Benoit, Father Julian, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1859 December 26

Bishop Amadeus Rappe has sent him Purcell's answer concerning the case of Bishop John Henry Luers versus Toledo. As Purcell says there is not even a shadow of foundation for Benoit's assertions. Benoit says he had advised Luers to reconcile himself to being bishop of Fort Wayne lest he lose the esteem of his flock. Then Luers told him of his ideas about Toledo—how for the territory Rappe would give Luers, Rappe would receive in return additional territory from the diocese of Cincinnati. Benoit thought from what Luers said that he had spoken to Purcell, but he now sees that it was but another of Luers' dreams. He wrote to Rappe only on request. He regrets that he had anything to do with the matter. P.S.—Purcell did not spare compliments to the people of Louisiana and they remember his visit. Bishop Luers has given up imaginary changes and is resigned to the realities of his position. :: II-4-o A.L.S. 3pp. 8vo.