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DIURNAL OFTHE RIGHT REV. JOHN ENGLAND,
First Bishop of Charleston, S. C, From 1820 to 1823.
The following pages contain the Journal, or Diurnal, of
Bishop England, which he kept during the first three
years of his episcopate, from August 5, 1820, to Decem
ber 5, 1823.
The original of the paper is preserved at Georgeto-wn
College, D. C, -where it -was deposited in 1891 by Rev.
John W. Murphy, Rector of the Church of St. Dominic,
and Vicar General of the diocese, of Portland, Maine, as
appears from the attestation, sealed and dated Decem
ber 4th, of that year, -which -was attached by the said Father
to the original. It reads as follows: "I brought this
manuscript from Cork [Ireland] -which I visited in 1881.
I found it in a convent where a sister of Bishop England's
had lived.
\ji " For careful preservation I .now give it to the president
of Georgetown College, the Rev. J. H. Richards, S.J."
For the biography of the Right Rev. Bishop England,
the reader is referred especially to vol. Ill, pp. 580-595, of
the "History of the CathoHc Church," by John Gilmary
Shea. (New York : 1890.) Between pages 582-583 is a
portrait of the Bishop and a facsimile of his signature.
Villanova College, Pa., Feb. 25, 1895.
Fr. Thomas C. Middleton, O.S.A.
diurnal of bishop england.
[Page i*] 1820.
An account of the erection of the Bishopric of Charles
ton and the appointment of one to be Bishop thereof,
together with tbe acts therein —
t John England, Bishop of Charleston.
*The paging in the body of the text corresponds to the paging
in the original. — T. C. M.

2 Diurnal of Bishop England.
On Monday the loth of July 1820 I received in Ban
don a letter from the Reverend Henry Hughes dated June
17, 1820 at Rome, informing me that on the preceding
Monday I had been appointed Bishop of Charleston in
South Carolina and requesting of me for various reasons
therein alleged to accept of this appointment.
On Saturday 12th of August, being in the City of Cork,
I received from the Right Reverend Doctor Murphy,
Bishop of Cork, the letters Apostolic directed to him for
me, separating the States of North & South Carolina and
Georgia from the Diocess of Baltimore, and erecting a new
Episcopal See Suffragan to Baltimore in the City of
Charleston, S. C. for the government thereof, and appoint
ing me first Bishop thereof, also a letter from Cardinal
Somaglia, vice prefect of the Propaganda, requesting me
to proceed as soon as possible to America, and referring
me for information of the state of things there to the Rev.
Robert Browne, [O.S.A. , J who had been some years there,
and latterly in Rome — I also received a letter from Mr.
Browne dated July 22d, Rome, stating the necessity of my
going to America, and his hopes of my being well received
there, — [Page 2] Also one from Mr. Hughes, giving much
information concerning unhappy differences which had sub
sisted during some years between the Archbishop of Balti
more and the Clergy and laity of Charleston, and request
ing my acceptance of the appointment.
August 25th I resigned the united Parishes of Kil-
brogan and Ballymoodan (Town of Bandon) and their
adjuncts to the Bishop of Cork, and fixed on the 21st of
September for the day of my consecration.
September 21st I received the grace of Episcopal Con
secration in the Catholic Church of Saint Finbars in the
city of Cork from the Bishop of Cork assisted by the Right
Reverend Doctors Moran Bishop of Ossory, and Kelly first
Bishop of Richmond, whose appointment was subsequent
to mine, but whose consecration took place at Kilkenny on
the 24th of August. There were present, the most Reverend

Diurnal of Bishop England. 3
Doctor Everard, Archbishop of Mitylene, Coadjutor to the
most Reverend Doctor Bray, Archbishop of Cashel, and the
Right Hevd. Doctors,jCoppinger of Cloyne & Ross, Sughrue,
of Ardfert & Aghadoe (Kerry), and Touhy, of lyimerick.
September 22nd I gave Tonsure, minor orders & sub-
deaconship to Denis Corkery and Timothy McCarthy,
who had got Exeats from the Bishop of Cork, and been
[Page 3] accepted by me for the Diocess of Charleston, and
Deaconship to John Hallannan, and Alexander Mahony, of
the Diocess of Cork, with the leave of the Bishop of Cork,
in the Chapellof the North Presentation Convent in Cork,
bf which my sister Mary was Superioress.
Sep. 23d (my birth day 34 years old) I gave Deaconship
to the aforesaid Denis Corkery and Timothy McCarthy
and Priesthood to the aforesaid John Hallanan, and Alex
ander Mahony, and also to William Connor, and James
Daly, of the Diocess of Cork, in the Chapel of the Ursuline
Convent in that city.
Sep. 24th I gave Priesthood to the aforesaid Denis
Corkery and Timothy McCarthy of the Diocess of Charles
ton, in the said Chapel of the Ursuline Convent.
On this day I wrote to the Cardinal Prefect of the Propa
ganda stating my consecration, and my intention of
speedily proceeding to America, and requesting extraor
dinary powers for the peculiar circumstances of my See.
October ist I wrote to the Archbishop of Baltimore
(Mareschal) informing him of my consecration, and my
intention of proceeding immediately to America, I had
also written previously to the Clergy of Charleston, renew
ing their jurisdiction until one month after my arrival.
October the loth I left (my native city) Cork in the
[Page 4] afternoon accompanied by my sister Joanna, who
gave me ;^300 to enable me to proceed, and my brother
the Reverend Thomas R. England, the Revd. Thomas
O'Keeffe, my brother Edward & my brother-inlaw
Michael Joseph Barry, and came to Fermoy. That even
ing, my Mother was so affected at my departure as not to

4 Diurnal of Bishop England.
be able to leave her bed, my Father had been buried
nearly eight years, my brother Michael was living in
Bandon, my Sister Anne was married to M. J. Barry, and
had three children. On the day of my consecration I had
also Baptized a Son for my brother Edward, which was
his first child and was called by my name.
October nth I having many applications from Priests
and candidates for places on the American mission, I
appointed my brother the Revd. Thomas R. England and
the Revd. Thomas O'Keeffe, my Vicars General, for the
purpose principally of selecting such of those as I may
afterwards want, and if necessary having them ordained.
This day was the anniversary (12 years) of my ordination
to Priesthood. On this day I parted from my family to
go whither I thought God had called me, but whither I
had no other desire to go. Should this be read by a
stranger, let him pardon that weakness of our common
nature, which then affected me, and does now after the
lapse of three months.
[Page 5] October 14. I dined in the College of Carlow,
where I had been educated. After having had the happi
ness of saying Mass in the morning for the Students, from
whom I received a flattering address in the Evening, being
the first student in that house who had the honor of Epis
copal Consecration.
October 22nd. After having stopped a few days in
Dublin, and visited my friend Doctor Crotty, President of
Maynooth College, I embarked Mn Belfast, where I had
arrived on the night of the 19th on board the ship
Thomas Gelston, burthen 450 Tons per register, and set
sail in the Evening accompanied by my dear sister Joanna
and the Revd. Denis Corkery.
October 25th. After a severe gale of a night and a part of
a day, we put into Milford Haven, where we were detained
by severe weather until the 31st, when we again set sail.
December 26. Found soundings in 35 fathom's water,
and on the next day saw the Hunting Islands on the coast

Diurnal of Bishop England. 5
ot South Carolina, after a very tedious and unpleasant
voyage. On the evening of the 27th came to anchor off
Charleston bar, and on the 28th crossed it, and worked up
the channel, and came to anchor in the Evening.
December 30th. Came on shore in Charleston, [Page 6]
saw the Reverend Benedict J. Fenwick S.O.J's, who was
Vicar General of the Archbishop of Baltimore, who exhi
bited to me his papers. I gave him my Bulls and Certifi
cates, received the resignation of his authority, and renewed
his faculties of Vicar General for me, as Bishop of Charles
ton, which he accepted — Confirmed their jurisdiction for
the Revd. Simon Felix Gallagher, the Revd. Robert
Browne, and the Revd. Denis Corkery, saw the Trustees of
the Church &c.
December 31st. Being Sunday I had the happiness of
celebrating Mass, took possession of the Church, had my
Bulls published therein, and preached.
January ist 1821. Again preached in the Church, and
upon enquiry found there was a congregation in the City
of Savannah (Georgia) which had been deserted. I pre
pared a Pastoral letter to be published on the next Sunday,
and took into consideration the propriety of having a
Priest at Savannah.
January 3d. Wrote and dispatched letters of Com
munion to the Most Revd. Ambrose Mareschall, Arch
bishop of Baltimore, the Right Reverend Doctors Chev-
reux, Bishop of Boston, Conolly, Bishop of New York,
Conwell, Bishop of Philadelphia, Kelly, Bishop of Rich
mond, Flaget, Bishop of Bardstown, and Du Bourg, Bishop
of St. Louis, and commissioned the Revd. B. J. Fenwick to
transmit a copy of my Bull and Certificate to the Arch
bishop of Baltimore.
[Page 7] January 7th. I preached again in the Church
of Charleston, and had a communication with the Vestry.
January 8th. I determined on visiting the cities of
Savannah and Augusta and the Church of Warrenston in
Georgia and Columbia in South Carolina, and also wrote

