1812 Jan. 9
David, Father J(ean) St. Thomas
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, (Maryland)
He received Bruté's letter. While the seminarians were hugging the stove he and Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) had made trips through the woods of Kentucky, sometimes together and other times separately. He also has initiated Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat into his work in the missions. There David has given sixty Communions besides those hundred or more who had not been there for some years because of a lack of opportunity. Chabrat is very zealous and needs to be moderated. As to himself they have begun the seminary at St. Thomas. There are six seminarians: Shaffer, Desrigauds, Buchetty, Moretti, Twyman and Coomes. He speaks of their studies. There are two others named Simms who come to make their first communion and one named Boone. He answers Bruté's questions about how they live, including the rooms set aside for Mrs. Howard. The good Boretty has, as carpenter, made many things with the aid of Desrigauds. They are building a log cabin for a dormitory and study hall so that they can give a room to the Bishop who is being annoyed by the presence of Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin. That delays the retreat that he had planned. They are beginning to make sugar from the trees. January 16. The log cabin is half built with the aid of the neighbors. They are thinking of building a chapel of stones of which they have plenty. They want no debt. Chabrat preaches well and is successful. He wishes the Bishop would do as well but he has such an accent. He advises Bruté to get his spelling book so that he will do well in his new position. He has sold books of Hanna & Warner for 47 dollars. Bruté is to pay the firm and David will send the Mass intentions. He mentions all his friends.
P.S. He speaks of several tremors of the earth that they have had.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
5
1812 Feb. 5
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté) Brutey
Baltimore, (Maryland)
Kentucky absorbs all his thought and all his projects, and poor Kentucky has little of what he wants. If Father (Ambrose) Maréchal comes he hopes he will not be forgotten. He would like to have Father (Gabriel) Richard for his seminary, and for other work. He would use Father (John) David for preaching and for other work. Even Protestants desire to listen to him. He asks that Bruté not forget Kentucky where the roses are surrounded by thorns. He hopes for a love of God to bear his burdens. Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat does very well. One of the people said he was already a perfect missionary. The seminary is too small. Desrigauds and Morety do not have great talent. Buchety has talent but worries Flaget. Father (Charles) Nerinckx builds a church a hundred miles from there. Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin builds two others in brick in the principal cities of Kentucky. David wants to build a seminary and he is planning a cathedral. He fears for his cathedral because Godefroy had not completed the plans yet. He asks that Bruté ask Godefroy to draw up a plan for him soon. He would like to build a church 130 feet long but because of his lack of funds he will have to limit it to 100. He asks that Godefroy give him at least the outlines of the colonaded church. He must have a plan. If Bruté sees Grandpre, he is to assure him of Flaget's interest in his health. He asks about other persons in Baltimore, Deidier, Xaupi and Guber. The finances of the seminary are bad. He does not know how he can pay 50,000 dollars. 3,000 dollars of interest each year and the income from the seminary is only 1500. The foundation is too grand. He sends his regards to Nagot, Tessier, DuBourg, and Babade from whom he had a letter.
P.S. Badin asks not to be forgotten in their prayers. Chabrat who is with him also sends his regards to his friends. Badin has sent to Mr. Tiernan 300 copies of his Principles of Catholics by a French clergyman for Mr. Dechevigne and can send more if he can sell them.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
8
1812 Feb. 14
(Cheverus), Jean de, Bishop of
Boston, (Massachusetts)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, Maryland
(Cheverus) acknowledges Bruté's letter of January 25. He wishes to share the congratulations to Mr. Harent. He wishes that Mr. Bertrand would follow his example but Bertrand has indicated that he has no vocation to the priesthood, even after Father (Francis) Matignon copied Bruté's note for him. Bruté's details about Kentucky and Emmitsburgh are edifying. (Cheverus) has written to Mrs. (Elizabeth) Seton. He asks that Bruté convey his good wishes to Bishop Flaget and Father David and to Father Savine. None of the steamers from the east have arrived and he hopes that Bruté's books will come safely. Bruté is to ask Mr. Clorivière to send 120 pictures of Pius VII, and 200 of the engraved crucifix if he has them. A Boston merchant, Bryant P. Tilden, is in Baltimore and would bring the pictures. Matignon joins him in good wishes. They are pleased that Father (William) DuBourg has escaped the rheumatism this year, that Father (Francis) Nagot is well and they will soon hear from Father (Jean Tessier). Bruté is to give his regards to Archbishop (John Carroll), but he has no news of conversions.
