Menke, Father William A. American College,, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1872 February 22

He apologizes for his long silence, but has heard of Purcell's activities through his letters to Father Silas M. Chatard. Menke took a five week trip last vacation and saw the Passion Play at Ober-Ammergan, and passed through Einsiedeln. In Rome things are in the condition in which the breach of Porta Pia left them. The government ventured to confiscate the ancient church of San Vitale and the convent. The Cardinal Vicar protested and the property was immediately restored. An American lady, Doctor Gould, from New York, who opened a school for children in Rome published a letter in which she describes her prospects of christianizing and civilizing Rome. Monsignor Mardi answered the letter, proving to the public the falsity of Mrs. Gould's statement that the Romans were ignorant and had no opportunity of receiving instruction. He informs her that her charity would find sufficient subjects in America and in New York where thousands of children are cared for by Catholic Sisters, especially by the Sisters of Charity. Mrs. Gould's letter will probably receive another reading in the Sunday schools. A controversy between three Evangelical ministers and the three priests took place on Feb. 9 and 10, concerning the coming of St. Peter to Rome. The Catholics were Fathers Fabiani, Cipolla, and Guidi; the Evangelicals were Sciarelli, Ribetti, and Gavazzi, all three apostate priests. Stenographers were present at the controversy, but no report has yet been published. As soon as it appears Menke will send it to Purcell. Those present said the Catholics were completely victorious. Dr. Smith explained to them the catacombs of St. Callixtus during the Carnival and made their visit to the spot very interesting and instructive. A monument has been erected to Fagnetti in the cemetery of San Lorenzo. The monument erected by the Pontifical government in memory of the brave Zouaves, who defended the rights of the Church, has been disfigured by an inscription which he quotes. Menke had an attack of small pox in January, but recovered perfectly. Father John F. Schoenhoeft was sick for a few days but now all are in excellent health. They were sorry to hear of Father William T. Bigelow's death. Father Jacovacci died Feb. 11 after a long illness. His successor has not yet been appointed. It is said that Father Richard Gilmour has been appointed Bishop of Cleveland. Father Metcalf, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Ubaldi are all well and send their best regards. They ask to be remembered to Father Edward Purcell, Fathers, Francis J. Pabisch, Joseph Richter, Thomas Byrne, P Geyer, and P Cusack. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.