6 Diurnal of Bishop England.
to several Catholics in various parts of my Diocess, send
ing also in all quarters copies of the Pastoral letter, ^which
I had published.
January nth. Married Doctor James McDonnell to
Miss Elizabeth Ryan in presence of both their mothers
and several other witnesses.
January 14. Gave notice of Confirmation in the. Church
of Charleston on February i8th.
15th. Appointed by sealed writing Revd. B. J. Fen
wick my Vicar General in every thing until I should return
to Charleston, requested of him to take a building for a
second temporary Church in that City, and if possible to
purchase ground in a good situation for a large Cathedral
Church. On this day I went on board the Sloop Delight,
Captain Cooper, bound for Savannah, having with me
the Revd. Robert Browne, and went down the harbour
next morning to Ira.
January 17th. Anchored at the bar of Savannah, off
Tybee light-house.
i8th. Came up the river, landed at Savannah, there
had been no Priest here since October, when the Revd.
Mr. Cooper of Augusta spent 12 days in the City. I in
spected the Church in Liberty Square that evening —
found two silver Chalices, one of [Page 8] which was gilt,
and directed the Patena of one of them to be repaired, one
Ciborium, and one Remonstrance, belonging to the
Church, also one good Cope and Benediction Veil, six
suits of Vestments complete, two Cassocks, one Missal, six
Altar Cloths, four Corporals, seven purifiers, two Albs,
two Surplices, one Amict, two Cinctures, three Burses,
one Censor, Rituale Romanum Processionale S. R. E.
Besides many small things which I condemned.
January 19th. Celebrated the holy Mass in the church and
preached, heard confessions and preached again in the Even
ing, enquired into the possessions of the church, and found
them to consist of, ist : The half trust lot in Liberty
Ward, on which the Church is built, 2d. a trust lot in

Diurnal of Bishop England. 7
Elbert Ward, on which several houses have been built,
and at present bringing from Mrs. Cotineau, to whom
Revd. Abbe Carles gave a lease, of which about nine years
are unexpired, 100 Dollars yearly, and from J. B. De-
Berger 70 Dollars yearly, of which about two years
are unexpired, and 3rd, a lot between the Theatre and
Cemetery, granted upon certain unperformed conditions —
I also inspected the Registers and signed them —
January 20th. Celebrated the holy Mass in the Church,
and gave the holy Communion to 12 persons, and contin
ued to hear Confessions. Wrote to the Trustees informing
them of my intention of appointing a Priest to take charge
of Savannah, and requesting to know the means for his
support, [Page 9] also stating that for my support a
voluntary subscription and collection would be made in
their Church on the 3rd Sunday in Lent in every year, and
that I would expect from the Trustees my travelling ex
penses whenever it may be necessary to visit their city —
In the Evening preached and heard Confessions. Was
invited by the Trustees to meet them, was informed that
the rents of the pews was 1020 Dollars, and that the Cler
gyman could have his choice of 700 Dollars per annum
and the collections of the Church and the voluntary offer
ings, or if he gave up the collections to the Trustees, 900
Dollars and the voluntary offerings. I also recommended
to their consideration the propriety of making the neces
sary preparations for building a new large and respecta
ble Church, and of providing means for the support
of two or more Priests, when I should be able to send them.
January 21st. Heard Confessions, Celebrated the holy
Mass, and administered the holy Communion, to 27 per
sons. Gave Confirmation to 15 persons. At ^ past 10
o'clock I spoke on the erection of the See, on my own
authority, and publickly committed the flock of Savannah
to the care of the Revd. Robert Browne until I should
think proper to remove him, and after his Mass I preached
to a large Congregation, amongst whom were the principal

8 Diurnal of Bishop England.
lawyers of Savannah and many other strangers. [Page
io] In the evening I had Vespers and gave an Exhorta
tion and Benediction — Church crowded and surrounded.
January 2 2d. Heard Confessions, Celebrated the holy
Mass, and gave Communion to seven persons, also gave an
Exhortation. Heard Confessions and preached in the
evening. Received a letter from the Archbishop of Balti
more, lull of kindness and was asked by the Mayor and
others to preach in the Protestant Episcopal Church,
which I declined for the present.
January 23d. Celebrated the holy Mass, gave Commu
nion to eight persons, appointed John Dillon to read
prayers for Mass on Sundays, until the return of the Revd.
Mr. Browne whom I took on the Visitation.
January 24th. Left Savannah at 4 o'clock in the morn
ing in the stage for Augusta, and after two days travelling,
the first day very wet, the second excessively cold, I
arrived at Augusta in the evening of the 25th where I
was very kindly received by the Revd. Samuel Cooper,
the Pastor, a convert, and the Trustees of the Church.
January 26th. Being the anniversary of my Father's
death (9 years), I celebrated the holy Mass for the repose
of his soul. Heard Confessions and preached in the even
ing — made various enquiries about the Church property
&c &c.
January 27th. Celebrated the holy Mass, enquired into
the state of the Church, wrote to Catholics in Darien, St.
Marys, [Page 11] and Jekyl, requesting information as to
the state of ReUgion. Heard Confessions and preached
in the Evening. *
January 28. Sunday. Attended at Church, heard Con
fessions, about 30 at the holy Communion. Celebrated
the holy Mass. Found belonging to the Church one suit
of poor vestments complete, one suit Black vestments
complete, two good Albs, two good Amicts, three Altar
cloths, one surplice, eight Candlesticks, four Corporals,
twelve purifiers. The possessions of the Church are one

Diurnal of Bishop England. 9
lot of ground, the boundaries of which are Walker's street,
Tellfair street, and the^ buildings erected therein by the
congregation, viz : The Church built in the year 1812,
under the Revd. Robt. Browne — and the dwelling house
built in 1818, under the unfortunate Mr. Egan, who
ofiiciated there for some time, and afterwards apostatized.
On this day I entered the Church for the purpose of regu
lar Visitation, explained the objects which the Church ha-d
in view therein, traced my authority and mission, and con
firmed the worthy Pastor Revd. S. Cooper in his charge of
mission, explained and gave the Sacrament of Confirma
tion to 49 persons, the first of whom was John Cormick
Esq. — After Mass I preached, and again in the Evening
after Vespers. On that night I set out in the stage for
Warrenton. January 29. Arrived at Warrenton at about one o'clock.
After dinner got a Gig to Mr. Thompsons on the borders
of Warren Co. and Wilkes Co., Locust [Page 12] Grove.
Arrived there at night fall and was most kindly received
by old and young Mrs's Thompson, to the former of whom
great merit is due before God for preserving the faith in
this country. This was the first Catholic Congregation
in Georgia. It was fixed in 1794 or 95 by the settlement
of Mrs. Thompson's family and a few others from Mary
land. Bishop Carroll of Baltimore sent the Revd. Mr.Le
Mercier to attend them. After 18 months he went to Savan
nah and Revd. Mr. Sujet then remained 17 months, and
returned to France — There was no Clergyman );hen until
November 18 10, when the Revd. Robt. Browne came to
take charge of Augusta and its vicinity, and remained
until 1815. This place was occasionally visited by Revd.
Mr. Egan and by Revd. Samuel Cooper —
January 30. Was unable to say Mass, my things not
having arrived from Warrenton. Wrote to John Kelly
Esq. of Fayetteville, and Mr. Jumel of Camden (S. C), for
information. Saw several of my little flock, who came to
visit me. Examined the church ornaments, found them

IO Diurnal of Bishop England.
to consist of three suits of Vestments complete, two Albs,
a Surplice, one Amict, two Cinctures, one Missal, one set
of Altar Cards, four Altar Cloths, a Communion Cloth, a
Chalice, a Patena, 4 Corporals, and 4 purifiers. In the
Evening I visited the Church, which is a small wooden
building capable of [Page 13] accommodating sixty or
seventy persons — Great doubts were expressed to me of the
validity of some of Mr. Egan's Baptisms, from his careless
manner of sprinkling the water on the Children. One
well informed sensible woman, who had been sponsor to
several children, told me that in her opinion the water not
only did not flow on the skin, but she feared did not even
touch it — upon which I determined to baptize condition
ally those whom he had baptized unless I got good proof
of their Baptism being valid. In the Evening I gave in
struction to the Negroes amongst whom I found some in
telligent and well instructed.
January 31st. Said Mass in the little Church of Locust
Grove, gave an exhortation to about twelve persons who
attended — found that Joseph Luckett and Martina Anne
Semmes had been before a Magistrate to take each other as
man and wife, though related in 3tio & 3tio consanguini
tatis — they considered themselves married — sent for them
— heard Confessions, and in the Evening instructed the
negroes and heard Confessions again.
February ist. Celebrated the holy Mass, preached and
had one Communion and heard Confessions. Catechised
the Children, dispensed in the impediment of Consan
guinity between Joseph Luckett, and Martina Semmes, who
had both been at Confession, and married them in presence
of William Luckett, Thomas Luckett, and several others
who were in the [Page 14] Church. In the evening
instructed and heard confessions.
February 2d. Heard Confessions, went to Mr. Thomas
Luckett's where I gave the holy Communion and Confirma
tion to Ethelred Aloysius Sims, who was delicate — thence
to the Church where I heard Confessions. Celebrated the

Diurnal of Bishop England. ii
Holy Mass, gave Communion to ten persons, and preached.
Baptized Anne, an adult slave of Mr. Bradford Thompson,
her Sponsor, Anne, slave of Mr. Thompson Senr. and
rehabilitated the marriage of that same woman with
Edward, a slave also of Mr. B. Thompson, it having been
invalid on account of Cultlls disparitas. In the Evening
instructed and heard confessions. I reconsidered rules
which I had drawn up on the 30th ult. for a society which
I wished to form, to be called, The Charleston book
Society. February 3rd. Heard confessions, celebrated Mass,
gave Communion to eight persons and instructed. Wrote
a request and commission to Bradford Thompson, Thomas
Luckett and William Luckett to read prayers and instruc
tions on Sundays and Holidays of obligation in the Church,
which I designated as the Church of the Purification of
our Blessed Lady of Locust Grove — and to have Catechism
taught to the Children and others, who were to be formed
into Classes for that purpose. Instructed and heard Con
fessions in the Evening.
February 4th, Sunday. Heard Confessions, celebrated
the holy Mass, gave Communion to fourteen persons.
Administered Confirmation thrice [Page 15] to twenty
three persons. Baptized Edward, a black child. The
Church being too small, and several persons having col
lected from various parts of the neighbourhood, I preached
from an elevation outside to about four hundred persons,
after Mr. Browne had celebrated Mass. I then baptized
two black persons, Nathaniel, and Mary, the first a slave of
Squire  , the second free. I then conversed with
some persons who sought explanations, and in the evenirfg
baptized three black adults, and married two couple.
Revd. Mr. Browne married another couple. I then in
structed and baptized Mr. Lewis R. Beaman, who requested
Baptism in consequence of the sermon this day, and per
formed the marriage between him and Mrs. Susanna
Wheeler, Mrs. Eliza Thompson was his sponsor at his own

