26. Scalabrini to Corrigan⁶⁰

         Piacenza, June 24, 1890

Most Reverend Excellency:

For some time now my health has not been too good. Since the beginning of this month on orders from my doctor I should have gone somewhere else for treatment, but I have always delayed it hoping, from day to day, to see Your Excellency here. Now a telegram from the Superior of the Seminary assures me that you will remain in Rome for some time yet.

            Therefore, to my deepest regret, I must forego the honor to host you here in Piacenza because delaying any longer it would be really harmful to me. I will leave tomorrow for the Levico springs in the Trent province.

            Could Your Excellency not pass there on your return? Instead of taking the Bologna-Piacenza train, you would have only to take that to Bologna-Verona-Trent. How I would consider myself fortunate if in this way I could succeed in satisfying my desire to get to know you personally and express my personal gratitude and veneration to you. I realize that mine is a bold request indeed; but I thought that taking the water treatment for a few days would also be helpful to Your Excellency and to Don Carlo, both so tired. Please do come, esteemed Archbishop.

            Meanwhile, please accept my most cordial good wishes and remain

Your Excellency’s Most devoted and affectionate servant and confrere,

Gio. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza