Boudinet, James Anthony, Bishop of, Amiens, France, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 February 10

It is not necessary for Boudinet to tell Purcell of the evils that France has had to undergo, especially those in parts that have been invaded and occupied by the enemy. Among those parts, Amiens had undergone the greatest trials. The Bishop gives a detailed account of the capture, recapture and other sufferings of the city from the German and French armies and the battles in and about the place. The Cures of the countryside have nothing in their parishes. They do not have sufficient bread, and cannot offer Mass because of the lack of wine. These sufferings have been most severe during the winter months, when the shops have been closed. Not only do they suffer from the things they consume in the ordinary course, but also by reason of the large sums which they are forced to pay as indemnity because of the war. It is because of this situation that subscriptions have been opened, and it is in order to make their needs known that he addresses this letter. It is only a year since they were assembled in the Council. The French bishops were then too confident in the service which France would be able to render to the Church. But now the Holy See itself is suffering and France has neither money nor blood to give for the church. P.S.—Amiens has business relations with various cities of Europe and drafts can be made on those cities. :: II-5-e Printed letter S. 3pp. 8vo.