Bayley James Roosevelt, Bishop of Newark, New Jersey, to Robert Seton, Rome, Italy, 1865 January 15

He received Robert's letter by the last steamer. Their new Archbishop of New York, John McCloskey is winning golden opinions from all by his prudent zeal and cautious manners. There has been a continual succession of dinners but he make time to visit the churches, religious houses and institutions. Bayley has no doubt that he will accomplish much for religion. In New Jersey most of the Catholics are mechanics and servants. Many of the men have gone to war, and three times as many have gone to Canada, Australia, and California to avoid the draft. Seton Hall College and the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity are doing very well. They are building a fine church at Camden and another in Newark. He is told that there are rumors of peace, but does not attach much importance to them at present. He called to see Robert's Father and the girls New Year's week and was surprised to see William Seton 3. looking so well. They said Robert had made up his mind to some home next summer. Willy William Seton 4. comes out to see Bayley now and then, and is in good health and spirits. Robert seems to be laying in such a fund of learning that Bayley does not know what they will do with him when he gets there. There is a rumor that they are to be invited to Rome again to assist at another canonization, but Bayley thinks it is a false one. It would be impossible for most of them to get away at this time. The letter of Pope Pius IX has been much garbled in the English translation. Bayley sends regards to Dr. Smith and Father McCloskey. :: II-1-a A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.