, of making appeals is denied them, as in the case of Father Chambige of St. Louis— finally, witnesses are unobtainable, for they fear episcopal vengeance. Wherefore, justice requires the establishment in America of a tribunal to administer justice to priests suffering harm. Negro slavery has been abolished; may clerical slavery also be. Otherwise, dangers are in store for the American Church. The clergy have stood it almost beyond human endurance. Many already take their troubles to civil courts, reasoning that it is morally, if not physically, impossible to defend themselves at Rome, and that since Canon law does not obtain here, neither can they legally be subject to its punishments. The state of the clergy is confused and dangerous. No wonder, then, that it is said that parents of a higher social stratum should force their sons into the priesthood so that the way may thence be open to them to offices and civil honors (?). (In the James Alphonsus McMaster papers.)
I-2-a - printed L - (latin) 4pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1875 Dec. 31
Onahan, W(illiam):
Chicago, (Illinois)
to
O(restes) A. Brownson:
Detroit, Mich(igan)
The Union Catholic Association of Chicago would like Brownson to give a lecture on any subject of his choosing at any time he desires. The fee offered is $100. The Bishop (Thomas Foley) not only indorses the invitation but also expects him to be the Bishop's guest. Onahan, if Brownson accepts, would like him to fix the date on or about February 15.
I-4-f - A.L.S. - 1pp. - 8vo. - {2}