Kenrick, Bishop Francis Patrick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bishop Edward Barron, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1850 February 22

Edward Johnson is of a respectable family. After he became a Catholic, his wife left him and took her two children to her mother's where she still remains She complained of his constraining her to follow his example, and an attack of lunacy, in consequence of an accident when young, afforded her occasion to fear for her safety. He has had 2 or 3 severe relapses causing him to be confined. She has obtained a divorce but is not likely to marry. Kenrick has always been of the opinion that he was free to marry but ought not to do so. Kenrick here quotes, in Latin the reply of Cardinal Fransoni when he submitted the case to Propaganda. Johnson has not recovered the free control of his property and has no trade of capacity for making a subsistence. The church of Trinity is under interdict. A number of pewholders have petitioned the Legislature to amend the charter by substituing Kenrick's appointment of the trustees to the annual election. Others remonstrate. Kenrick is fully sensible of the importance of Catholic schools but does not know how they are to establish them. Kenrick wishes his climate suited Barron's health that he might enjoy his society. Bishop Anthony Blanc is at full liberty to communicate the facts concerning Johnson to all interested. The bulls for the Bishop of Monterey, California , Father George Thomas Montgomery, have arrived. If Barron should choose to visit the islands of St. Martin and St. Barthéémy he will find Father Andrew Wall, his schoolmate, a faithful missionary. P.S. Kenrick found no enclosure for Mark? Frenaye :: V-5-m A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.