Luers, John H. Bishop of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1869 March 12

Luers asked Purcell if it might not be arranged that he be sent to Detroit, and that Father Julian Benoit be named to succeed Luers. If Luers had it to do over, he would act differently. When he came to Fort Wayne, a new cathedral was needed and no funds could be had from the people of Fort Wayne. Father Benoit told Luers that he had friends in the South and that he would be able to collect a fine sum from them. This induced him to retain Benoit and his hands have been tied ever since. He believes that in Detroit he would be able to get along. The lack of German-speaking priests is deplorable and probably results in the loss of many souls. He would suggest that Benoit be given the diocese of Fort Wayne, and if that is not possible, then Father F. Boff or anyone else who was not on the list of nominees for this diocese. Then Benoit would not feel that he had been slighted, which he no doubt has been feeling all along. Luers' successor will not have to create, merely hold on to that which already exists. He leaves this to Purcell's judgment. If Purcell does not deem this change proper, Luers asks that this letter be destroyed, for this is the first time that Luers has mentioned the matter to anyone. If need be, Luers can get over the few years of life which he still has in this world. P.S. Under ordinary circumstances, he would not advise such changes, but still they have taken place over the Catholic world, and still do take place. :: II-5-d A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.