(18)77 Feb. 1
Larker, Edw(ar)d:
Mackinac, Mich(igan)
to Ja(me)s (Alphonsus) McMaster:
New York, (New York)
Larker sends McMaster $1.95 as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions. He lists the 15 contributors.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 16to. - {1}
1877 Feb. 1
McDonald, W(illia)m (Father):
Manchester, N(ew) H(ampshire)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
(Father) McDonald has been expecting to see printed in the Freeman's Journal the instructions given by Rome to the Bishops of the U.S. on the duty of providing Catholic schools. McMaster can obtain a copy of these rules by writing confidentially to Vicar General (Thomas) Lynch, of Burlington, Vermont. For 20 years Father McDonald has withstood opposition on the question from within and without the Church and so he is anxious to settle such important points. His own schools for both sexes have existed 20 years and during this time Rome had been silent. Now that Rome has given imperative instructions, Father McDonald wishes to have them published for the benefit of all.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {I}
1877 Feb. 1
Onahan, William J.:
Chicago, (Illinois)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Onahan has heard that McMaster intends to lecture in Cincinnati during February and requests him to lecture in Chicago also, if at all possible. He will send a formal invitation from the Catholic Library Association and make all the necessary arrangements. Mr. Phelan has not yet appeared but Onahan intends to help him when he does. He inquires about McMaster's family, especially his god-daughter.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo - {1}
1877 Feb. 1
Vigroux, Father E(ugene) A.:
(Lafourche, Louisiana)
to (Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché):
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Vigroux wishes to be added to the number of priests in the Diocese of New Orleans; he was accepted in 1870. He would be happy to serve under Perché's paternal authority for many years and prays that the Lord will preserve his health for many years.
VI-3-a - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 2
Eagle, Nellie:
Lawndale, Ill(inois)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Nellie Eagle sends McMaster 57¢ as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions. Mr. Giblin has dropped off her list but she has replaced him with Miss M. F. Elliott of Detroit.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 2
Machebeuf, Joseph P(rojectus) Vicar-Apostolic of Colorado:
(Denver, Colorado)
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
This is a testimonial letter for Father Nicholas Bourion, of the Vicariate Apostolic of Colorada for the bishop of any diocese into which he seeks admission. Bourion, he testifies, is free of all censure and has given no occasion to call into doubt his priestly virtue.
II-5-f - A.D.S. - (Latin) - 1p - 8vo - {2}
1877 Feb. 3
Barry, John:
Raritan, Ill(inoi)s
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Barry sends McMaster $3 for the Freeman's Journal. He also sends $2 in mission dues to aid the Indian Missions and lists the 16 contributors of the money.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 3
Janknecht, O.S.F., Father F. Gregorius:
Teutopolis, Ill(inois)
to Archbishop N(apoleon) J(oseph) Perché:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
He acknowledges Perché's letter of January 28. He is very grateful for the Archbishop's kindness towards the Daughters of St. Clare (Poor Clares) in Edenhall. Nothing can prevent the transferring of the monastery of the order to New Orleans. However he asks that the Archbishop arrange that they have a Mass in their monastery and a regular confessor.
VI-3-a - A.L.S. - (Latin) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1877 Feb. 4
Dwenger, Joseph, Bishop of Fort Wayne:
Fort Wayne, (Indiana)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He asks Hudson to announce that the regulations of Lent will be the same as for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 4
O'Maly, Ann:
Pelham Station, ( ? )
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
O'Maly sends McMaster 65¢ as part payment for her subscription to the Freeman's Journal and also 45¢ in mission dues to aid the Indian Missions.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 16to. - {1}
(18)77 Feb. 5
Gilligan, John O.:
N(ew) Y(ork), (New York)
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Gilligan sends McMaster $1 as mission dues to aid the Society of St. Michael of the Holy Rosary for the Indian Missions.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 5
Graham, James:
Tampico, Ill(inois)
to James Alphonsus McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Graham sends McMaster $3 as a subscription fee for the Freeman's Journal and also 50¢ to aid the Indian Missions. He says that he is a heathen, manufactured by the Church of England, but will learn the Hail Mary from his Catholic friends and will say it daily.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 5
Henriette, Widow:
Auzas, (France)
to Archbishop (Napoleon Joseph) Perché:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
By his letter from Bordeaux of last May 29 Perché had sent Henriette 5,000 francs, care of (Cecilia) Panneau at Toulouse, for which sum she will forever thank him in view of the great service it has been to her in paying the expenses of her two orphaned nieces who are preparing to become teachers. Perché made her hope he would release neither the interest that has fallen due or the capital as soon as he receives a reply from Robert, her representative. However, at present she still must have recourse to his charity.