12 Diurnal of Bishop England.
request. In the Evening again I said prayers, and gave
an instruction in the family.
February 5th. Celebrated Mass and gave an instruc
tion, and saw the following part of the Will of Mr. Joseph
Thompson of Locust Grove, " To assist as far as in me lies
the establishment of a Priest of the Roman Catholic reli
gion, I do hereby set apart the land I lately bought of
John Travis, lying at the western side of my creek Spring-
branch near where it empties itself into the Beaverdam
creek, as a donation and permanent residence for a Priest,
to be held successively by gentlemen of that description
[Page 16] properly authorized according to the rights of
the Roman Catholic Church. But it is hereby required
that the introduction and establishment of a Priest be
made to meet the most plain and obvious intent and mean
ing of this Item within the term of two years from my
decease, otherwise the said land to pass to my son Henry
Bradford Thompson at the decease of his Mother, with as
full and complete fee simple Title as if the same had been
mentioned with the other lands to him devised.
Item. My will is that two acres of land be marked and
laid off by my son Henry Bradford Thompson so as to in
close the burying ground Chapel and Spring, the northern
line to be fixed at about five yards from Ignatius Semmes'
inclosed grave yard, and the same is hereby made a
gift to the Roman Catholics of this Congregation for
the purposes respectively implied " dated December 9th
1809. Revd. Mr. Brown entered into possession within one
year from the decease of Mr. Thompson — viz. in 1810 —
Shewn me by Mr. Henry Bradford Thompson.
Feby. 5th Celebrated Mass and conversed with some
persons who heard me in the morning and had doubts —
I left Locust Grove after dinner, and came on that
Evening to Warrenton, where the inhabitants wduld
have wished to hear me, [Page 17] but it was too late
when I arrived there.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 13
Feby. 6th. Arrived in Augusta in the stage which left
Warrenton at nine o'clock in the morning and arrived in
Augusta at seven o'clock ih the Evening. Met at Warren
ton three Cherokee Indians, viz. Colonel Dick, who
could speak a little English, John Thompson, and Samp
son, to whom I gave their breakfast. I shewed the Colonel
my ring and cross, of which he took particular notice,
and told him I intended visiting his nation, he said he
would know me.
February 7th. Was so ill with Rheumatism in my left
arm and shoulder and neck as to be unable to celebrate
Mass or go abroad, gave the rules for the Catholic book
Society to Mr. Paul Billance, and requested he would
have it established. Preached at night.
February Sth. Still worse with pain, kept my bed, but
was able to preach at night to a numerous and highly re
spectable congregation.
Feby. 9th. Unable to say Mass, but walked out in the
evening and preached at night on the marks of the true
Church. Feby. loth. Unable to say Mass, but greatly relieved,
assembled the Trustees and enforced the necessity of their
building a large and convenient Church, and preached
again at night to an overflowing congregation.
[Page 18] Feby. nth. Sunday. Celebrated Mass and
gave Confirmation to three persons, preached at 12 o'clock
— recommended the establishment of the book Society and
the enlarging of the Church — preached again at Vespers.
Feby. 12th. Visited some negligent Catholics — preached
at night.
Feby. 13th. Made requests of several persons to attend
to the teaching of the Catechism, and preached at night.
Feby. 14th. Two o'clock in the morning left Augusta
in the stage, nearly recovered of my Rheumatism.
Feby. 15th. Arrived at Columbia at sunrise. After
breakfast was called upon by Colonel John Creyon, who
invited me and Revd. Mr. Browne to his house, which in-

14 Diurnal of Bishop England.
vitation had been settled upon between him and the Revd.
Mr. Wallace, Professor of Mathematics in the College,
who had for the last two months said Mass at Colonel
Creyon's for the flock in this city consisting of about 250
persons, principally Irish labourers employed in making
the Canal. There was no church, I therefore preached in
the Court House that night to a very numerous and re
spectable Congregation.
Feby. i6th. Celebrated Mass at Colonel Creyon's, con
sulted with Rev. Mr. Wallace as to what was the best
mode of establishing a Church and preached again at night.
Feby. 17. Celebrated Mass at Colonel Creyon's, was
waited upon by a [Page 19] deputation from the Students
with a request I would preach iu the College Chapel which
I accepted. Heard Confessions.
Feby. i8th. Celebrated Mass at Colonel Creyon's and
gave Confirmation to three persons, instructed the Catho
lics who attended. Preached to a large and respectable
Congregation in the College Chapel at eleven o'clock.
Preached in the Evening at the Court House. Gave Com
munion to 12 persons in the morning.
Feby. 19. Celebrated Mass and gave Communion to
three persons, explained and ga^e Confirmation to nine
persons. Baptized William Blain a convert aged about 12
years, and four negroes belonging to Col. J. Creyon. Met
a number of the Catholics and appointed Mr. Richard
Bolan, Capt. Manuel Antonio, Col. J. Creyon, Mr. Peter
McGuire, Mr. John Kenny, and Mr. John Heffernan, a
Committee to collect funds for building a Church in Col
umbia. After visiting some sick, I preached again in the
evening in the Court House.
Feby. 20. Celebrated the Holy Mass and Confirmed 2
converts and gave instructions to the Congregation, visited
the sick and preached in the Evening.
Feby. 21. Left Columbia in the stage at four o'clock in
the morning. Had very bad weather. Reached Charles
ton on Friday 23d at 12 o'clock.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 15
Feby. 24. Heard Confessions and gave instructions to
those to be Confirmed. Received a request from the Ves
try [Page 20] for leave to enlarge the Church upon a plan
which they prepared. Answered them stating my inten
tion of building a Cathedral, and giving my sanction to
any alteration they chose to make in the Church.
Feby. 25. Celebrated the Holy Mass, and gave Com
munion to a considerable number of persons. After break
fast addressed the flock on mine and their relative duties,
on the necessity of building Churches, and appointed
Wednesday and Friday Evenings for particular instruction,
and after explaining Confirmation I administered that Sac
rament to about 130 persons.
Feb. 27. Appointed Revd, Denis Corkery to do duty in
Columbia andChester(S. C.) and in Locust Grove, Georgia,
under the superintendence of the Revd. James Wallace
and Revd. Samuel Cooper, Mr. Corkery went in the stage
for Columbia this day.
Feb. 28th. Preached in the Church my first lecture, on
the existence of God, etc.
March ist. Wrbte the appointment of Revd. Robert
Browne to Savannah until I should withdraw his powers,
and requested his attention to the scattered flock in the
vicinity of Savannah. I also authorised him to give Juris
diction to any Priest to hear his own Confession, and to
any Priest who was properly qualified to assist him until
he could give information to me [Page 21] or to the Vicar
General thereof, and obtain the confirmation of the
authority or our refusal.
March. 2d. Preached my second lecture on the nature
and necessity of Religion &c. On this and the subsequent
davs I was principally occupied in writing a Pastoral letter
on the observance of the Lent &c., an English Catechism
&c. , and in giving private instructions to a number of un
informed persons.
March 9th. Received a letter from Revd. D. Corkery,
stating the want of a disposition to receive him at Colum-

i6 Diurnal of Bishop England.
bia, and the difficulties which were in his way, as also the
ambitious and selfish views of the principal Catholics.
I answered the letter immediately, and wrote also to Revd.
Mr. Wallace at Columbia, stating my wish for Revd. D.
Corkery to remain in that City until Easter, and that I
would have him supported if the flock there would not
contribute to his support.
Continued the lectures down to the Establishment of
the Church by our Saviour, and the marks of the true
Church exhibiting therein the Holy Roman Catholic
Church and in that alone. These lectures continued
during the Lent. I administered Confirmation thrice to
about ten persons. On the last week of Lent was pub
lished a Catechism, which I had much labor in com
piling from various [Page 22] others, and adding several
parts which I considered necessary to be explicitly
dwelt upon under the peculiar circumstances of my
Diocess. April i8th. Wrote to Revd. D. Corkery to go to
Augusta, as Revd. Mr. Cooper was desirous to go for some
time to the North. The number of communicants in
Charleston in the Easter fortnight was about 250.
April 26th. Established the book Society in Charles
ton and had the necessary measures taken to establish a
general Committee, and to have the Society extended
through my Diocess. Heard from Columbia of the bene
ficial effects of Mr. Corkery's exertions, and the progress
of the collection for a Church.
April 28. Baptized under condition, absolved in like
manner from Censures, and received into the Church John
D. Heath Esq., a lawyer of eminence, Lucretia Smith,
Mary McCullum, and absolved from Censures and received
into the Church Eliza Dowling of whose Baptism I had
sufficient evidence.
April 29. Administered the Sacrament of Confirma
tion to about forty persons, amongst whom were the con
verts.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 17
May 3d. With the assistance of Doctor Edward Lynch
had the Vauxhall gardens purchased for the purpose of
having built thereon a Cathedral.
[Page 23] May, 5th. The persons appointed for that
purpose b}^ the Congregation, signed the deed of Lease for
three years to James Lynch and Tim. McCormick as
Trustees for the Bishop of the Church in Hassell Street
and the Church property.
May 6th. Appointed a committee to collect means for
building a Cathedral, and appointed Doctor Lynch to
superintend the building
May 8th Left Charleston for Wilmington, and came
16 miles on the Georgetown road.
May 9th. Arrived at Mr. Horry's plantation on the
Santee River, upon the invitation of Mr. Frederick Rut-
ledge, where I was most kindly received.
May 5th. Baptized under condition, absolved from
Censures, and received into the Church Thomas Martin
Junr. & Mary Mellisent Germain, baptized also a convert
from Methodism, George.
May 6th. Administered Confirmation to eight persons.
May 15th. Arrived at Wilmington at 4 o'clock in the
evening, was waited upon by Mr. I. O. Calharda, a Portu
guese merchant of the town, who resided there during
thirty years. He invited me to his house, whither I went
and found a good reception. Was called upon by Mr.
James Usher and some other Catholics in the Evening.
May 16. Celebrated Mass at my [Page 24] lodging,
and gave an exhortation to those who attended. After
breakfast met the Catholics, about 20 men, not a woman or
child of the Catholic faith. No Priest had ever been fixed
here, nor in the neighbourhood. A Revd. Mr. Burke had
spent a fortnight here about 25 years before, and a Jesuit
going to some Spanish settlement spent two or three days
in the town about the year 1815, and Baptized the chil
dren of Mr. Calharda, but their mother being a Methodist
they were not educated in the faith ; the Catholics who

