Young, Father Nicholas R., Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1865 March 1

Young had read and pondered Purcell's letter and is comforted by Purcell's sympathy. His joy is damped, however, by the fact that he cannot realize Purcell's proposal of a visit. He is under a formal precept to remain at this house. Further the means of travel are not within his power, and the brethren are pledged to allow him no money. The only way the visit could take place would be for Purcell to obtain permission from the vicar Provincial Father Lilly for him to visit him. As to the rest of the Archbishop's letter he will try to emulate the virtues that were pointed out. He has tasted no liquor since he has been there. His health he finds well, except for a distorted finger from inflammatory rheumatism of last winter. He is weak and does not have much appetite. He feels that his alienation from the Dominicans is complete and he asks Purcell to receive him. He does not know how to present his case to Rome and leaves this to Purcell. It is probably true that the laxity of convent life operated powerfully to his downfall and then left him in the mire. But he forgets and forgives. His brethren are saints compared to himself. :: II-5-c A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.