Hannin, Father Edward Administrator, Cleveland, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 July 7

Hannin read with pleasure Purcell's article in the Telegraph. It has done the cause much good since the parties had represented that they had Purcell's approval. Knowing that these statements were false Hannin had taken steps to contradict them but had not mentioned the matter to Purcell. The clique have caused much trouble and are banded together to prevent the authority of the diocese from interfering with any one of them, no matter what might be the cause. Thus they made their affidavits to support a civil action against him. Father J. Monaghan was one of that clique. A few words will explain how necessary was Hannin's action. Father Monaghan had been neglecting his congregation and about one third were going to other churches. He gave other scandal. To all this he persisted in his plans for building despite the objection of Hannin. Hannin found it was clearly a case for him to interfere despite the attempts of the clique to prevent his action. Purcell knows that Hannin had been kind to these men, including Father E.M.O'Callaghan . It was a case where either he or the incoming bishop would have to interfere, lest the authority of the diocese soon disappear. He thinks that the scandal given, their position and the injury they have done to religion demands punishment. The clique will make much noise, but it is better to break it up now than to have trouble for years to come. This letter is longer than he intended to write but its importance is sufficient reason for its length. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 5pp. 12mo.