i8 Diurnal of Bishop England.
lived here, and they who occasionally came hither, were
in the habit of going to thfe other places of worship,
(Episcopal Protestants, Methodist & Presbyterian) and had
nearly lost all idea of Catholicity. I spoke on the neces
sity oi their assembling together on Sundays for prayer
and instruction, and of their forming a branch of the book
Society, to both which they readily agreed, and then
recommended their entering into a subscription to procure
a lot for a Church, and to commence building as I would
take care they should be occasionally visited by a Priest,
I also exhorted them to prepare for the Sacraments. I re
ceived an invitation from the Pastor and Trustees of the
Presbyterian Church to use their building (the best in
town) which upon consideration I accepted. I was waited
upon by the Protestant Minister who offered me his
Church also, which of course I declined as having ac
cepted of the other. In the evening [Page 25] I preached
to a very large Congregation, on the nature of the Catholic
religion. May 17th. Having learned the bad effects of Revd-
Mr. Cooper's injudicious zeal in Augusta, by a letter from
John Cormick Esq., and finding that he was going to the
North, I appointed Revd. D. Corkery to the temporary
charge of Augusta. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhor
tation, and endeavoured by private application to bring
the Catholics to the Sacraments. Preached in the even
ing again to a numerous and respectable congregation on
the nature of Redemption, the Mission of the Apostles,
and the authority of the Church to explain the Scriptures
and teach the doctrines of Christ by her traditions.
May i8th. Celebrated Mass, gave an exhortation, and
heard Confessions. In the evening preached again to
a numerous and respectable congregation.
May 19th. Celebrated Mass, gave an exhortation, &
appointed Messrs. B. Della Torre, M. O' Donovan, Christo
pher Kelly, Edward Butler, Bretadeau, Brissac, Pat. M.
Brett, and Doctor James McDonald to superintend and

Diurnal of Bishop England. 19
say praters at Beaufort and Cosashatchie. Established the
Wilmington branch of the book Society, had the commit
tee appointed, opened a subscription for building a Church
in this town, $ii6o subscribed, and appointed Messrs. J. P.
Calharda, E. ,C. Bettencourt, William Usher, Dominique
Cazaux, Wm. Bettencourt, & Eugene [Page 26] Mazu-
rotti to superintend and say prayers for the Catholics of
Wilmington. Baptized George Washington, aged three
years, son of Patrick Murphy and Rebecca Lear, sponsor
J. P. Calharda. Preached again at night. Looked at
some ground offered for a Church.
May 20. Celebrated Mass and exhorted. Had but one
communicant. Baptized and received into the Church
Hesther Ross, wife of Peter Ross of this town. Was re
quested by some Protestant gentlemen to preach twice
this Evening and was to leave town in the morning. I
complied with their request and preached at 5^ past three
and at 7 o'clock to very full congregations. There was
created in Wilmington a spirit of enquiry, and the preju
dices which were very general against Catholicity were
removed. I found two females Mrs. Janet and her sister
who were Roman Catholics and a very young child of the
former lady by a former husband, but they were about to
join the Protestant Episcopal Church rather than remain
as they were. They had been born in the Havannah and
had been at'New Orleans and were greatly disgusted at the
superstitious observances of the Spaniards, particularly of
the Friars at Havannah. This had made a very bad im
pression on their minds, as upon many other sensible per
sons whom I had met and who witnessed the same. Mrs.
J. was now married [Page 27] to a Methodist.
May 22d. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation at
Mr. Usher's house at South Washington. Had one com
municant who had been at confession with me on the pre
ceding evening. Mrs. Usher is a Protestant, being the
¦daughter of an Episcopal minister — her children are edu
cated in her tenets. Mrs. Usher's sister has joined the

20 Diurnal of Bishop England.
Methodists. Doctor Leroque is a Catholic, but his family
is not. John Doyle, an Irishman, is the only Catholic in
this place or its vicinity. Preached at twelve o'clock to
about fifty persons (of whom very few were Catholics) in
a house of Mr. Usher's, and appointed Mr. James Usher
and Doctor Leroque to superintend and say prayers at
South Washington. Baptized under condition William,
James, & Louisa, then and absolutely, Frederick &
Mary two children of James B. Leroque & Louisa Mab-
son ; sponsors, for Frederick, Eugene Mazarotti, for Mary,
James Usher.
May 23d. Left Washington for Newbern.
May 24th. Arrived at Newbern and went to the house
of the Hon. William Gaston at his invitation. Saw and
conversed with most of the Catholics. In this town are
upwards of twenty Catholics, principally females. Revd.
Nicholas Kerny was here thrice by the appointment of the
Archbishop, to administer Sacraments. His last visit was
in last November.
[Page 28] May 25. Celebrated Mass at Mr. Gaston's
and gave an exhortation. After Breakfast again saw the
Congregation and conversed with them. Opened a sub
scription for the book Society. Heard confessions, prin
cipally of four or five converts whom Mr. Kerney had re
ceived into the Church when he was last here. In the
evening preached in the Court House.
May. 26. Celebrated Mass and gave Communion to Mr.
Gaston. Afterwards heard Confessions and gave instruc
tion to several who wished for Confirmation, and had a
long conversation on some points of faith with a respect
able man who had been in early life a Roman Catholic,
but had serious doubts on some points, upon which he
became satisfied and went to Confession. Heard Confes
sions and preached in the evening.
May 27. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation, had
six Communicants, had two interviews with a Baptist
woman who was married to a Catholic in presence of a

Diurnal* of Bishop England. 21
Magistrate and instructed her. Sent my barouche and
servant to the country about 30 miles for two or three
Catholics, who had come to meet Mr. Kerny formerly, but
came too late. Preached in the evening.
May 28, Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation.
Gave instructions after breakfast to some converts received
by Mr. Kerny, and to some others who were preparing for
their first Communion.
[Page 29] Heard Confessions and preached in the
Evening. May 29. Celebrated Mass and had one Communicant —
gave an exhortation, afterwards gave private instruction
to a coloured man, servant to Mr. Gaston, and the woman
mentioned on the 27th. Heard Confessions and preached
at night.
May 30. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation, had
one communicant, gave private instruction in the course
of the day and heard Confessions in the evening and
preached. May 31. Ascension Thursday. Celebrated Mass and
gave an exhortation. Gave Communion to eleven per
sons, baptized Eliza Hanrehan an adult (see May 27) and
Abraham, a slave belonging to Mr. Gaston, (an adult see
May 29) and Ann Gillet a child of 7 years of age, the two
last under condition, and confirmed 10 persons of whom
three were converts. Afterwards married Antoine Lavi-
ziere to Eliza Hanrehan, their former contract having
been void ratione disparitatis Cultus. Gave a commission
to read prayers &c to the Hon. Wm. Gaston, Peter Brug-
man, Lewis Leroy Junr., William Williams, and Benja
min Good. In the Evening heard confessions and
preached. June I St. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation —
gave some private instructions to two persons of colour and
heard Confessions — preached at night.
June 2d. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation —
gave some private instructions and heard Confessions.

