Foley, Thomas, Bishop of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1875 September 11

It is always a pleasure to hear from Purcell. He saw Purcell's convent friend and was a bit wary in talking to her, and was glad to hear that she is a worthy person. It is a pity that she entered the religious life so soon after her conversion. He saw the Mother of the Sisters of Mercy, who told her a lady with a letter from Purcell applied for admission and was received, so he assures it was Purcell's friend. She will be taken care of and a suitable situation will try to be found. As to San Francisco, he heard that his name was on the list, and trusts that their Graces will blot it out. He has been a fool once in his life and cannot be persuaded to be one again. The only thing that would take him to California would be a "big Bonanza", which he would get to pay off his debts. He sees where the bigots are making the Catholic question the pivot of the coming elections. He hopes they will be defeated, without regard to the school question. It will take a long time to lead the American voters to a fair consideration of our claims on the school funds. They will get it eventually, but after the present generation. Some Catholic friends are hot and indiscreet and apt to hinder the cause by their statements. All Catholics are agreed on what is right and just for the education of their children. But they must fight, talk, pray for their rights, and when God is pleased he will grant what is good for them. They should leave the public schools alone, as they should let us build our schools alone. They have to pay for both, it is true, but nothing good is cheap. They have many advantages under their government not enjoyed elsewhere, and can afford to suffer some. He apologizes for his long talk. He sees where their Cardinal is getting along fine in Rome. It would be funny if he should become Pope. He is sure Bishop William McCloskey is right in his aims in Louisville, but he should not have explained his conduct in the pulpit, but to God and his conscience beforehand and then acted. :: II-5-f A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.