Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal Prefect, Rome, Papal States, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1870 June 17

Barnabo acknowledges Purcell's letter of November 20, 1869 in which he inquired why the fruit of the legacy of Father Joannes Baptista Joffroy in 1829, which for many years was administered by the Apostolic nuntio to Austria under the direction of the Emperor, according to an agreement between the Sacred Congregation and Joffroy, had not been paid. At the same time Purcell demanded that the fruits again be paid regularly of that $1,000 be paid to him for his right in the matter. Barnabo sends the message of the nuntio in the matter. As to the last proposition Purcell cannot demand this with a safe conscience since there are no supporting reasons, and, besides this, the bishops of Detroit, which for many years received a portion of these fruits, and also of Cleveland and of Saute Ste. Marie would have to consent to this. Looking at the purpose which the priest had in mind, the last two bishops have an especial claim in the legacy. One sum of 5859 florins was left under this condition that it be used for the education of needy youths of the diocese of Cincinnati, the other, a sum of 5040 florins, was left for the evangelization of Indians in the diocese. Since the time of the making of the legacy the territory of the diocese of Cincinnati has become four dioceses. Thus to Detroit and to the other two diocese portions must be assigned. Purcell therefore is to deal with these bishops to determine what division of the legacy, looking at the good intended, especially, as to the number of faithful Indians, is to be made with the approval of the Sacred Congregation. Barnabo will tell the nuntio to make payments hereafter annually. As to the fruits that were not paid in the past, these the Sacred Congregation will not refuse to pay. John Simeoni signs as secretary. No. 2. :: II-5-d A.L.S. Latin 2pp. 8vo.