VI-2-e - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 12mo. - {3}
1877 Feb. 5
Spring, James:
Salem, Mass(achusetts)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Spring sends McMaster $2.75 as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 16to. - {1}
(18)77 Feb. 6
Schrieck, Mrs. Louisa:
N(ew) Y(ork)
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Schrieck sends McMaster $1 as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions. Miss J. M. Patterson and herself have donated the money.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 7
Fergus, Mrs. Rob(er)t:
Evansville, (Indiana)
to (James Alphonsus McMaster):
(New York, New York)
Mrs. Fergus sends McMaster $20 in mission dues to aid the Indian Missions. She lists the 60 contributors of the money. P.S. — There are 3 churches and 3 religious communities in Evansville and Mrs. Fergus bought a $2 box of the Monitor Tapers McMaster recommended and gave some to each to try out. She believes the experiment failed since none burned over four hours.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 4p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 7
Prosper:
Austin, Texas
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Prosper writes to tell of Father J. Mc Shane, O.S.B.'s mission in Texas. McShane will Soon be placed in control of 70,000 acres of the finest and healthiest land in Texas. The priest is going North shortly to give information to all who wish to join his colony. He is not selling the land to fortune-seekers or idlers but only to those who are resolved to practice their religion and teach their children to do the same. He will be in Philadelphia for two weeks soon, and letters sent to St. Augustine's Church will reach him. Any who write to him would simplify matters by giving an account of their present circumstances. Catholic colonization is a most helpful work and deserves all the praise and publicity possible to aid it. Those in large cities and with large families know how difficult it is to bring up their children in the fear of God. Those who suffer in the winter will appreciate a home in Texas midway between the temperate and torrid zones. McShane has chosen the best land that is available and is very practical on such matters. It is best that a religious priest should take care of such matters since he has his order to rely on. This should be an opportunity for all those who are industrious and it will certainly further the work of the church.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 5pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1877 Feb. 7
McCloskey, William, Bishop of Louisville:
Louisville, K(entuck)y
to (Archbishop John Baptist Purcell):
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
He is delighted to hear that the Prelates of the Province will be at Mother Columba's Jubilee. They look to Purcell for the discourse to be delivered on the occasion as he is an old friend of hers and has known her longer than anybody else, besides it not being fitting that anyone else do the talking when Purcell has been at it longer than any of the rest. Although Bishop (Ignatius) Mrak lives far away, he hopes he will be able to come. He asks Purcell to induce Bishop (Joseph) Dwenger to postpone the work he has on hand for there are many things they could discuss while together. Mrs. (Sarah) Peter sent her good work before her before going to her reward. He sends regards to (Father Edward Purcell).
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1877 Feb. 8
Fitzgerald, Marcella A.:
"Mossy Woodland",
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
Letter of thanks for the Ave Maria. P.S. She encloses ten cents for a pamphlet.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 9
McKarney, Mrs. Bridget:
Brockport,
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
McKarney sends McMaster $2.70 as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions of Fr. Isidore Robot (O.S.B.). She names the 17 contributors.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12 mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 9
Skidmore, H(arriet) M(arie):
San Francisco, (Cal.)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, (C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She sends Hudson a poem entitled "Mother Seton" for publication in the Ave Maria. She requests Hudson to find out if Father (Edward) Sorin has received an important letter she sent him.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 10
Starr, Eliza Allen:
St. Mary's, (Notre Dame, Indiana)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She has just come from a visit to the Howes. Rose Howe regrets she has not finished the article on the Rosary even though it is not to be printed immediately. She has begun also a charming story. Starr hopes Hudson will like "St. Francis".
