Shea, John Gilmary, Elizabeth, New Jersey, to James F. Edwards, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1891 June 14

It distresses him to read such despondent words from Edwards. He spoke to Edwards as he would to no living man. In order to complete his history he must sacrifice his library. The New York acceptance of his offer was made promptly. To obtain 500 subscribers ought to be easy. He asks if Edwards could take up the project if they abandon it. Shea's own credit requires him to keep the U. S. Catholic Historical Society alive for at least a year. In the matter of collections Edwards is alone. He would like no better home for his collection than Memorial Hall. He sometime feared that Edwards had little sympathy and support at Notre Dame but banished the thought as a delusion. He asks if Edwards can sell him certain newspapers and in time get them back with his whole collection. (Part missing. Enclosed are two notes in Edwards' hand apparently addressed to Miss Isabel Shea.)

Edwards saw her father in New York and he requested him not to send the papers until he made out a list of all his needs. Shea said he gave Archbishop Michael Corrigan of New York until Sept. 1 to accept his offer and if he refused, Shea would give the library to Notre Dame on the same terms. Edwards was to give up teaching for a year and devote himself to the disposal of the work. A Jesuit father informed Edwards that his order was indebted to Miss Shea for the library. — Shea never sent Edwards a list of his needs as he promised.