Macheboeuf, Father Joseph Projectus, Denver, Colorado, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1868 March 26

Ever since receiving notice from Cardinal Barnabo of his appointment as Vicar Apostolic of Colorado and Utah, Macheboeuf intended to write to Purcell. Administration of two large territories would have frightened any young vigorous man capable to undertake the task, but besides Macheboef's sincere conviction of his incapacity, Macheboeuf has suffered for 4 years from an accident, which left him unable to say Mass for over four months. Since then, Macheboeuf has had to use a cane to walk; God cannot approve of his appointment, for the same week, he received of it, Macheboeuf commenced to feel pain in his limb, making it difficult for him to walk and say Mass. Added to this the Irish Catholics show dislike to Macheboeuf's administration, due to his quick temper, the dismissal of a scandalous Irish priest, and his opposition to the Fenian Brotherhood on the advice of the ArchbishopPeter Richard Kenrick of St. Louis. Added to this are pecuniary difficulties caused by the resistance of the Fenians, who refuse to contribute to Macheboeuf's support. Consequently Macheboeuf had exhausted over $8000 received at different times from New Mexico, and borrowed wherever he could from $2000 to $2,500 a year. They had not even $100 left for the urgent wants, after the indispensable expenses of the Church were paid. High interest of 2 to 3% a month had raised the debt to a good sum. True in 1862 and '63 Macheboeuf had with his own means secured some valuable property in Denver for church, school and charitable purposes. The sale of a portion would get him out of debt, but no prospect of selling, without great sacrifice, until the Union Pacific railroad is finished to Denver, which in all probability will be within a year, but in the meantime the debt increases fearfully. Thus Macheboeuf must borrow in the East. These troubles have caused Macheboeuf to delay writing to the Archbishop Martin John Spalding of Baltimore. Divine Providence has sent a good friend to advise Macheboeuf. Father J. De Blieck, S.J., once president of the College in Cincinnati had gone from Chicago to Santa Fe to preach a pastoral retreat and give missions. Father De Blieck has been with Macheboeuf for two weeks and Macheboeuf explained his difficulties to him, and De Blieck advised Macheboeuf to accept. Macheboeuf desires to pay the debts and leave to another better qualified a clear field for future administration. The Apostolic Brief is expected within a few weeks. Macheboeuf intends to go to Omaha and St. Louis after Easter, arrange a loan to pay more urgent needs and attend to all the temporal affairs before the ceremony of consecration in Cincinnati. Knowing nothing of the customs and conditions Macheboeuf leaves to Purcell control of the arrangements. Macheboeuf requested Archbishop Spalding to lend to Purcell the faculties which Purcell should keep for Macheboeuf. Macheboeuf invited Bishops Rappe, De Goesbriand and also Father William Cheymol. Macheboeuf sends respects to Father Edward Purcell and friends. :: II-5-h A.L.S. Photostatic copy from the Archives of the College of Mt. St. Joseph, Delhi, Ohio. 4pp. 4to.