22 Diurnal of Bishop "England.
[Page 30] Was informed that great numbers of the most
respectable inhabitants were convinced of the truth of the
Catholic religion, and well disposed to become members
thereof — preached at night.
June 3rd. Heard Confessions. Celebrated Mass, had
two Communicants, gave an exhortation, confirmed the
two converts. After breakfast had the Committee of the
book Society elected and gave some instructions, then
baptized two converts, men of colour, and afterwards three
children — preached in the Evening.
June 4th. Celebrated Mass and after breakfast left New
bern for North Washington, where I arrived at eight
o'clock that Evening and came to Mr. Leroy's house.
June 5th. Celebrated Mass at Mr. Hanrehan' s, and
gave an exhortation to the very few who attended. Mr.
Kearney had been here in last December, and twice before.
The Catholics few and generally negligent. The Metho
dists have a meeting house, the Baptists a temporary place,
but there is no other house of Worship. Met the Cath
olic Congregation consisting of nine men, some of whom
had families, and of those families some were not Cath
olics, exhorted them to prepare for the Sacraments, to
exert themselves to obtain a sufficient number of Sub
scribers for the book Society &c. Preached in the Court
House in the Evening to about 200 persons.
June 6th. Heard Confessions, celebrated Mass and
gave an [Page 31] exhortation. After breakfast saw and
conversed with two women and a black man who were
desirous of instruction in order to learn whether they
should become Catholics, also gave instructions to the
Catholics who were preparing for the Sacraments. Heard
confessions and preached at night.
June 7th. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation,
saw and continued the instruction of the three Catechu
mens, also saw another women who became a Catechumen
heard Confessions and saw and conversed with some of the
Children and preached at night.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 23
June Sth. Celebrated Mass at the Court House, gave
an exhortation, had one Communicant. After breakfast
continued the instruction of the -Catechumens, formed
the Children into a class and appointed and introduced
teachers to them. Saw some persons of colour who were
desirous of instruction, conversed with them for a con
siderable time. One of them became a Catechumen, two
others had favorable impressions made on them, but took
time to consider what they should do. Heard Confessions.
Preached at night, the Baptist and Methodist leaders were
drawing off the hearers to the best of their power.
June 9th. Baptized, sub conditione, and received into
the Church, Mrs. Anne Gallagher, Mrs. Catherine Glee-
son, and Mrs. Mary Lee. Celebrated [Page 32] Mass and
gave an exhortation, heard Confessions, gave private
instruction to some people of colour, afterwards to those
preparing for Confirmation and baptized James Selby an
adult free man of colour. Saw the principal members of
the Congregation and after some consultation with them
appointed Lewis Leroy, Walter Hanrahan, John Galla
gher, and William Grace to read prayers &c. and to collect
money toward building a Church. Preached at night and
heard Confessions.
June loth. Whitsunday. Celebrated Mass, gave an
exhortation, had 13 Communicants. Confirmed ten per
sons. Gave private instructions to several persons who
called upon me and preached at four o'clock. Heard Con
fessions and preached again at night.
June I ith . Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation.
Conversed with and instructed three Catechumens. Heard
Confessions, established the book Society, had the com
mittee chosen, again instructed the Catechumens, and
preached at night.
June 12th. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation.
Had one Communicant, baptized one adult. After break
fast conversed with one of the Catechumens who was
wavering and then received him into the Church and bap-

24 Diurnal of Bishop England.
tized him under condition, at the same time that I baptized
the other. Conversed with a number of persons professing
a desire for instruction, but though four of them professed
their belief of the doctrines of [Page 33 ] the Catholic
religion neither of them would take any of the necessary
steps to practice it. In the evening I had another conver
sation with one or two men and the result similar. Heard
Confessions and preached at night.
June 13th. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation.
Had one Communicant whom I also Confirmed, and bap
tised one boy of colour. Gave instructions to some per
sons who had never been baptized and were deliberating
on joining the Church. Heard Confessions. Assembled
the Catholics, whom I now found increased in number.
Regulated the Catechism classes and gave some instruc
tions and then baptized two white children, whose parents
promised to have them educated in the Catholic faith, and
four negro children whose owner made similar promise.
In the evening gave some private instructions to a gentle
man who had determined to become a Catholic, but did
not feel himself sufficiently prepared for baptism.
June 14. Heard Confessions and gave Communion to two
persons. Left Washington and arrived the same evening
in Plymouth where I found one Catholic (Doctor Picott).
June 15th. Had no convenient place for Mass, and not
wishing to exhibit before a people perfectly unin.'^tructed
I did not celebrate, but finding an anxiety to hear me I
consented to remain and preached twice this day to about
[Page 34] 40 persons at n o'clock and to a larger congre
gation at 5 o'clock, at the Academy, which was the only
public building in the town.
June 16. Preached again in the Academy at nine in the
morning and at 5 in the afternoon. The subjects similar
to those I usually spoke upon at other places, viz : proofs
of revelation of the Catholic Church, the true doctrine of
the Sacraments &c. Found many misconceptions cor
rected and prejudices removed.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 25
June 17th. (Sunday). Celebrated Mass at nine o'clock
to a very numerous audience, and recommended the forma
tion of a branch of the Catholic book Society. Was
waited upon by a deputation to request I would teach how
the Society might be formed, and that I would preach in
the evening, to both which of course I assented. I
preached to a very crowded congregation in the evening,
after which the book Society met and elected their officers.
Met here with another Catholic, by name Alexr. Chis-
holm. June 18. Left Plymouth for Edenton, where I arrived at
about seven o'clock in the evening, found about ten Catho
lics French, Portugese, and Irish, generally extremely
negligent. June 19. Found that there were some Catholics in Eliza
beth. Fixed upon the hours for preaching, and sent a
commission [Page 35] for prayers &c to Plymouth to
Messrs. Julian Picott and Alex. Chisholm. Preached at
four o'clock in the Court House and conversed with the
Catholics, whom I had discovered, in the Evening.
June 20. Celebrated Mass in my room and preached at
ten o'clock. Saw the Catholics and exhorted them
to prepare for the Sacraments and to form the book
Society. Preached again at night to a numerous congre
gation. June 2ist. Celebrated Mass in the Court House, and at
10 o'clock I again preached, found it exceedingly difficult
to collect or assemble the few Catholics of this place, who
were negligent, ignorant, and despised by the other denomi
nations. The only one who had any appearance of worldly
decency did not come near me, and had his daughter mar
ried by the Protestant Episcopal Minister on the day after
my arrival. His name is Charnier. His family was rep
resented to me as religious Catholics, but they not having
appeared at my Sermon I could not call on them. Preached
again at night and induced one or two persons to say they
would confess, heard one of them.

26 Diurnal of Bishop England.
June 22d. Celebrated Mass in the court, baptized four
children, and preached at ten o'clock. Endeavoured to
obtain Protestant subscribers to the book Society, but met
with no encouragement. Failed also in my endeavours to
[Page 36] bring the Catholics to the Sacraments. Preached
again at night and recommended a subscription to the
book Society.
June 23d. Celebrated Mass in the Court House and
gave an exhortation. Confirmed two persons, gave Com
munion to three persons, and gave a commission to read
prayers etc to Richard Small, Robert Keating, Simon
La Roche Olivieras, and Peter La Graet. Afterwards heard
some confessions, and preached at night, and established
a branch of the book Society.
June 25th. Left Edenton for Elizabeth City. Felt
very sick on the road. Arrived at Elizabeth in the even
ing, found two or three Catholics, and fixed the hour for
preaching next day.
June 26th. Still very ill. Preached at eight o'clock in
the morning in the Court House and there being a sort of
reaping festival to which most of the inhabitants had been
invited and being desirous of a little rest, I did no more
this day.
June 27. Preached in the Court House at nine o'clock
to a very large and respectable congregation, and made
some efforts to procure subscribers for the book Society,
and to get the Catholics to prepare for the Sacraments.
Preached again at five o'clock in the evening, numbers
much less.
June 28. Preached again at nine o'clock and found
great obstacles to my obtaining subscribers to the book
Society. Heard Confessions and preached again in the
evening. June 29. Celebrated Mass and had two Communicants
and [Page 37] Confirmed two persons. Preached at nine
o'clock, endeavoured to obtain subscribers, and assembled
the Catholics. Found them increased to eight or ten.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 27
Appointed John P. McLoughlin, Joseph Lesieur, and Alex
ander T. Martin to read prayers &c and preached again
at five o'clock, and baptized four converts whom I had
instructed. June 30. Left Elizabeth City and arrived at Norfolk,
met Right Rev. Doctor Kelly, Bishop of Richmond.
July ist. Sunday. At the request of Doctor Kelly I
preached in his church.
July 3d. I preached again at the request of the Bishop
and many of his flock, Catholics and others.
July 4th. Exchanged powers with the Bishop of Rich
mond, at his request I appointed him Vicar General of my
Diocess, and accepted his powers in the Diocess of Richmond.
July Sth. At the request of the Bishop and people I
preached in Norfolk.
July 12. I arrived in Marfreesborough and found there
three Catholics, two of whom were in the habit of attend
ing the meetings of the Methodists and Baptists. I saw
and conversed with them.
July 13th. I celebrated Mass at Doctor O'Dwyer's house
and gave Communion to Mrs. Usher. At the request of
several persons I preached in the Academy at eleven
o'clock to a very numerous and respectable Congregation,
and concluded by recommending to them [Page 38] the
formation of a branch of the book Society for which many
subscribed, but though they were very anxious for my
preaching my feeling very ill and greatly exhausted caused
me to hasten my departure.
July 14. Arrived in Halifax — no Catholic. In the
Evening arrived at Warrenton— no Catholic here, nor in its
vicinity. Still feeling very ill.
July 15. Celebrated Mass privately in my room, and
preached in the Evening in the Court House at the request
of some of the inhabitants, though ill.
July 16. Left Warrenton and passed through Louisburg
on my way to Raleigh, could not learn that any Catholics
resided on the way.

28 Diurnal of Bishop England.
July 17. Arrived at Raleigh and was kindly received
by Judge Taylor, whose wife and daughters are Catholics.
Mrs. Taylor is sister to Mr. Gaston of Newbern, and Mrs.
Sneed, the Judge's daughter by a former marriage, has
been educated in the faith by Mrs. Taylor, as also her own
daughter, and her son, who is very young.
July 18. Was waited upon by Mr. Gales, the Intendant,
and other gentlemen as a deputation from the citizens to
request I would preach, and offering me the Presbyterian
Church, which I accepted, and preached in the Evening
to a very large and respectable congregation amongst whom
were the Governor of the State and the Judges of the
Supreme Court.
1821. [Page 39] July 19. Celebrated Mass in my room,
gave a short instruction and heard confessions of the
family, and preached again at night. Was invited by
General Pearson to preach near Salisbury, where he lives,
and offered his house.
July 20. Gave a short instruction and celebrated Mass.
Found two negresses who had been partially instructed
and were desirous of being Catholics. I gave them some
farther instructions. Found two or three other Catholics
in this city, and preached again at night to a large con
gregation. July 21. Celebrated Mass in my own room, and after
breakfast compiled part of the dis.sertation on Mass. Heard
Confessions and conversed with some Catholics, particu
larly with one from Hillsborough and preached at night.
July 22d. Celebrated Mass and gave Communion to two
persons. Found the number of Catholics increased, and
at II o'clock, the Presbyterian Church having been alto
gether given to me for the purpose, I read some prayers
therein. The night being wet I did not preach.
July 23d. Celebrated Mass and afterwards gave some
instructions and heard Confessions. Made some exertions
to establish a branch of the book Society. Baptized six
children of negroes, and baptized one adult, conditionally,

