McGill, John Bishop of Richmond, Richmond Virginia, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 October 12

Acting upon Purcell's power of attorney, McGill funded the bonds, but has been advised not to sell at present, because of the decrease in value due to the Chicago disaster. The consolidated stock will not bring more that 62$#162; on the dollar and the West Virginia certificate only 25$#162;. He would not sell therefore unless Purcell ordered him to. Purcell has six consolidated bonds of one thousand each, one of $500, and one for $16.80, and one for $3258.40, totaling $9,775.20. At present rates, this would bring about $5000. He shall have to give confirmation for three Sundays. By that time matters in the market may be better. He knows only one or two of the gentlemen on Purcell's list for Cleveland and Fort Wayne, but hopes fit prelates will be secured. P.S. He has heard nothing about Albany, N.Y. except the affair at Hudson City and does not understand why Purcell says, "Poor Albany!" He does not know whether any churches were burned in the fire at Chicago since he does not know the city well enought to tell by newspaper accounts of streets and localities destroyed. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.