McCloskey, Father William, Gensano, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1861 September 5

He had not yet delivered the beads to Madame Bontonslinn so he went to the Villa Lanti because he knew she would be glad to hear from Purcell, and wanted to be remembered in McCloskey's answer. She gave McCloskey a letter to be sent to Purcell. McCloskey gave the Rector of the Propaganda Purcell's message. The Propagandists have a hard lot as their villa is now occupied by the French. The American College received two medals in the concursus. The Propagandists were beaten by the American and Irish Colleges. He intends to visit Father Francis Pabisch as soon as things are settled. He had called on Pere Birmingham who is in Rome studying Italian. He expects Father L. Obermeyer to leave Mt. St. Mary's College since Father John R. Byrne left. McCloskey read some of Father William Barry's articles in Brownson and liked them. He asks Purcell to inform him how things stand concerning the War. He sends his regards to Purcell's brother, Father Collins and Mr. Barry. :: II-5-a A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.