Lüers, John H., Bp. Of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1864 March 23

It is reasonable that they should wait for Bishop Frederic Baraga. The council should be help as soon as possible, because if Lüers goes to Europe he cannot be back by September 1. It might be better to hold it in October because the Sees of New York and Baltimore will be filled by that time and then they can take united action on how to treat the Fenians and other secret organizations such as the Unio League, Knights of the Golden Circle, etc. The Fenian movement has spread, especially in those congregations where the pastors have destroyed their influence by improper conduct. It is strongest in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Not a few clergymen are secretly in the movement. All the bishops must act in concert on the matter. Lüers is certain that if he dealt with Lafayette Indiana as Bishop James Duggan does in Chicago, he would ruin that congregation. Father Edward O'Flaherty has done much harm there. The Fair in Chicago will bring things to a crisis. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.