O'Donnell, Father James H. Watertown, Connecticut to Father James French, C.S.C. Notre Dame, Indiana, 1898 May 29

He wishes to secure all the information he can get about Father Edward Gillen, C.S.C. In 1841 Gillen lived in Hartford and organized a class in singing; he was an expert violinist; he travelled through the west as agent for the "Boston Pilot" and finally entered the Congregation of Holy Cross. He believes Gillen was a chaplain during the Civil War. He asks the date of his death, if he taught at Notre Dame, where buried, etc. Note on reverse side: Gillen studied at Notre Dame and sold books and peddled through the country; his little store was situated near the center of the present college park; this was during the 50's. He was ordained by Bishop Josue Young, Erie about 1859; went to war as chaplain; died in Brooklyn and buried in Community cemetery at Notre Dame.

XI-2-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo.