Benoit, Father Julian, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 September 3

Benoit wrote to Purcell yesterday but today he received a letter from Bishop Maurice de St. Palais of Vincennes declining to be executor of Bishop John H. Luers' estate. Benoit will be just as prudent and also decline to be administrator. He is now administrator of the diocese and pastor and assistant of the cathedral. Five priests have left the diocese since he has been administrator, 3 for physical infirmities, 2 for morals. He cannot have students ordained before Christmas. Father George A. Hamilton is nearer Luers' property than he and can better manage it. Let him do so. Benoit is unwilling to undertake more than he can do. He writes to Purcell as to a sensible man and father. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 2pp. 12mo.