Diurnal of Bishop England. 29
and supplied the ceremonies for five others, who had been
validly baptized, and then preached in the church.
July 24. Celebrated Mass and made further exertions
[Page 40] to establish the book Society. Gave private
instruction to some negro children. Supplied the ceremo
nies for one and baptized seven young persons. , Preached
at night.
July 25. Celebrated Mass. Made further exertions to
establish the book Society. Instructed some adult ne
gresses, and heard Confessions. Preached at night.
July 26. Celebrated Mass and endeavoured to obtain
subscriptions for the book Society. Preached at night.
July 27. Celebrated Mass. Compiled part of the ex
planation of Mass. Heard Confessions and preached at
night. July 28. Celebrated Mass and looked for Subscribers to
the book Society. Gave some special instructions. Ap
pointed John Devereux and Mrs. Jane Taylor to read
prayers and instructions for the faithful. Heard confes
sions and preached.
July 29. Sunday. Heard confessions, preached, and
gave Communion to ten persons, and Confirmed eight.
Gave them an instruction and assembled them together,
exhorted them to meet regularly for prayer and instruction.
Preached in the Evening.
July 30. Left Raleigh for Fayetteville.
July 31. Arrived in Fayetteville in the Evening and
found several letters which required answers.
August ist. Answered those letters and saw some of the
Catholics. Preached in the Episcopal Church at night,
the Warden having invited me to use it — the Clergyman
being [Page 41] absent. Went from Mr. Jordan's to Mr.
Kelly's. August 2d. Celebrated Mass at Mr. Kelly's and gave
notice that I was ready to administer the Sacraments. Had
different conversations with some Catholics and preached
at night.

30 Diurnal of Bishop England.
August 3rd. Celebrated Mass, heard' some confessions,
and preached at night.
August 4th. Celebrated Mass. Found the Catholics to
be very few, very negligent, and poorly instructed. Recom
mended the formation of a branch of the book Society.
Baptized two children, heard Confessions, and preached at
night. August 5th. Sunday. Celebrated Mass, gave Commun
ion to three persons. Said some public prayers and
preached in the Church at n o'clock and preached again
at night.
August 6th. Was too ill to say Mass. Made some exer
tions to establish the book Society and to commence a
Church. I could not preach.
August 7th. Still unwell. Did not celebrate Mass, but
preached at night and heard some Confessions.
August Sth. Celebrated Mass, had one Communicant.
Established the book Society, had a committee appointed,
heard confessions, and preached at night.
August 9th. Celebrated Mass, had one Communicant.
This being the day of the town Election, and not having
an opportunity to preach I went to the country whence I
did not return until next Evening.
[Page 42] August 10. I preached at night.
August n. I celebrated Mass. Exerted myself to pre
vail on the flock to meet on Sundays for prayer and in
struction. I procured a room for the purpose and com
missioned John Kelly Esq. and Messrs Dillon, Jordan,
James McKay, and Patk. Phelan to read the prayers &c.
Preached at night and heard Confessions.
August 12. Heard Confessions. Celebrated Mass at
Mr. Perry's, where the flock was to meet, and gave Com
munion to three persons, confirmed one, &c. Said prayers
and preached in the Church and in the Evening left Fay
etteville. August 14. Celebrated Mass at Judge Taylor's at
Raleigh, found everything regular.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 31
August 18. Arrived at Norfolk and that night was
taken ill with a fever which confined me and detained me
in the town until August 30. Left Norfolk in the steam
boat for Baltimore, where I arrived August 31st. And saw
the Archbishop and many of my other friends.. Left Balti
more in the Evening and arrived in Philadelphia at 8 in
the morning of September ist. I then saw Revd. Mr.
Cooper and some other clergymen who wished me to preach
next day. I declined, as the Bishop was not at home, and
I was not sufficiently acquainted with the foundation of
the divisions which agitated the Church. The Revd. Mr.
Hogan having been placed in possession of the [Page 43]
Church of St. Mary's which was taken from the Bishop by
the Trustees and given to him, he having been told by the
Bishop that he either withdrew his faculties, or suspended
him, then placed the Church under Interdict and Excom
municated Mr. Hogan, who continued to officiate. I left
Philadelphia the same day with Mr. Creagh who was to
publish the Missal.
September 2nd. I arrived in New York. Celebrated
Mass at St. Peter's Church and went to my friend Rev.
John Power's house. My object in coming to this city
was to publish the Missal in English with an explanation
which I immediately commenced.
Sep. 4. Received into my Diocess the Revd. Francis
Donoghue late of the Diocess of Kerry (Ireland) of whose
moral conduct and zeal his Bishop, Doctor Sughrue, gave
me excellent testimony in Ireland.
Sep. 5. Had an interview with the Revd. Anthony
O'Hannan, late of the Diocess of Limerick, who as I was
informed in Philadelphia was about to join Revd. Wm.
Hogan, and in conjunction with a Mr. Spring of this town
to open an Academy in Philadelphia, which I thought if
effected would be the complete ruin of Catholicity in that
city. Mr. Hannan satisfied me of the correctness of his
moral conduct since his arrival in America, proved to me
that was he disposed to join in Schism, he might have

32 Diurnal of Bishop England.
done so with great profit and that he was attached to Revd.
[Page 44] Wm. Hogan from gratitude well earned, and
private affection, but not only did not join in Schism, but
did his utmost to prevent its evils, though oppressed by
those who charged him with aiding and abetting what he
did his utmost to restrain. He then mentioned to me that
Revd. Wm. Hogan had followed me from Philadelphia to
look for my advice, and entreated an interview, which I
joyfully gave.
Revd. Wm. Hogan in a confidential conversation of
some hours' continuance gave me a detail of his case and
feelings and dispositions, which ended by his pledging
himself altogether to abide by my decision, if Dr. Conwell
should be prevailed upon the examination of his case to
me. I thought from his manner, statement, and the
solemn pledges he made me, that if the Bishop did allow
me to investigate and determine the case, I should be able
to destroy a growing Schism, and to restore peace to the
Church. I wrote to this effect to Bishop Conwell and in-
treated the necessary powers, and at the request of the
Revd. Wm. Hogan, whom I wished to bind to me by
kindness as well as from a confidence in his own principles
I received the Revd. A. O'Hannan into my Diocess.
Sept, 6th. I, upon the declaration of my friend Revd.
J. Power that he had now the regular papers of Revd. A.
O'Hannan which were [Page 45] at his place in the
country, too far to allow them to be brought to me, gave
Mr. O'Hannan the necessary testimonials of his being a
Priest of my Diocess, the letter to Bishop Conwell, and a
copy of the powers I required, telling him to go to Phila
delphia with Mr. Hogan, and to ask Dr. Conwell and
bring me his answer, giving him a private instruction
to try and prevail upon Revd. Wm. Hogan, to desist from
officiating. Sept. 9. Rev. Mr. Power received a letter from Revd.
Wm. Hogan stating that on their way to Philadelphia the
trunk, in which Mr. Hannan's papers were, was accidentally

Diurnal of Bishop England. 33
broken, and the papers lost, and requesting a renewal ol
them. This letter contained a repetition of Mr. Hogan's
determination to abide by my decision — I renewed the
papers and sent them.
Sept. 10. Received a letter from Revd. ]\Ir. Hannan
stating that the letters, etc., were found, and opened by
Revd. Mr. Cooper, notwithstanding his declaration that
the letter was a private one from me to the Bishop.
I subsequently received several communications from
Philadelphia all concurring in the statement that great
confusion prevailed in that city, and that several persons
asserted that I -was to support Mr. Hogan against the
Bishop. Revd. Mr. O'Hannan- returned to New York
without having been able to discover where the Bishop
was, but after a few days I received a letter [Page 46] from
Revd. Wm. Hogan, stating that the Revd. Mr. O'Hannan
could now find the Bishop at Connewaga, if he went, upon
which I again sent Revd. Mr. O'Hannan to Philadelphia
— but he returned without success. I learned from several
sources that upon his first visit Mr. O'Hannan appeared
in a Surplice in St. Mary's Church in Philadelphia, whilst.
Mr. Hogan officiated, and therefore I would not give him
leave to celebrate Mass. I consulted the Bishop of
New York who promised to transmit to Rome an Italian
translation of a Latin letter which I sent to the Cardinal
Prefect of the Propaganda, upon the subject of the Schism
in Philadelphia. After the second return of the Revd.
Mr. O'Hannan I received a letter signed "a warm friend
to the party " informing me that a woman had made a
charge upon Revd. Mr. Hogan of his having attempted
violence upon her, during the time of Mr. Hannan's stay
and requesting his return to disprove the charge — I spoke
upon the subject with Revd. Messrs. Power and O'Hannan,
the latter of whom recounted the facts as he attested they
took place in such a way as to induce Mr. Power and me
to believe that a plot had been contrived to injure Mr.
Hogan's character, and that this woman was the agent of

