Finucane, Father John L., Columbus, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1864 May 2

Finucane obtained his release from Camp Chase by taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. He is without faculties from any bishop, as his own bishop granted him a three months leave of absence. He does not want to return to Mississippi in its present condition. Father Edward Fitzgerald is unwilling to have Finucane remain but he understands through Father John Murray that Purcell does not feel inclined to grant him faculties because of an article written by him years ago which appeared in the Louisville Guardian and which Purcell considered as being directed towards himself and his brother. Finucane disclaims any such intention but did oppose some of the views of the Catholic Telegraph and other Catholic periodicals. He hopes Purcell will accept his explanation and grant him the faculties to celebrate Mass. His leave expires on the 5th and he would go to Cincinnati for a personal interview but his funds will not permit it. He asks Purcell for his blessing. ` To this letter is added a note by Father Edward Fitzgerald. He is willing to have Finucane remain with him and that his leave is for three months with authority to any bishop to extend it, and it contains no irregularity. Purcell's note on back refers to a letter of Bishop Martin J. Spalding of a later date. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.