Brummer, Father John W., St. Joseph's Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1863 November 25

Brummer has decided to write out his difficulties so that he can be more clear and Purcell can more easily answer. He is sorry that he has caused Purcell any difficulty the day previous. He has told his complaints to no one but his confessor. As to his requiring special food and special service, he insists that he never had any notion of requiring meat on Friday. He did have a special permission regarding the use of lard and bacon during Lent but did not long use it. As to drinking he has not been drunk, but the doctors have told him that exercise and diet are the best for his health and he has tried to follow their advice. He explains Father S's other complaints about eating, coffee, oysters, late meals. He complains of some of the suppers that he has not eaten. This treatment has made him unable to sing high mass which Father S. had to do for him. He feels that this treatment is not proper. He has said nothing about Father S., except to say that he was a good moral priest but there are some things he could say. He will accept Purcell's judgment in the matter and hopes to serve the Sacred Heart. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo. 1p. 16to. ` Note: Father S. is probably Father Engbert Stehle.