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 12
Haulleville, D. de:
Brussells, Belgium
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Haulleville thanks McMaster for the encouragement written in the Journal. He takes the opportunity of this letter to ask McMaster if he would be willing to make his "Revue Generale" known in the United States, and Canada. He can see that McMaster has agents collecting subscriptions. Haulleville asks McMaster if these same agents could not send the Superior of the school a copy of the paper. As soon as they have it they shall let McMaster know of their decision.
I-2-d - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 13
Meany, Mary L.:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She thanks Hudson and apologizes for her delay in writing. She has been busy with the founding of a periodical in honor of St. Joseph to be printed at the New York Catholic Protectory. She sends a prospectus to Hudson. She has been counseled not to let it be known until publication to avoid opposition. She asks for his prayers. She hopes that his health is good.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 3p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 13
Pabisch, Father F(rancis) J. Mt. St. Mary's:
Cincinnati, O(hio)
to John O'Kane Murray:
(Brooklyn, New York)
Pabisch praises Murray's work and sends a list of corrections in regard to dates and events described therein. The number killed in the Bedini riots in Cincinnati in 1853 was one, not eighteen. Other corrections are numerous but minor.
I-1-d - A.L.S. - 6pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 14
Frohmiller, Father J B.:
Dayton, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
Mary Dietz, a baptized Catholic, and John Bohn were married before a protestant preacher. The woman is now sick and will die in a month or so. He asks dispensation for their marriage. She will have to use strategy to secure a new consent from Bohn for the marriage since he considers the first contract sufficient and will not be married before anyone else. He does not object to her religion and will allow all children to be brought up Catholics. They had one child that died after being baptized. He will visit Xenia according to instructions. Father (Francis J.) Goetz sends his love.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 14
King, Marian E. C.:
Georgetown, D. C.
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She sends a corner for the Ave Maria. Some months ago she sent Hudson a sketch called the "Priest". She speaks of criticisms made against priests and of her practise of defending them. If the sketch was not received she can send another.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 14
O'Gready, Patrick:
Athens, (New York)
to James Alphonsus McMaster:
(New York, New York)
O'Gready has previously sent McMaster $3.25 to aid the Indian Missions but has seen no notice of it in the Freeman's Journal. He now sends $4.70 for the Missions and asks that it be acknowledged for the personal satisfaction of his daughter. He names 13 contributors.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12 mo - {1}
1877 Feb. 14
Stace, M. A.:
Zanesville, Ohio
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
Stace wants to be employed by the Ave Maria. He was enclined to write two articles on the mystical life from a German publication but sees that Hudson has a German translator. Requests $10 for piece of translation already submitted as he needs the money because of a small pay visitation.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 15
(Bayley), J(ames R.), Archbishop:
Richmond, V(irgini)a
to Archbishop (John Baptist) Purcell:
Cincinnati, O(hio)
He requested the Holy See to appoint Bishop (James) Gibbons coadjutor of Baltimore. Cardinal (Alexander) Franchi wrote that three names must be sent which was done last fall and the suffragans were requested to write to the Holy See. Now Rome requires a letter from the Metropolitans. The names are: 1. Gibbons; 2. Bishop (Thomas) Foley; 3. Bishop (Thomas A.) Becker. He asks Purcell to write to Franchi, recommending, if he can, Gibbons. Bayley is unable to do any work and needs help.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {4}
1877 Feb. 15
Heroman, P. W.:
