Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1859 June 1

No.9. As the Congregation announced last August 15 a North American College in Rome for the dioceses of the United States in a house purchased by the Holy Father will be opened in November. Certain difficulties had to be overcome, especially as the house had been occupied formerly by soldiers and the building had to be repaired. Now there remains only the provision of a rector and to fill it with students. In a letter of May 9 the Congregation asked for the election of a rector and the provision of students. To obtain the best results from the money collected care should be exercised that only youths suitable for the ecclesiastical state be sent to Rome. But since so much money had to be spent on the repairs, only those youths should be sent who can pay the $150 for their support. However since in the future they hope to receive students free of charge, they ask that the dioceses concerned ask the faithful to give further support. Each diocese is to assign one or more priests to collect these funds. This should be done in such a way that the diocese that gives more money can have more students educated free of charge. As to the rector the Sacred Congregation is writing they will all agree on one man. Archbishop Cajetan Bedini of Thebes signs as secretary. :: VI-2-a Printed L.S. Latin 3pp. 4to.