34 Diurnal of Bishop England-
the conspirators, whoever they might be, but Mr. Hannan
showed great reluctance to go, and alleged his fears lest his
own character might be brought into question. However
[Page 47] I insisted upon his departure for Philadelphia —
whither he went on the nth of October. During my stay
in New York I preached thrice in the Cathedral of St.
Patrick's at the request of the Bishop. I was closely and
unremittingly occupied during my stay in this city in pre
paring the preface for the Missal, the explanation of the
Mass, and arranging the body of the work, in doing which
I underwent very great mental fatigue and close applica
tion, up to the very instant of my departure.
October 10. Learning that Doctor Conwell the Bishop
of Philadelphia was in New York, I called upon him at
Mrs. Connolly's, and had a long explanation to satisfy him
of the object of my proposal of interference, but he
declined giving me any power save that of receiving
Revd. Wm. Hogan into my Diocess, and absolving him
from Censures did he come. The Bishop distinctly stated
that he would not proceed against W. H. for any acts of
immorality, and further said he believed W. H. would be
a very useful Priest to me.
October 13. Bishop Conwell called on me at Revd. Mr.
Power's and had a long conversation to induce me to
receive Mr. Hogan into my Diocess, and stated that he
thought under me he would be very useful, he also said
the same of Revd. A. O'Hannan, of whose good conduct
I had the testimony of Revd. Mr. Power and of a Cana
dian Parish Priest, who had known him in that Diocess,
and of the Bishop of Quebec who had written to Mr.
Power, but the Bishop [Page 48] of Philadelphia neither
would give me permission to examine formally into Mr.
Hogan's conduct, nor do so himself, but merely gave me
powers to absolve him from the censures ab homine which
he inflicted, upon condition of W. H. coming to my
Diocess. On Sunday October 14 the Archbishop sailed
from New York for France on his wav to Rome.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 35
Oct. 15. I left New York accompanied by the Rev
erend John Power as my- Secretary and on the same
evening at Trenton I saw and conversed with the Revd.
Henry Doyle, who had been a Parish Priest in Ireland,
and was now stationed at Trenton, where he had a poor
congregation, and a small school, and also the Revd. John
Twomy, formerly of the Diocess of Kerry, in Ireland,
who had taught for some time in Georgetown with the
Jesuits, and was latterly at Philadelphia. I endeavored
to prevail upon them to come to Charleston to assist in
the Academy, or on the Mission.
October 16. Arrived in Philadelphia, and was called
upon by the Revd. W. H. and many of his supporters,
which latter I refused to see, until I should have arranged
matters with W. H. I had several conversations with
Revd. A. O'Hannan and others upon the subject of the
Schism, and in the evening informed Revd. S. Cooper
that I would on the next day say Mass at St. Joseph's
Church which was that then in possession of the Bishop
and his adherents. At night I was called upon by some
of the adherents of W. H. [Page 49] to say that if I cele
brated in St. Joseph's on the next day I could effect no
reconciliation, upon which I after mature deliberation de
termined to celebrate in the Church of the Holy Trinity,
Revd. Mr. Roloff's. — On that night I saw that the charges
against W. H. were likely to be made the subject of a
serious legal investigation.
October 17. Celebrated Mass at Trinity Church, had
several interviews with the Clergymen (Cooper, Kearns,
O'Hannan, Hurly, Kenny, and with W. H. The latter
pledged himself to abide by my decision.
Oct. 18. After Mass I saw W. H. and gave him the
copy of a letter which I required him to send to me, re
questing me to receive him into my Diocess, and express-
ino- his determination to leave Philadelphia and to abide
by my decision, and that of the Holy See upon his former
conduct. He wished to have a previous interview with

36 Diurnal of Bishop England.
his supporters, which I. said I could not sanction, but he
might on his own discretion. He after some hesitation
said he would write the letter. I stated that the letter
having been received by me, he would become my sub
ject, and should then no longer object to seeing his friends.
W. H. retired and in a few moments Revd. A. O'Hannon
brought me the letter which I answered by a note receiv
ing W. H. into my Diocess of Charleston. A subcom
mittee of his friends (Messrs. Leamy, Ashley & Fegan)
were with me before I despatched the answer, having
writ it I stated to them the complete irregularity of W.
H.'s conduct, shewed them that if the Bishop had done
any wrong, it was only by an appeal to Rome, and
not by [Page 50] irregular opposition, redress could be
had, and pledged myself to them that if they conducted
themselves as Catholics and had causes of complaint I
would not only forward their statements, but if I found
them supported by evidence I would aid them to obtain
redress. The only difficulty which now appeared to re
main they stated to be the appointment of the Pastor of
St. Mary's. I said it must rest with the Bishop. They
stated their' objections to receiving those whom he had
appointed were insuperable, and then observed that there
was no remedy for this, but what Rome might give upon
a statement, but upon their proposal I said I would request
the Bishop to allow me the nomination during the Suit.
They expressed themselves satisfied if this were granted. I
accordingly wrote to the Bishop, making the request and
promising him peace if it were granted.
I then consented to dine with W. H. , who upon his
knees in presence of Revd. John Power and Revd. A.
O'Hannan professed himself to belong to the Diocess of
Charleston, to hold the Roman Catholic faith, to be con
trite for his improper publications, and to fulfil the injunc
tions of the Holy See, and to obey my judgment and
decision upon his case and conduct, upon which conditions
I told him the Bishop of Philadelphia had authorized me

Diurnal of Bishop England. 37
to receive him and to absolve him from his censures, which
I then did, after which we sat down to dinner, during
which we arranged the manner of his support, the place of
his residence and [Page 51] a variety of details respecting
his future situation in Charleston.
October 19. After a long interview with W. H. in pres
ence of the Revd. John Power, we before breakfast ar
ranged all the details and reduced them to writing, which I
signed and gave to W. H. I repeated then what I told him
on the previous evening, that he was not to attempt the ad
ministration of a Sacrament nor the celebration of Mass in
Philadelphia. I asked him if he had the Sacrament, having
replied in the affirmative, I accompanied him to St. Mary's
Church where he gave me the key of the Tabernacle, from
which I removed the Sacrament and took it to St. Joseph's,
where I delivered it to the Revd. Mr. Cooper and told
him he may inform the Bishop of Philadelphia that W.
H. now belonged to the Diocess of Charleston. I then re
turned to the house of W. H. to meet his subcommittee,
(Messrs. Ashley and Fegan were the only two present — I
related to them in the presence of W. H. what had
occurred and stated the reasons — upon which Mr. Ashley
observed that he had no doubt but I was stating the law,
the facts were clear, and therefore it was plain that
although they had been otherwise informed they had been-
acting in error, and stated that W. H. had very wisely
got out of his difficulties, but it was his own act, not
that of the Trustees, and asked how W. H. could reconcile
his desertion of the Trustees with his declarations on the
previous Sunday of adhering to them under all circum
stances ? I said W. H. had acted by my advice in leaving
them and therefore not he, but I, was to inform [Page 52]
the people of their mistake. He asked me would I say
Mass in St. Mary's on Sunday, I replied I could pot, but
I would give an explanation to satisfy the people of their
error, there or somewhere. He asked what were they to
do, I said to wait patiently the Bishop's answer to my

38 Diurnal of Bishop England.
letter which had been sent, upon which we parted in ap
parent friendship.
I then informed W. H. that as he could not say Mass,
and may feel at going to one of the Churches publickly to
hear Mass, I would celebrate in his room on Sunday, he
expressed his gratitude and requested I would permit Mr.
Ashley to attend, I said he may bring whom he pleased.
I then requested he would refer to me any persons who
might ask the reasons of his conduct, and whom he chose
to gratify, and not enter into any explanations which may
cause unpleasant feelings to him and also that he would
prepare to leave Philadelphia as soon as possible.
That night I was accompanied by Revd. John Power to
the house of W. H. for the purpose of sleeping, I there
met Revd. A. O'Hannan, who gradually communicated
the information of W. H. having been called upon to the
Board of Trustees and having there promised, that unless
I ahould say Mass in St. Mary's Church on Sunday he
would, and also his fears that W. H. was not disposed to
do as he had promised, Mr. Power and I left the house
and returned to [Page 53] our Hotel.
October 20. I found Mr. Hannan's fears realized. To a
message from W. H. I answered I had no farther conces
sions to make, that if he attempted to officiate the former
absolution would lose its effect, that by remaining in
Philadelphia he exposed himself to temptation, and that I
would not consent to see him except he would that day
leave the city and be absent until Monday ; if he did so,
I would then see him, and overlook all that had occurred
— if not, I should add new censures to the former. John
T. O' Sullivan, one of his principal adherents, said he was
convinced I was right, and soon returned to inform me
that W. H. was preparing to depart, I said that after the
departure of W. H. I would arrange with him, O'S., when
and where I would meet the adherents of the trustees to
give them an explanation. In the evening J. T. O'S.
called to inform me that W. H. had not left town, and

Diurnal of Bishop England. 39
would say Mass next day at the request of his friends. I
then told O'S. that I did not wish to act with unneces
sary severity and begged he would inform W. H. that the
absolution lost its effect and that unless before nine
o'clock that night I should have received from W. H. a
request to be dismissed from the Diocess of Charleston I
should, though with very acute feelings of pain, excom
municate him for disobedience. T. O'S. retiied saying I
should receive the request. At ten o'clock, which was
upwards of four hours from having made the communica
tion, although W. H. was within five minutes walk of
where I stayed, I had received no communication. [Page
54] I therefore drew up a communication and notice to
W. H. which I signed and sealed, and which was also
signed by Revd. John Power as my secretary. This notice
recited the grounds upon which I had given absolution,
and also that I had learned with pain his intention of
celebrating Mass, my dissent therefrom, &c. , and warned
him, that should he attempt to celebrate he would thereby
incur a greater excommunication, latae sententiae. I went
with Rev. Mr. Power to the house of W. H. and Revd.
Mr. Power put this notice into his hands at half past ten
o'clock, informing him at the same time of the nature of
its contents.
After I had gone to my Hotel and was preparing to
retire to bed Revd. A. O'Hannan, and T. O'S ., who had been
at the house of W. H. called on me with his resignation
of the Domicile in the Diocess of Charleston, to which I
then gave no answer, but mentioned to them the notice
which Revd. Mr. Power served, and of which they stated W.
H. had informed them.
October 21st. Sunday. I celebrated Mass in St. Joseph's
Church in Philadelphia and at ten o'clock received from
W. H., who that morning celebrated Mass twice, a note
requesting me to see and advise his flock at St. Mary's
Church on that Evening. I saw the object of the writer
was to procure my appearance in the Church that he