P.S. He sends his regards to Edward Kavanaugh and his brother. He has received a letter from their father who is well.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
6
1812 Mar. 10
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas Seminary
Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté) Brutey
Baltimore, (Maryland)
David and Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) are pleased to hear the news about Mr. Harent. 55 years is an advanced age but not for Harent who is much advanced in wisdom. They mad their retreat on the evening of Septuagesima to Monday after Sexagesima after which they renewed their vows before the Bishop. David began his classes eight days ago. He does not have much hope for Buchetti. If they had listened to Father Urbain (Guillet) they would have sent him away a long time ago. The others of his students give satisfaction. Their number increases and they have built a house 24 by 20 for a dormitory and study room. They are now building a chapel of stones or bricks. They have also an interesting congregation but the room they use for a chapel is too small. The Bishop is anxious to come and live with them and they look forward to that also. They plan a garden and Desrigauds is marking it out. David outlines their day from rising at 5 until evening. Sunday is different. Two receive every week, the others every fortnight. He outlines also the ceremonies of Sunday. David goes once a month to Bardstown to the home of Mr. Saunders and once a month to visit another friend twelve miles away, who has given him the horse on which he travels. In December he gave Communion to 7 of this man's Negroes and to one of their daughters. The problem of the cathedral goes slowly, especially because of the negligence of Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin who built two churches in Louisville and Lexington instead of the cathedral. Badin irritates the Bishop who is very sensitive. The people seemed well disposed towards the idea. Bruté speaks of an earthquake at Baltimore. They feel many of them in Kentucky. They have heard of the damages on the banks of the Mississippi and in Carolina. Bruté is not to be disturbed about the books. He sends his regards to his friends especially Pasquier, Chevigny, Castelli and the seminarians.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
5
1812 Apr. 9
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas Seminary
(Bardstown), Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, (Maryland)
David expresses his pleasure in reading Bruté's letter, especially with his peculiar style. David promises to try to tell of their experiences as well as he can. They eat three times and frugally and even have whiskey, although they do not drink it. He has a happy community of eight children who look to him as their father. They confess to him and receive Communion once every eight days. Buchetty has left to everyone's satisfaction. He left Palm Sunday at 7:30 in the evening. Their cabin improves with Moretti working on it. Desrigauds cultivates the garden. David has purchased 7,000 feet of lumber for the brick chapel which will be 60 by 26 or 30. The wheat promises a good harvest. They have celebrated Holy Week as best they could with a large congregation, also the Annunciation. Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) could not bless the oils because he did not have the oil. They had the ceremonies they could for Easter. David is preparing a choir from the young people of the parish. He describes the decoration of the church for the feast. He continues April 18. They are completing the cabin, erecting door beams and filling the cracks with mud and whitewashing. They have had three days of rain with thunder and lightening which set fire to a tree, and frightened their horses. Having to take refuge in the home of Protestant neighbors there are evidences of a possible conversion. The child they thought possessed is still very sick. She becomes violent at the approach of blessed objects but then becomes quiet. They will consult the best physicians of Bardstown before trying an exorcism. April 22. There is little new. The Bishop made the retreat in peace. He is pleased at the advance of his seminary. David hopes to hear good news from Bruté. They need two or three new missionaries and the Bishop would like a good superior for his seminary so he could go on the circuits of the Bishop. There is little chance that he will accompany the Bishop to Baltimore, because the seminary is too important.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
2
1812 Apr. 16
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
B(ardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Bruté) Brutey
Baltimore, Maryland
(Flaget) is very grateful for Bruté's letters which are like gazettes. His poor country is so buried in the woods that his messages are very much appreciated. He begs Bruté to continue to send them news of the church. (Flaget) tells of attending a sick child which suffered from convulsions which had been cured by spitting up worms while he was there. Three other children experienced the same illness which was attributed to witchcraft. The father said that only a priest could cure the children because a negress was the cause of the illness. There were indications in her case of possession especially blasphemy and cursing of women. The mother, a Catholic, sprinkled holy water on the person and she became quiet. Protestants hearing this thought that all water would have the same effect with the salt in it, but their water did not have the effect. In another case the use of the scapular and singing Catholic hymns had the effect of stopping the sicknesses. (Flaget) has heard of this from Father (Charles) Nerinckx who heard it from the father. (Flaget) has eye witnesses. (Flaget) is going to take another very sick child and have her examined by doctors and see if the sickness can be explained by natural things. If not he will assemble the clergy and proceed with an exorcism. A great good will result if this sickness can be cured by this exorcism. There is great publicity to the case and last Sunday 400 persons came to see the child. (Flaget) prays for the good health of Father (William) DuBourg so that he can continue his excellent conferences. He is to tell Sinnott that his father is well and has made his Easter Communion. He asks to be remembered to Irishmen Hayes and McGowan.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
