Baraga read the strange statement in the "Boston Pilot" that Pope Pius IX will confirm only one out of the 12 new bishops whom the National Council had appointed and that is Father James Roosevelt Bayley who is to become Bishop of Newark, New Jersey. If the Holy Father knew the spiritual misery of the Upper Peninsular he would have confirmed the proposed vicariate before all other Sees. Baraga intended to go to Europe immediately after his consecration to select a few priests for Lake Superior. Even if the Holy Father rejects Upper Michigan, Baraga will go to Europe, with the Bishop's permission, as a simple priest to bring back priests. His Catholic population is increasing every year. Two churches are already finished and several others are in contemplation. The Catholics offer to support their clergymen liberally. Nothing is wanting but priests. Baraga is now on a missionary visit throughout the 2 mining locations, where more than 70 babies are waiting for baptism. It will take him seven weeks After that he hopes to see the Bishop in Detroit. He begs the Bishop again to allow Father Angelus van Paemel to spend the coming winter at L'Anse, since he is willing to go there. There are two priests Fathers Francis X. Pierz and Ignatius Mrak at L'Arbre Croche, besides Van Paemel, but there will be none from one end of the immense lake to the other, if Van Paemel does not go. He wants him to be there at the end of September or beginning of October. :: III-2-i A.L.S. English 2pp. 8vo