Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal Prefect, Rome, Papal States, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1868 March 7

Barnabo acknowledges Purcell's letter of Feb. 6 concerning the sad state of the diocese of Cleveland . These things imply not only that conditions are bad in the seminary, and that unsuitable men are advanced to orders but condemn also certain things in the episcopal administration. Indeed the bishop of Cleveland Amadeus Rappe is accused of having moved Father Charles Evrard from one of the best to one of the poorest parishes in the diocese because he opposed collecting money at the door of the church. This and other things the bishop has denied. However, the things charged against the man are not grave enough for such a severe punishment. Barnabo authorizes Purcell to investigate, with great prudence, the conditions for the removal of Father Evrard as well as the general conditions of the diocese of Cleveland, and after his investigation to lay the matter before him. H. Capalti signs as secretary, Number 1. :: II-5-d L.S. 1pg. 8vo.