Burnett, Peter H., San Jose, California, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1860 December 28

Burnett was too sick to answer Purcell's letter of November 30 immediately. He agrees with Purcell rather than with Dr. R. and Dr. K. in believing that the appeal to Peter by the other Apostles was a matter of faith rather than ignorance. Burnett would like to go to Europe with Purcell but feels that it is his duty to spend the money on the Church. All the children are married except John, who is now in Europe. Burnett and his wife are alone, as they were thirty two years ago. If Burnett does not improve, he and his wife will see Purcell next year. Burnett believes the country is in peril and that slavery is not the true cause but only a means to test the strength of the government. The system of government is only good in theory but impossible in operation because of the dense population. Virginia and Georgia defeated decisions of the Supreme Court of United States and the government is losing the confidence of legal men. He admits Protestanism had much to do with bringing the present crisis, and when it is passed, the government formed will be strange and possibly bring trials and sufferings. Burnett hopes Judge Baine's work will do much good. He asks Purcell to remember him to Mr. and Mrs. Springer, Sister Loyola and Bishop James F. Wood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He read the last edition of Dr. Orestes A. Brownson's Review and the criticisms of the Catholic Press, and feels that the criticisms are not written in the right spirit. He is worried at the bitterness growing between Dr. Brownson and the editors of our papers. :: II-5-a A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.