Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1859 May 25

No. 6. For the Archbishop alone. More than once the Sacred Congregation has defended the system in use by which men suitable for the episcopal dignity are recommended to the Holy See. More than once the Archbishop's advice was sought for this information. But there have been occasions in which candidates lacking in virtue or learning have been proposed or others who are unwilling or unable to accept the episcopal office. Barnabo says that he has heard of these things personally more than from what has been sent to the Sacred Congregation. Thus for vacant sees in distant places men are proposed by Bishops who do not know them and it happens that poorly prepared men are appointed who lack knowledge of the customs and needs of the dioceses. Thus a new bishop destroyed what his predecessor has carefully built up. Therefore the Cardinal asks that the Archbishop send to him secretly what he thinks should be done to prevent these things from happening in the future. Archbishop Cajetan Bedini signs as secretary. :: VI-2-a L.S. Latin 2pp. 4to.