Lüers, John H., Bishop of Fort Wayne, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1864 July 10

He arrived just in time to see the Holy Father assist at St. John Lateran were the decrees for the beatification of Peter Canisius and Margaret Alacoque were read. The Holy Father is in the best of health. He asked if Lüers and Bishop Patrick N. Lynch were enemies. Lüers replied that there was no war between them. Father Silas Chatard, vice-rector of the American College is treating Lüers with a kindness he will never forget. Cardinal Alexander Barnabo is well posted on American affairs. Lüers fears that Father Benjamin Spalding will not have sufficient energy for the diocese of Louisville. Father Peter J. Lavialle is not at all liked by the clergy. Lüers suggests that Bishop George Carrell go to Louisville and that Bishop Sylvester H. Rosecrans go to Covington where he could still assist Purcell. Cardinal Charles A. Reisach told Lüers that in Rome they consider the councils in America without system, that it would be better to treat of faith as well as discipline. The Holy Father reprobates the French custom of bowing before the Blessed Sacrament. Rome is truly a city of kindness and brotherly love. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.