Baton Rouge, L(ouisian)a
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Heroman sends McMaster 50¢ as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions, and promises to say the prayers. He considers the Freeman's Journal a valuable instrument of Catholicity and intends to write again seeking McMaster's advice on a certain point.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 15
King, Mrs. Charles F.:
Ashland, P(ennsylvani)a
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
King sends McMaster 50¢ as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 15
McAtee, Mr. and Mrs. J. P.,:
Wellsburg, M(iss)o(uri)
to Ja(me)s A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
McAtee sends McMaster $3 for the Freeman's Journal and also $1 as a donation to the Indian Missions.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo - {1}
1877 Feb. 17
Shafer, I.W.A.:
Burkettsville, M(arylan)d
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Shafer sends $7.00 as subscription fees for the Freeman's Journal and asks McMaster for some sort of credit for the $23.00 sent him in a letter of Feb. 22, 1875. The p(ost) M(aster) here, says the letter was taken out of your office by a man named J. Cook in order to pay his return receipt, but Shafer has received no receipt signed by J. Cook as yet. Shafer asks McMaster to inquire about the letter and to send him the proper receipt for the money.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {I}
1877 Feb. 18
Kelly, Kate:
Chappaqua,
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Kate Kelly sends McMaster her subscription for a half year for the Freeman's Journal, and also 50¢ as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions. She lists the 5 contributors of the money.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - Ip. - 12mo. - {I}
1877 Feb. 18
O'Reilly, P(atrick) J., Bishop of Springfield:
Springfield, Mass(achusetts)
to Archbishop (John Baptist) Purcell:
of Cincinnati, (Ohio)
They have been getting their altar wine from a man named Leih, recommended by the sisters of Notre Dame as a honest, conscientious man. He asks if Purcell knows and recommends him.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 19
Gutton, Father Ph(ilibert):
Fausse-Rivière (Louisiana)
to Father (Gilbert Raymond:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Gutton asks for a copy in English of the Pastoral letter of Lent. The sale of the effects of the estate of Father (Constantine) Van de Moere has brought $509 and they are waiting for the different accounts to obtain legal ratification.
VI-3-a - A.L.S. - (French) - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
1877 Feb. 19
Jeannin, Father:
Bordeaux, (France)
to (Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Jeanin learned with great satisfaction of (Perché's) arrival at New Orleans and the magnificent reception that had been prepared for him. He was happy to learn that (Perché) gave the retreat to his clergy himself. He saw with deep sorrow that a great fire had devoured several quarters of New Orleans. He hopes that (Perché) has been able by means of some skillful person to give some advice to his nephews, and to obtain some work for the most intelligent of them. That one getting a little out of his rut will help his brothers get along. Jeannin's brother lost money through a trusteeship in which he should have been more wide-awake. P.S. He sent a letter to his family as soon as (Perché) was sure of his departure from Bordeaux. For Jeannin to have sent them about 20,000 francs would not have been enough since there are 8 or 9 with their mother and it would have placed him in dire financial straits.
VI-2-a - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {2}
1877 Feb. 19
Lutz, Father Joseph:
Six Mile, (Ohio)
to Archbishop (John Baptist Purcell):
(of Cincinnati, Ohio)
Six Mile is in good shape. He has been staying in the house of a farmer whose family numbers ten members, and cannot be a lasting home for a priest. He finds the majority of the congregation are in favor of building a parish house and are able to do so. A few encouraging words from Purcell to this effect would be greatly appreciated. He asks that Purcell send the letter about this matter which he could read to the congregation.
