Cummings, Father Jeremiah W., New York, New York, to Bishop Michael Portier, Mobile, Alabama, 1850 January 6

Father Valentine Burgos whom Portier must recollect meeting at Bishop John Hughes', was ordained in this diocese and has enjoyed all along the respect of the Bishop and his fellow clergymen. Last November an incident occurred in consequence of which the Bishop withdrew his faculties. The ecclesiastical authority pronounced it solicitation. Burgos first went to Boston and stated his case, then went to Worcester and made a retreat. The Bishop of Boston declined to receive him. Burgos returned to New York and requested an exeat. Hughes granted it in mercy. The unusual clause added was intended to give Burgos some slight chance. Cummings copies the document dated December 8, 1849 for Portier's inspection. Burgos did not like to try Boston again and remained in the house of a priest here. Cummings and others advised him to stay and by his good behavior deserve pardon and restoration. Cummings advised him to seek admission from some Bishop distant from New York. Burgos requested Cummings to write to Portier or Bishop Blanc. Cummings writes freely and Portier may enclose this letter to the Bishop and if he has not had the story straight Portier is to drop the matter. If Portier will. for the sake of this poor priest who hitherto possessed an unblemished reputation, consent to receive him, Cummings is willing to go to the Bishop and ask him to write to Portier himself. Burgos would receive and excellent recommendation from any priest in New York. What has happened will be a lesson to him. A.L.S. :: V-5-m A.L.S. French # English 5pp. 12mo. # 4to.