Altieri, Cardinal Louis, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1865 May 1

He is very grateful for Purcell's letter and his offering for the monument to Cardinal Cajetan Bedini. Altieri will give part of the offering to the Holy Father as a testimony of Purcell's devotion. The void caused by the loss of his best friend Bedini is immense. Purcell knows how he suffered. The diocese of Viterbo has suffered an irreparable loss. They must pray for his soul, although they hope he is already enjoying eternal glory. The surplus of the contributions for the monument to be erected in the Cathedral of Viterbo will be employed for the foundation of a perpetual Mass. Altieri rejoices in the success Purcell has attained in his apostolic labors despite the war. It appears now that that horrible river has suspended its ravages. :: II-5-c A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.