II-5-f - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 20
Elder, Susan B.:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, C.S.C.:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
Thanks Father Hudson for sending $4 for an article "Help of Christians". She hopes Hudson will invite her again to write and also if he needs her at translation.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
(18)77 Feb. 20
Hoffman, Joseph H.:
Brookville, P(ennsylvani)a
to James (Alphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Hoffman sends McMaster $12.38 as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions. He lists the 33 contributors of the money, among whom is Father (H. C.) Wienker, pastor of Brookville. Hoffman also sends $3.00 as his subscription fee for the Freeman's Journal.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo - {1}
1877 Feb. 21
Boyle, S. L.:
Cincinnati, (Ohio)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, (C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He sends Hudson an essay for approval, hoping that it will be published in the Ave Maria. Although he is inexperienced he has confidence that he will succeed through much practice. If the essay is accepted he wants his name deleted from the article.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 21
Francis Gonzaga, (Sister, of the Visitation, B.V.M.):
Maysville, (Kentucky)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, (C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
She sends a poem suggesting it be published in the Ave Maria. She mentions a five act drama, which merited the praise of Father (Abram) Ryan, the Southern poet. She will send it if Hudson desires. She requests permission to submit poems occasionally which are composed by members of her community. The remuneration for those heretofore unpublished works is left to Hudson's discretion.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {2}
1877 Feb. 21
Murphy, J.:
Balt(imore), (Maryland)
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Murphy thanks McMaster for the mention he has made of the Ritual in his latest issue of the Freeman's. Murphy admires the introduction to the article and the way it was treated and also the complimentary remarks made about his establishment. His printing house has been his whole lifes work and from a very poor and frugal beginning he has built it up unaided into one of the leading publishing houses. His interest in his work is also heightened by the fact that his business is the only heritage he has for his children. The mentions given in the paper will do much to aid the cause of Catholic literature and after reading the advertisements in the Catholic World and Tablet of Holy Week, McMaster can judge the force of his remarks. Murphy is grateful for the notice on B(isho)p James Gibbons book and says he is sending the Bishop a copy. He will keep sending McMaster articles on The Ritual. Murphy also states that Pustet has copied an appendix belonging to himself and therefore opened himself to serious damages. The devotions in German, French and English were prepared for Murphy alone and when the Congregation of Rites approved Pustet's Ritual they did not include this copied appendix.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1877 Feb. 22
Robinson, Ed. N.:
Millview, Florida
to James F. Edwards:
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He will be at Notre Dame to see the Commencement Exercises and will return to school in September. He tells some news about a few of the boys. Robinson is working for his uncle. He invites Edwards to visit him in Florida. They have a nice place. He tells of the inhabitants. There is a large number of northern boys there. He takes the Scholastic and likes it very much.
XI-1-a - A.L.S. - 8pp. - 16to. - {1}
1877 Feb. 25
St. Louis:
St. Louis, M(iss)o(uri)
to J(ames) A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
St. Louis calls attention to a sermon published by McMaster in the Freeman's Journal. This sermon by Father Thomas Burke states that it is a mortal sin for any priest to say Mass without a Crucifix before him. There is no doubt that a Crucifix is required on the altar, but St. Louis asks if a priest who forgets his Crucifix while attending an out-mission where there is no other to be had, is guilty of mortal sin if he says Mass on Sunday anyway. In such a case where there is no church nor crucifix and where Mass is said infrequently, must a priest abstain from Mass? St. Louis wishes to see this question on Moral Theology answered in the paper.
I-2-b - A.L.S - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 25
Stace, M. A.:
Zanesville, (Ohio)
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, (C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
Stace thanks Hudson for his letter. He asks to be excused for using an awkward expression which gave a false impression respecting the word "crowding".
X-2-d - Postal Card, Initialed - 1p. - Postal Card - {1}
1877 Feb. 26
Langton, D.J.:
Ashland, P(ennsylvani)a
to James A(lphonsus) McMaster:
(New York, New York)
Langton sends McMaster 50¢ as mission dues to aid the Indian Missions.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {I}
1877 Feb. 26
Paul, Dan(iel):
Rome
to Father (Daniel E.) Hudson, (C.S.C.):
(Notre Dame, Indiana)
He thanks Hudson for the remittance, the subscription to the Ave Maria, and the good opinion Hudson has of him. He sends two stories and promises another suitable for the Holy Week edition. He asks Hudson to publish them under the signature "Arthur" or return them if not usable.
X-2-d - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {1}
1877 Feb. 28
Perché, Archbishop Napoleon J(oseph):
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to John O'Kane Murray:
Brooklyn, L(ong) I(sland)
He sends the proofs back. The date of his birth is January 10, 1805. He had been engaged by Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget for his Diocese of Bardstown, but as Flaget was detained in Europe by Pope Gregory XVI longer than expected, Perché and Father Ben(jamin) Spalding went ahead and arrived in New York on October 31, 1837. Flaget came back about fifteen or eighteen months later. Perché was first stationed at St. Thomas Seminary near Bardstown in the capacity of superior. When the seminary was transferred to St. Mary's College then kept by the Jesuits, he went to Portland, (Kentucky) but he did not act as chaplain of the Sisters of Loretto for they came to Portland when he was leaving for New Orleans where he arrived in January 1842. Perché was only in some measure successful in his trip to Europe, as he may see in his pastoral letter for Lent, which was published in the "Morning Star" of New Orleans.
