McGill, John Bishop of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 March 9

All that remains to clear the James H. Behan estate is the provision for having Behan's remains brought over from Liverpool England and some $400 to a Mr. Taylor. Most, if not all, of the Bishops have made a relinquishment, and Purcell has stated his unwillingness to make further distribution. They did very well to distribute $60,000 without a legal claim, in respect to the wishes of Behan, Bishop Francis N. Blanchet of Oregon has no further claim. Archbishop John McCloskey of New York and Bishop James F. Wood of Philadelphia express themselves satisfied with any arrangement made. He suggests that he and Purcell give several hundred dollars each to the Hospital of St. Vincent of Paul. Norfolk and one hundred each to Peggy Jasper, Behan's servant. If Purcell gives $500 for these purposes, he will got in cash about $7000, besides 20 shares of stock in the "Dismal Swamp Canal Co." which is now worth about $15, but which should soon be worth much more than that. He will also get $6,000 of Virginia state stock and half of a bond for $2880. The stocks are deposited with Alex Brown and Sons in Baltimore, but they have to pay 6% government inheritance tax on them. He asks to hear from Purcell at once, because he is going to Baltimore to effect the transfer of the funds from the executors. He will deposit it with Alex Brown and Sons. If Purcell does not agree with the suggestions regarding the hospital and Peggy Jaspar, his share will be $500 more. The other Bishops gave her something at the suggestion of Fitzgibbon. Purcell's trip to Pittsburgh was forgotten, but he should offset this expense to McGill's exercise of attorneyship for him. He will pay Purcell one-half the expenses if he wishes, for if they had been paid they would have reduced Purcell's share by that much. P.S. Purcell may answer him in Baltimore in care of Archbishop Spalding. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.