Jacker, Father Edward, Calvary, Wisconsin, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1868 September 27

In conformity with Purcell's letter Jacker says that he will return the next day to the Diocese of Marquette, the condition of which is not as bad as depicted by Father Honoratus Bourion . The removal of two or three priests including Bourion himself would remedy matters, but since they have given no great scandal, and since there is no prospect for relief in the person of disinterested missionaries, he will have to leave things in existing conditions, with one exception. The changes he made were beneficial to priests and congregations. In financial matters, thanks to Purcell's help sent last spring, they have scarcely ever been better. The debts of the diocese are paid, of the cathedral nearly, and $18,000 from a fair, held shortly after the fire, speaks well for the congregation of about 2,000 laborers and mechanics mostly. The Ursulines in Marquette are a peaceful and edifying community. The scandal referred to by Bourion occured at Ontagon, Michigan , 18 months ago and terminated four weeks later with the return of the half-crazy superioress and her associates to Canada. Jacker wished that the accusations of Bourion would have produced the intended effect of enabling him to fulfill a long-felt desire, but he knew that Purcell would be upset by these accusations and that he would desire to know that things were well. He could appeal to all the priests of the diocese except this ambitious one. As to his being chosen as administrator, Bishop Frederick Baraga made public in a letter his choice and gave him a document to dispell any doubts. Purcell had confirmed Baraga's choice, only Bourion did not accept him, announcing that Jacker had been deposed for bad administration. Having failed in his visit to Cincinnati, Bourion, announces that he will sell his property and leave the diocese. Jacker asks Purcell's forgiveness for taking his time. :: II-5-d A.L.S. 6pp. 12mo.