3
(1812) Jul. 2
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas Seminary
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, (Maryland)
David has not written for a long time, chiefly because he had nothing interesting to say. The lower floor of their cabin is finished, the dormitory should be in place next week. Moretti does all this with the help of the youngsters. Providence is good to them, they have fish for Friday and Saturday and some turtles. The people of the congregation bring them grain and ham and occasionally some other eatables. Their garden is small but it furnishes them more than that at Baltimore. He lists all the vegetables they have and the abundance of flowers. They begin the harvest but their grain suffers from the Hessian flies. He has only seven seminarians, since Twyman left. Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget will send two more. They are very good. They go to Communion every Sunday if they have made their First Communion. The Bishop is now giving Confirmation. David accompanies him, although Desrigaud does what he can to help. The Bishop does not save himself. Last Sunday there were 200 at St. Charles, and Confirmation was followed by a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. But the other day at St. Charles he noticed that the Bishop had trouble and had to rest. Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat does marvels and is very gentle. Conversations multiply but they must not become presumptuous. Their services are becoming more interesting and they are adding various ceremonials. Many Protestants come to these services and some stay for the catechism that follows the Mass. David has baptized two adults and two others are preparing for baptism. Next Monday they are starting to make bricks for their chapel. The subscription goes slowly. The little girls whom they thought possessed are in the hands of Bardstown doctors. The doctors think they have been poisoned. If the doctors give up the Bishop will make his exorcisms. David acknowledges Bruté's responses to Knox. He has asked Father Tessier to send him some books, especially "True Piety." Bruté is to remind Tessier of his list. Flaget has sent David Bruté's letter of June 8 on eternity. The seminarians send their regards.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
3
1812 Jul. 20
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
B(ards) T(own, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Baltimore, Maryland
Bruté's letter of July 8 found him confessing, preaching, confirming, etc. The holy services consume nearly all his time. Bruté's prodigies from Maryland edify him but intrigue him also. It is good to strive to imitate the best but to realize that such is unattainable. Up to the present he gives Confirmation only on Sunday and to those who are well instructed and have made their First Communion. He is usually accompanied by two or three ecclesiastics. The people are from every profession but the spirit of piety is very deep. The ceremony lasts three hours, with First Communion besides the Confirmation to which Father (Charles) Nerinckx has added a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. When the Bishop objected Nerinckx would not listen to his remonstrances because he had not driven away the demons from the neighborhood. Nerinckx arranged three of these services, the latest 10 or 12 miles away. The people, although poor have purchased 400 acres for a church and have built a little chapel, sending him the title to both. At the ceremony they carried branches of trees instead of candles with four large ones serving for a canopy. Father Nerinckx managed the ceremonies and the chant. The Trappists have a pretty establishment there but Father Urbain (Guillet) has gone to Louisiana where he suffers from the heat. The Bishop says his functions are always the same and he fears his letters are also. On his way one day, and speaking to a Catholic he asked a Protestant lady if the child she held was baptized. Learning that it was not he asked to baptize it and eight others. This in turn led to the baptism of the lady. He has given to these children sponsors of his own choice so that they still learn their prayers. He pleads with Bruté to send his priests for the work. (Part crossed out.) He has a letter of exchange for Father Ladavière but since Ladavière has not come he has asked to use the money. the draft is for 30 days and he wants approval to use the money since Archbishop (John Carroll) said that Ladavière would not come to America to be a Jesuit. In the next room Father (Jean) David is making students decline the pronouns. Morety [Moretti] does not do so well in Latin. Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat is a great source of consolation. Flaget sends his respects to Father (Francis) Nagot, and a thousand thanks to Father John Tessier and his other confreres. He holds Bruté responsible for the life of Gather (William) Dubourg. He sends attentions to Madame Amiote and the ladies of the laundry. He salutes all the professors and students of the seminary and college. The good Madame Leroy has not written him although he wrote her. He does not know if Moral the nephew of Adame Lacombe has received the letter he sent him the first of the year as he has received no answer. He will start for Baltimore at the commencement of September and will visit many congregations on the way.
