11. Corrigan to Scalabrini³¹

         Ellenville, Ulster Co., N.Y., June 21, 1888

Most Reverend Excellency:

Please forgive me if through an oversight the enclosed check is made out to you rather than to the Director of the Catholic Catechist.

            Since I am now on a pastoral visitation with no possibility to correct the mistake, I beg your pardon for the inconvenience that this may cause you.

            Regarding our dear Italians, an agent of mine is at present trying to purchase a large building in New York to be used as a church and rectory for the priests from Piacenza. This building will cost about three hundred fifty thousand lire, a frightening sum to be sure, but we have no alternative.

            Some friends will lend for now the money on condition that the Italians promise to repay it later. By myself, I can do nothing or practically nothing, since I lack the necessary means.

            I desire very much to have soon two or three good priests from

Piacenza.

            I would have much to say about Msgr. De Concilio’s pamphlet,³² but for the moment I have no time.

            My secretary, Don Carlo, sends you his regards and best wishes, and I ask that you too pray for me and I remain

Your Most Reverend Excellency’s

very humble and devoted Servant,

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York