Barnabo, Alexpander, Cardinal Prefect, Rome, Papal States, to Archbishop Martin Spalding, Baltimore, Maryland, 1865 July 13

Many things having been reported concerning the Fenians, these were submitted to the Sacred Congregation of the Inquisition. The Holy Father after consulting the Cardinals called attention to the decree of August 5, 1846 which defined those societies which were classed as secret societies. The Holy See desired that in all cases recourse he had to the Holy See if there is difficulty in applying that decree. As to the recent statement of the Connaught Patriot that the Holy See had said that the Fenians, should not be disturbed the Sacred congregation denies the assertion. :: II-5-c A.L.S. Copied letter in Latin 4pp. 12mo.