Bayley, James Roosevelt, Archbishop of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell of, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1875 December 26

As Purcell knows, the American College in Rome has been running into debt for the past several years, on account of the small number of students and lack of interest of the Burses to meet expenses. This has been met by some surplus funds held by the Treasurer, but since these are almost exhausted, it has been decided by the Executive Committee to approach those Bishops interested in the College, asking them to subscribe a small sum annually to make up the deficit. At present there would be no use in attempting to increase the number of students by a general subscription, though this may be done later. During the life of the Holy Father it would not do to let the College be broken up, although this is the best way to keep it going. The Cardinal has given his promise to subscribe $1500 to $2000 and Archbishop James F. Wood has been taxed $1000 and the other bishops are asked to give from $100 to $1000 according to their means. He knows Purcell will be willing to help. He asks to be remembered to Father Edward Purcell. :: II-5-f A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.