Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal Prefect, Rome, Papal States, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 April 4

Barnabo acknowledges Purcell's letter of Mar. 10 which he received the previous day. He notes with admiration that Purcell immediately communicated to Bishop William McCloskey the contents of Barnabo's letter of Jan. 14, asking Purcell to investigate the diocese of Louisville. However, Barnabo notes that the Sacred Congregation asked that another bishop accompany Purcell to avoid suspicion of partiality against those who have complained. Barnabo asks that Purcell tell him what plained. Barnabo asks that Purcell tell him what he feels should be done, before taking action. He does not wonder at the plan proposed by Purcell and what Purcell writes concerning the desires of Bishop McCloskey, but it belongs to the Sacred Congregation, not to the bishop, to decide the plan to be followed. It is necessary therefore that another bishop be appointed to work with Purcell. Since he thinks Bishop Maurice De St. Palais the proper one by reason of his prudence, Barnabo writes to him to act with Purcell in this matter and to decide with Purcell on the proper time for the visit to Louisville. He includes the charges that have been made against McCloskey, which they are to investigate thoroughly. Signed by John Simeoni as secretary. Number 3. The following list of charges is endorsed by Purcell as of June, but apparently belong in, this letter. Complaints have been made against McCloskey: 1. That he was careless about his appointments. 2. That he moved his pastors too often. 3. That the ecclesiastical establishments lacked personnel. 4. That he neglected the seminary. 5. That he mismanaged the 3rd order of St. Francis. 6. That he interfered in affairs of monasteries. 7. That he did not seek advice on the major problems of the diocese. 8. That he was absent too much. 9. That he mismanaged financially. :: II-5-e L.S. Letter Latin; Enclosure Italian 4pp. 8vo.