McCloskey, Father William, Gensano, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1861 September 20

Young Dutton will no doubt make a good year's theology. O'Regan is doing well. Miss Seton spoke of the pleasure she enjoyed from Purcell's visit to Viterbo. Father Francis J. Pabisch is spending a week with them at the villa. Pabisch will send the relics as soon as possible. They have great fun with Pabisch; he is so good hearted. Old Father Birmingham is still at San Bartolomeo's studying Italian. McCloskey asks about the progress of the war and the future of Archbishop Francis Patrick Kenrick in case of separation. Reports say that General Rosecrans is hemmed in by the enemy and short of water for his troops. He thinks Lee is the best officer in the Southern army. McCloskey asks about Mt. St. Mary's College. Father John B. Byrne it seems has gone to Philadelphia and probably Father Francis J. Obermeyer will follow. McCloskey would be delighted to hear that Father Edward Fitzgerald is director of the seminary. He understands that the President, Father John McCaffery is a secessionist. :: II-5-a A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.