Bailey, William A., _____ , to Catherine Seton, _____, 1842

He is going to give her an extract from the letters of Roosevelts to grandmother just received thinking that Aunt might not like to show it to Catherine herself. One extract follows. After arriving and making a general survey of the city he settled down in a retired part of the city to think over the problem which had been puzzling him. His recent contract with fast living had secularized his thoughts to such an extent that his first impulse was to try to ignore his doubts and forget them. But he could not. His doubts had become convictions and he felt it impossible and wrong for him to remain as he was. He made his decision in the presence of God who knows and with care to use all those means a Christian should to obtain God's guidance. He made up his mind to join the Catholic Church. He is going to make a spiritual retreat of abstinence and prayer for a week and if he finds no change in his sentiments will feel it his duty to join them. He is writing his Godmother because he feels bound to inform her of this decision. It is the hardest task he has ever had to perform both on account of his loneliness and his realization of the disapprobation and unkind thoughts that many will have whose learning and virtue he respects. He will not speak of the reasons which have influenced him and asks only that she, Grandfather, and those who love, judge him with charity and in the understanding that he is sincere. He has not found the common opinion among his visitors on the condition of religion in Catholic countries and especially in Rome at all substantiate. He has observed closely, and the whole air in Rome is deeply religious. Most visitors have contact only with the residents of their own nationality in Rome and never get to know any Italians other than innkeepers and "valets des places." They enter the churches only to see paintings or to attend great crowded ceremonies. Typical of them all were the Americans who came with him from Naples. Not one entered the churches except to see paintings or attend crowded ceremonies. They never visited any respectable Italian family or inquired about the institutions of charity and instruction. Yet they will feel able to deliver judgments on the character and religion of the people. The Italians and the romans in particular, are a standard people. He quotes a "learned writer" that Rome is the city most full of faith and piety. He has had opportunity to find out about the institutions of the city and is surprised at their numbers and excellence. The rich and the powerful attend upon the poor and afflicted. End of the extract. William Bailey asks Catherine to keep it secret that she has seen this excerpt until Father receives a letter from Rosy, which should be soon, as he promised one after his week-long retreat and the vessel bringing this one had a long passage. :: II-1-a A.L.S. 1p. Royal 10vo.