Borgess, Caspar H., Bishop of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1873 April 6

No person can question the right of Mr. Patrick Bunbury in the exercise of his civil rights and in calling the assistance of the civil laws in defense of his claims against St. Augustine's congregation. Borgess had no disposition to interfere because such an attempt would be folly and because he was desirous of having a decision in the case for future guidance. For that reason he had employed two attorneys to defend the case and was awaiting the trial in the court in Kalamazoo, Michigan . On Nov. 3, 1872, Bunbury approached the Communion rail while Borgess was present. He came in the presence of the congregation who were well aware that he had instituted proceedings against his Bishop. He came as a well known transgressor of the Laws of the Church. Therefore, Borgess believed it his duty to refuse him Communion. Borgess explained the reason to the congregation after Mass. He is justified in the Laws of the Church well known to Purcell. Some time after that Bunbury withdrew the suit and gave Borgess legal notice of the fact. Borgess had his reconciliation published to the same congregation last January. :: II-5-f A.L.S. 3pp. 8vo.