Fitzgerald, Father Edward, Columbus, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1862 February 4

Fitzgerald would have liked to see Purcell in Cincinnati, but he is unable to leave Columbus because of the stroke of partial paralysis suffered by Father Thomas J. Coppinger. He is quite certain the false charges written against him were written by one of the school brothers. Fitzgerald's contracts to fence the property of Mr. Phelan were broken by the man engaged to do the work. The only relatives living with him are his sister who does the housework and his Father who acts as sexton. Edward O'Mealey never stopped ten minutes over six times since he left for Ireland 15 years ago. The Chalice was stolen and so Fitzgerald bought a safe but few people know of this, except the mentioned school teacher who knows why it was bought. The church income is $1800 per annum and after expenses are met there remains but $650 for Pastor, current expenses and payment on the debt left by Father James Meagher. Though the debt was $2317, it is almost all paid off because of Fitzgerald's accomplishments. He says that he will always be ready for any work Purcell may demand of him. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.