IX New London, Conn., Nov. 18, 1885

Excerpt of a Letter of Msgr. Michael Corrigan, Archbishop of New York, to His Excellency Msgr. Domenico Jacobini, Archbishop of Tyre,        Secretary of the S.C. of Propaganda.

M.R.E.

Enclosed please find a report of a mission given recently in the Italian quarter and prepared by the Rector of the Church the Italians frequent. I must say, out of love for the truth, that the Franciscan Father Guilio is truly very zealous for his countrymen. It would be very difficult to establish another church for the Italian quarter, because just the ground would cost about $50,000, and this sum should be procured by the Italians themselves. For four years now they have had free use of the basement of Fr. Lynch’s church. Why only the basement? Forgive me, Excellency, if I tell you frankly that these poor devils are not very clean, so that the others do not want to have them in the upstairs church. Otherwise the others move out, and then good-bye to the income. In time we hope to remedy these things. But it is necessary to go slowly. Enough for the above-mentioned mission, which with the grace of God had been a great success, so that now they begin finally to come to church and to the sacraments.

            Renewing my respect and recommending myself to the charity of your prayers,

Most humble and devoted servant

Michael Augustine, Archbishop