Barnabo, Alexpander, Cardinal Prefect, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop Jean Marie Odin, C.M. of, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1864 May 18

Since it is public knowledge that necromancy under the title of spiritism has increased in North America and has been propagated by public experiments and by writings, the Holy Office would like to know about its progress and of the part played in it by Catholics, and also the kind of doctrine that has been out by these spirits. For this purpose the Archbishop should ask his suffragans what they know definitely about these things and report this to the Supreme Council of the Inquisition would also like this to be done. H. Capalti signs as secretary. :: VI-2-h L.S. Latin 2pp. 4to.