I-1-d - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 32mo. - {7}
1877 Feb. 28
Robot, O.S.B., Father Isidore:
Atoka, Indian Territory
to (James Alphonsus) McMaster:
New York, (New York)
Robot fully accepts McMaster's advice that the mission money should be deposited in a strong New York bank with the certificate mailed to himself. He will accept a subscription to the Mission Catholique since he may be bound by gratitude to write its editor, just as he wishes to thank all of his benefactors. Eight days after Robot wrote McMaster that the Indian Mission Association was very poor Father (John B. A.) Brouillet wrote to Robot assuring him assistance for the mission "according to his means," but that expression is not very definite. In two previous letters, Robot has written Brouillet disapproving of his conduct, but rather shamelessly the account has been published in the Annals anyway. Many wrongs have been inflicted on the missions during his management by money being taken from their intended destination by lobbyists. Some of the higher officials of the Association in St. Louis inquired from Brouillet of the use of their work and money, and not receiving a satisfactory answer they ceased in their cooperation. Robot noticed in a "bad" paper, The Irish World, that an appropriation for a school in the Indian Terr(itory) had been defeated in Congress by a Cameron of Philadelphia. Cameron introduced some very foul motives, and since the matter may be connected with Catholic interests in this Prefecture, Robot asks McMaster to inquire into the affair and inform him of its truth. The lobbyists who have secured the aid of such men as Cameron, claim that Indians are not susceptible to civilized instruction and need no school. These men should be discounted. Robot appreciates the sympathies of Abbot Martin (Marty) (O.S.B.) and Father (J.B.M.) Gennin (Gennin). In March, 1871, while at Einsiedein, Switzerland, Robot, then a chaplain in the defeated French Army, heard of Father Martin (Marty's) appointment but did not think of the Indian Territory at the time. The Indian Territory extends west to New Mexico belongs to the Cherokee Nation which would gladly sell it. This strip of land, now frequented by wild Indians, runaway Cherokees, and white men, is narrow but is good grazing land and is susceptible to cultivation. From Fort Sill to the limits of the Pan Handle, northwest of Texas, the land lacks timber, water, and grass but is partly good. The worst desperadoes, Indians and whites, live there. The Choctaws and Chickasaws contend for possession of this region. Robot knows little of western Texas and so will not mention it. He, himself, has visited all of the communities of good standing among Indians and whites from North to South and has secured the rest of his information from U. S. A(rmy) officers and settlers, but he intends another such trip after Easter to secure further data. Even in the West it is difficult to find a reliable man who intimately knows the territory, but still some Congressman or general will pretend to be authorities on the question. All these men know is that Indians wear breach-clothes and have money which can be stolen. The Sioux could easily adapt themselves to a pastoral and agricultural life since they have several splendid settlements. One especially good settlement lies between the Wichitas, Addoes, Araphoes, and Cheyennes on the West, with whom the Sioux are intimate friends, and the Pottawatomies near our future residence in the east. Government treaties are made with the Indians in order to let the Indians starve materially and spiritually and in order to fatten the never-saturated harpies of the Indian Bureau. These treaties also suppress the complaints of the Indians. Father Martin (Marty) has advised that a good Indian settlement could be founded in this territory but it is hard to meet the right man to make the necessary treaty. If the Sioux continue to lead a wandering life, depending only on hunting, it will be harder to form a settlement. Robot was sick in bed when the deputation of Indians met under the leadership of the American Commissioner to unite the territory. Their visit was held in such a way that they were unable to acquire any information on the territory. Robot is confident that McMaster will fulfill his pledge but if anything should render this impossible, it will be because of Divine Providence.
I-2-b - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {5}