Juncker, Henry D. Bishop of Alton, Alton, Illinois, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1859 September 1

Juncker is lonesome for Ohio and is kept too busy and has such miserable health at times that he cannot leave. He had two retreats-one at Cape Girardeau for the English priests, and one ending yesterday at Alton for the Germans. Juncker believes the retreat had its merits. He tried to establish uniformity in the Divine ceremonies, the instructions of youth and schools, and to have the churches keep the services better. He has also proposed a plan for the support of old and infirm priests, and made arrangements to finance a house for himself by taxing each church. Three institutes will commence this fall. Ursulines at Springfield, Illinois, which is doing very well. He asks how the young lady with Mrs. Carr is, and whether she is coming this fall. They need some help. The Ursulines at Alton are doing very well. Juncker says that the Sisters of Notre Dame of Milwaukee will open their boarding school at Belleville. He says he now has nearly all the young men whom he got from the seminaries of Munster, Boderborn, and Nancy ordained. He has nearly fifty engaged in the missions and about fifteen more would satisfy his wants. Juncker says a convert in the southern part, near Carmi will give him his fine farm of 240 acres, with stock, new house, etc. for the education of youth and religious purposes. Juncker asks Purcell what religious order is the best. The greatest want is good teachers. Juncker wrote to Father Edward Sorin and asked him if he could establish a house for that purpose, also a female school near Shawneetown. Juncker feels sure these would succeed since there are no such institutions in the south. He asks Purcell how he should arrange it, Mr. and Mrs. Hout of Shawneetown, and other acquaintances send their compliments. Juncker must be in Mattoon, Illinois next Sunday to dedicate a church. He sends his regards to Father Edward Purcell, Father, and all. :: II-4-o A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.