P.S. He greets various ladies and Mr. Costel. He owes an answer to Harent and many other things. He blesses the family with its holy patriarch.
II-3-n A.L.S. 6pp. 4to.
7
1812 Aug. 28
Dubourg, Father W(illia)m
Conewago, (Pennsylvania)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
(Baltimore, Maryland)
DuBourg acknowledges Bruté's letter of the 21st and is pleased that Bruté's attitude towards him has changed. The exchange of affection is mutual. He asks Bruté's prayers for himself and the flock entrusted to his care. He does not answer here Bruté's entreaties to stay for the Council. He gave his reasons to Father (Jean) Tessier. DuBourg feels that Bruté will offend Father J.B.T. Paquiet and others if he stays away until November. Horatio's mother and sister who reside here are no more advanced than six months ago. The mother listens with pleasure. As to a daughter married in Bruté's area, DuBourg does not know her. The father who is full of zeal he has placed in the hands of Father (Ambrose) Maréchal. As to Bruté he has written to Father P(aquiet) that they should send him to Mt. St. Mary's. He did not communicate the reasons to Father (Jean) Dubois. He is convinced that the matter in question would pass in the Council.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
5
1812 Aug. 28
DuBourg, Father W(illia)m
Conewago, (Pennsylvania)
to Father John Tessier
Baltimore, (Maryland)
DuBourg has just received a letter from Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté in which he presses him to remain for the Council, but he has his own reason for leaving with his brother. If he delayed until the council he would not go until the spring time because the council is not convoked until November 10. His efforts to move up the date ten or fifteen days have been fruitless. Since it seems impossible that they do anything in less than 20 days that would delay him until December and make the travel impracticable. To delay until spring would mean that he would not arrive until summer, a bad time to get used to the heat and he would lose a year of business. He anticipates opposition and the delay would give him strength. There is also the economy of travelling with his family. His sister and Madame Bueste delay their departure. He does not belong to the ecclesiastical Province and cannot have any voice in the Council. As to Louisiana he does not know it at all and the Council cannot make any rule for a diocese not belonging to the province. Further he can be of little use in making general regulations, the bishops and missionaries being much better informed. He is not the Sulpician to make research. Tessier, Babad, Marechal or Bruté will suffice for that. He quotes the letter of Archbishop (John Carroll) which leaves the ultimate decision to DuBorg. Fathers Debarth and Dubois are of his opinion. He exposes his position so that Tessier can explain them to the Bishop. (A note on the back signed by) Tessier says that he sends this letter to Father Bruté to send it on.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 4to.
3
1812 (Sep. 8)
David, Father J(ean), St. Thomas Seminary
(Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, Mount St. Mary's Seminary
Emmitsburgh, Maryland
It is a long time since David wrote to Bruté and while he has promised to write a long letter to send by the Bishop (Benedict Joseph Flaget) he is not sure that he will have the time. He has learned of the arrival of Father (Ambrose) Maréchal which affords welcome aid in the departure of Father (William) DuBourg. Maréchal brings with him a subdeacon and promises other clerics. He can also give the Bishop the latest news from France when the Bishop comes to Baltimore while David stays at home. They are making the bricks for their chapel and will finish that in a month, although they will build only the foundations in stone before the coming winter. They have 8 seminarians and are now on vacation. Two excellent subjects will soon join them and the institute for girls will begin this fall. Next Sunday there will be Confirmation for 99, all of whom have made their Communion because the Bishop will not confirm them unless they have their first Communion. The Bishop has confirmed over a thousand and if they have few missionaries they have had wide influence. October 6. He has received Bruté's English letter but notes that Bruté has not acquired an English style. He advises him to read more newspapers, the Spectator, The Rambler of Johnson, his Rasselas, etc. David has read them again and again and memorized phrases. The Bishop has gone. David bears the burden and he asks Bruté that the Archbishop not delay the Council so that the Bishop can return before Christmas. In the meantime he and Father (Guy) Chabrat are attending the congregations attended by the Bishop and Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin. David makes his visit especially on Thursday which is the recreation day for the seminarians, actually a day of work. October 13. He has received a letter from Father (Jean) Tessier who informs him that the council had been postponed. David had written to Flaget hoping to reach him at Chillicothe. He wrote in the care of Mr. Ditto at whose house the Bishop was to say Mass on October 2. David does not know whether the Bishop will go on or return. They begin their retreat the evening of the 4th Sunday of October. There are 10 or 11 seminarians.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
8
1812 Oct. 13
DuBourg, Father W(illia)m
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Emmitsburgh, (Maryland)
DuBourg has just learned that the Archbishop (John Carroll) is detained at Emmitsburgh and will not be back in Baltimore before next week. DuBorg must leave within two days and has not received the letters the Archbishop promised and which he expected that day. He is sending an express to ask for them, so that the Archbishop can sign them the next morning. He has asked the Archbishop to tell his plans for DuBourg and the efforts that have been delayed by the imprisonment of the Holy Father. This DuBourg regards as important so that New Orleans will be impressed. The Archbishop understands this and he repeats it for Bruté's benefit. Carroll has promised one letter to Father (Jean) Oliver and one to Governor (William) C.C. Claiborne and the third to the Superioress of the Ursulines.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 3pp. 4to.
5
1812 Oct. 27
Grassi, S.J., Father John
Georgetown, (District of Columbia)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
Emmitsburg, Maryland
Mrs. Patton, wife of James Patton, the English consul at Alexandria, wants to send her daughter aged 12 or 13 to the religious house near Bruté's college. She applied to Grassi and he writes to Bruté whom Father (Francis) Malève informs him now lives at Emmitsburg. He takes the occasion to thank Bruté for the handsome picture he gave him last summer. The hope of writing and sickness delayed the acknowledgement. Father Cary has also suffered attacks of biliousness but is now better. Grassi asks that Bruté visit Georgetown and also Cary at St. Thomas Manor. The proximity to the capital makes it possible to invite Bruté. Father Malève will be glad to see Bruté at Frederick. From there the stage goes every week to Georgetown.
II-3-n A.L.S.. 2pp. 4to.
4
1812 Nov. 17
Grassi, S.J., Father John
George Town, Dist(ric)t of Columbia
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, Mount St. Mary's Sem(inar)y
Emmitsburg, (Maryland)
Grassi is sorry that he did not mention that James Patton is not a Catholic, although his wife and family are good Catholics. He asks that Bruté tell him everything concerning the education given at St. Joseph or have it done by one of the ladies. Mrs. Patton is the mother of 5 other girls who will all probably be sent to St. Joseph. If the daughter Mary is admitted Mrs. Patton intends to come with her. To lose no time she asks if she can come immediately if the terms are acceptable. Nothing would be more agreeable than Bruté's promise to come and see them. The presence of Father (A. Pierre) Ladavière (S.J.) late from France and Bruté's old acquaintance is a new motif. He has persuaded him to write a few lines on the next page. He asks prayers for their brethren in Russia whose colleges with one exception are in the hands of vandals.
P.S. He sends his respects to Father (Jean) Dubois and (Benjamin) Duhamel.
A.L.S.
Father Ladavière adds in French on the next page that since Father Grassi has insisted that he add a few words he wants to call to memory. Although not a particular friend in the past yet since they are to work in the same country it is fitting that they remember each other in their prayers and Masses.
A. Note. S. 3pp. 4to.
3
1813 Jan. 22
(Flaget), B(enedict) J(oseph), Bishop of
B(ards) T(own, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté
(Mt. St. Mary's, Emmitsburg, Maryland)
(Flaget) dined yesterday at the home of Mr. Chatard and Bruté is well loved in that house. Madame Bredy Bagh has come to see (Flaget) twice about her boy who is in Brute's seminary and more on the subject of the girl whom she would place in a convent. Her brother-in-law, a Protestant, pays the bill but she is afraid there is no place in a monastery for the girl. He wants her to go to live with the nuns lest she lose the faith since all except her mother, a convert, are opposed to the Faith. M. De Chazourne is on the sea from Paris for the United States. The Trappist Father newly arrived tells (Flaget) that there is a young ecclesiastic whose name he does not know setting out at Bordeaux as a sailor. (Flaget) does not have the details but this seems to be Chazourne. Father (Francis) Nagot is better. He is in search of Father (Stephen Theodore) Badin. God knows when he will return to Kentucky.
II-3-n A.L.S. (French) 4pp. 16mo.
3