Mrak, Ignatius, Bishop of Marquette, Marquette, Michigan, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 September 4

According to Purcell's letter, Mrak wrote to Rome stating that he was so far away that he did not know any of the priests proposed for the diocese of Fort Wayne. However, he has a few questions he wishes to submit to Purcell. In the first place he asks Purcell the limitations of the customs oath not to sell the regalia for the churches. The Father Matthias Orth, who he turned out of office for grave reasons, wrote him today accusing him of acting despotic. Mrak will not reinstate him without an express order from Rome because he was ordained on False papers and because of his life as a priest. He told Orth he could appeal to Purcell or to Rome. Father Honoratus Bourion and his uncle Father Sebastian Duroc have been forced to go away by scandals in their own family. All are glad but they took the money with them and left debts which Mrak will scarcely be able to pay. Eight troublesome priests have left the diocese and he is in great need of priests. It is a pity to send away a priest who cannot be received elsewhere and he asks Purcell what he has to do in case they return. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.