Chatard, Father M., Rome, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1866 March 17

He thanks Purcell for his letter of Feb. 21st. Mr. Cusack and the others from Cincinnati are in good health. He is glad to hear of Bishop Sylvester Rosecrans recovery, and many asked about him at Propaganda. He gave Purcell's questions to Card. Barnabo who said 1 The time of the council is set for the 4th Sunday after Easter, and the Brief of presidency has been sent to Archbishop Martin J. Spalding of Baltimore. 2 The length of the beard must be adopted in a future council. 3 An answer concerning the formula of Baptism has been sent. Barnabo told Chatard that permission is granted for 10 years rather than for 7 years. He noticed that Barnabo and His Holiness both dislike seeing the priests come to Rome wearing a beard. Many missions are going on in Rome in preparation for coming events, especially for the choleras. Today a number of gentlemen, among whom some were American, addressed the Pope and gave him their good-will and sympathy. He does not know what the Pope answered them. Things are rather peaceful in Rome. At a dinner given during the Carnival by the Princes, they drank to the health of Victor Emmanuel. Rome is filling with strangers because of the approaching Holy Week, and about 1,000 Americans are expected by Easter. Father William McCloskey said he would visit Purcell while in America and he hopes he will arrange with the Bishops and Archbishops to do the things for the College. He sends his regards to Father J.H. Richter. :: II-5-c A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo