Hannin, Father Edward, Cleveland, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1870 December 9

Hannin has been visiting the western part of the diocese and found Purcell's letter on his return. He is grateful to General Wiliam Rosecrans for his favorable report on the condition of the church in Cleveland and to Purcell for sending it on. He has not met the General and is sorry that he could not entertain him as his devotion to the church deserves. Hannin did not publish the communication he read to Purcell because on his return from Cincinnati he found that the people paid no attention to the article from BishopAmadeus Rappe and that all was quiet. With the exception of 5 or 6 persons who are trying to cause mischief, conditions have not been better for a long time. The collection for the seminary exceeded last year's, the orphan collection found the people kindly, the 40 hours devotion was better attended. He sends several articles that had been published during his absence. The writer refers to a sermon preached during the 40 hours. The preacher, Father F. Boff, referred to resides in Tolodo and knows little of what goes on in the cathedral parish, nor is he known for his prudence. The 40 hours was an occasion of much edification. More than 20 priests attended, Irish, German and French. This, because of the national feeling supposed to exist, caused a good effect. The great object of the person writing in the papers is to destroy the character of priests and the confidence of the people in the priests. Hannin cannot see how Rappe ever sanctioned him. Next Sunday Hannin will insert an article, feeling that he has cleared himself of any party link. As Purcell can see, the correspondence cannot be allowed to continue. He will write to Purcell Monday. :: II-5-d A.L.S. 3pp. 8vo.