40 Diurnal of Bishop England.
might thereby persuade the people that he and I were in
communion. I wrote stating that I could not go to St. Mary's
Church, and knew no flock [Page 55] of W. H. I preached
in St. Joseph's at mid-day and appeared at Vespers there
that Evening and during the day I found many of my
former Parishioners in Ireland who had been deceived by
W. H. and whom I detached from him. At night
I saw a Committee of the Trustees of the Catholics
who were desirous of an explanation for their lawyers
and to whom I gave a full explanation of all that had
taken place.
October 22- Celebrated Mass at St. Augustine's Church
and received into my Diocess the Revd. John Tuomy.
Gave an exeat to the Revd. Samuel Cooper, as I could not
prevail upon him to continue in my Diocess. I also saw
many persons who had been deceived by W. H. who now
promised that they would leave him. I then left Phila
delphia for Baltimore.
October 23rd. Arrived in Baltimore.
October 25th. This being a day of humiliation &c for
the returning thanks to God for the cessation of the Yel
low Fever, I said Mass at St. Peter's and preached in the
Cathedral. Heard of the death of the Revd. Denis
Corkery at Augusta.
October 28. Sunday. I preached in the Cathedral
after having said Mass there.
(1821) October 29. Left Baltimore and arrived in
Georgetown where I was kindly and hospitably enter
tained by the Revd. Enoch Fenwick at the Jesuits' College.
October 30. Waited upon Mr. Monroe, President of
the United States, by whom I -n^as kindly received, as
also by the Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams. I
preached in the Church at Georgetown that evening to a
[Page 56] large congregation.
October 31st. Celebrated Mass at the Visitation Con
vent at Georgetown (Community 52) and gave an exhorta
tion. Returned to Baltimore.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 41
November ist. I intended going after Mass in the
steamboat to Norfolk, but was disappointed. Celebrated
Mass at the Cathedral.
November 2d. Celebrated Mass at St. Peter's.
November 4th. Celebrated Mass at the Cathedral, and
preached there to a very crowded and respectable congre
gation. Nov. 5th. Left Baltimore for Norfolk, where I arrived
on the evening of November 6th, and left it on the morn
ing of the 9th.
November loth. Arrived at Edenton, the flock much
scattered by sickness.
November nth. Celebrated Mass in Edenton to the
few who were able to attend. I gave an exhortation to
hold public prayer which they promised to comply with,
also was promised that the book Societ}' would be reg
ulated. November 12th. Arrived at North Washington, found
they had lately discontinued prayer meetings, and had
some personal disputes, the converts were also becoming
lukewarm, and had received no books.
November 13. Celebrated Mass and exhorted them to
mutual love, to resume and continue their prayer meet
ings, and promised they should be frequently visited by a
Priest whom I hoped they would assist to support. I then
saw those who were at variance, softened their opposition
and obtained a promise that the prayer meetings should
be resumed. [Page 57] Left Washington.
November 14. Arrived at Newbern and was much dis
appointed in finding Mr. Gaston was in Raleigh. Found
the flock regular and attentive and greatly pleased at the
prospect of having a Priest. They had got some books.
I gave an exhortation in the evening and baptized two
children. November 15. Left Newbern.
November 17. Arrived in Wilmington. A dreadful
Yellow Fever had neairlv made this town a desert. The

42 Diurnal of Bishop England.
inhabitants were now beginning to return. Nothing had
been done in prayer, books, or Church.
November i8th. Celebrated Mass to four persons, being
all that were able to attend. Gave them an exhortation.
They promised to hold prayer meetings in future. Left
Wilmington. November 22d. Arrived in Georgetown (S. C.) and
was that night taken ill with a violent country fever,
in which my life was nearly lost and which continued
until December ist. when I was able to sit up in my room,
and authorized Revd. A. O'Hannan, who had been with
me for some days, to baptize a child in this town.
December 2d. Reverend Mr. O'Hannan celebrated
Mass at which about ten persons attended. About noon
I was able to see the Roman Catholics, who were about
fifteen, young and old. I exhorted them to attend to
prayer and to catechise the Children, and commissioned
Michael Calvery, Joseph Mariano Puchet, [Page 58] Louis
Sien, and Henry Carr^ to read the prayers.
December 4th. I arrived in Charleston in a very weak
state. December i6th. I preached a sermon for the creation
of a fund for missionary purposes, in the Church in Hasell
Street. $170.
December 9th. During the preceding days since my
arrival I had the Clergymen whom I met in Charleston on
retreat, viz. — Revd. Messrs. Fenwick, Browne, Tuomy,
O'Hannan, 0'Donoghue,'& McCarthy until this day. My
object was after the retreat to have had a mission in the
Church, but this I was not able to effect as it was now too
near Christmas, and I was altogether too weak, so that I
was incapable of any exertion.
December 10. I appointed Rev. F. O'bonoghue to the
charge of Augusta until the ist of March, and next day he
set off to the place, but on this day we celebrated a High
Mass and Office for the repose of the soul of the Revd.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 43
Denis Corkery who died in Augusta in the month of Sep
tember, greatly regretted.
December 19, 20, & 21. Held conferences in the Church
with the Revd. Mr. Fenwick on the subject of the Sacra
ment of Penance which I intended to continue on other
Evenings, but I found myself so completely exhausted as
not to be able to continue.
December 30. Having made some changes in the
dwelling house which was on the Vauxhall lot that I had
purchased I determined to have Mass celebrated there, in
order to accommodate many who could [Page 59] not be
accommodated in Hasell Street ; I therefore this day
blessed for a temporary Chapel, the Hall and one room
thereof under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mother of God, St. Mathew the Apostle, & St. Finbar. And
[1S21.] the Revd. John Tuomy celebrated Mass, at which
I preached to a considerable congregation. I authorized
the administration of Sacraments, and the performance of
all other religious duties therein. — On the night of this
day I was again seized with fever, which held me for some
days, and by which I was greatly debilitated.
The book Society had been but imperfectly established
— scarcely anything had been done to carry the object of
it into effect, little had been collected for the new Church
or for the purchase of the ground, great prejudices agamst
Catholics prevailed and considerable jealousy was mani
fested by the Sectarians at the efforts which had been
made to get forward, and a number of Infidels who
had been born of Catholic parents, but who had lost
their faith joined with some foolish, ignorant, but not irre
ligious Catholics, to oppose the efforts made to repeal the
anti catholic charter of the Church and regulate the power
of Vestries. 1822.
January Sth. Opened the Seminary at Vauxhall, the
object of which was by its profits to assist in paying for

44

Diurnal of Bishop England.

the purchase of the ground, the building of a Cathedral,
and Seminary, and [Page 60] the education of Candidates
for Holy Orders.
January 13. Gave the Ecclesiastical Tonsure in the
Church in Hasell Street to Mr. John Birmingham late of
the Diocess of Cloyne in Ireland he having got an Exeat
from the Right Revd. Doctor Coppinger which I accepted
and employed him to assist in teaching in the Seminary,
and to learn Philosophy, &c.
January 14th. Gave the Revd. Anthony O'Hannan and
the Revd. Tim'y McCarthy general faculties until the first
of May.
January 20. Conferred upon Mr. Birmingham, in the
Church in Hasell Street, the order of Porter and distributed
twenty three premiums in Catechism to the Children who
gained them in the classes. Received two converts.
January 27th. Conferred on Mr. Birmingham, in the
Church in Hasell Street, the, order of Reader and gave
Confirmation to twenty five persons of whom three were
Converts. I baptized two adults, blacks.
[1822. J January 28th. Began the erection of a tempo
rary wooden building, eighty feet by forty eight wide,
on the lot on Broad Street to answer as a Church, as I
found it would be impossible to procure means to erect a
brick church, or even to pay for the lot, and determined
to tax some of the seats of this Church in order to meet
the expenses of its Erection and to aid subsequently in
paying for the ground.
January 30. Held a meeting of the Roman Catholics
in the Church in Hasell Street and exhibited to them at
length an history [Page 61] of the several usurpations
of the former Vestries in opposition to the Canon law,
and to the words of the Charter, also of the opposition of
the Charter to the principles of the Roman Catholic
Church, and of the impropriety as well as the illegality of
several of their By-laws upon which they abrogated all the
By-laws, and appointed a Committee to frame new laws.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 45
and relinquished all parts of the Charter inconsistent with
the principles of Catholicity.
[1S22] Feby. 3d. Conferred the order of Exorcist upon
Mr. Birmingham in the Church in Hasell Street.
Feby loth. Conferred the order of Acolyth on Mr.
Birmingharn and confirmed one convert,
Feby 12. Sent to Chesterville a commission to have
prayers and instruction, directed to John E. Gunning,
James Brett, and P. M. Brett.
During the Spring of this year I made an attempt to
visit Georgia and the vicinity of Beaufort and Coosa-
watchie, but was prevented by several relapses and heavy
fits of sickness.
Feby. 16. I received into my Diocess the Revd. Henry
Doyle a Priest who had been formerly of the Diocess of
( blank ) in Ireland and for some time past in the
Diocess of Philadelphia, he having produced the regular
and necessary papers from his several Bishops, and ap
pointed him to aid in teaching in the Seminary.
Having received a letter from the Revd. Robert Browne
of Savannah stating his illness and requesting a clergyman
might be sent to assist him, [Page 62] I sent the Revd.
Anthony O'Hannan thither for that purpose. I renewed
Revd. F. O'Donoghue's powers. In the month of March
I gave Confirmation to about twenty persons, in the
Church at Hasell Street and issued a prospectus for the
publication of a weekly Catholic newspaper to be called
the United States Catholic Miscellany. In this month I
discovered that the Vestry of Hasell Street were not
likely to make good rules for the Church, nor disposed to
give up their uncanonical claims.
March 24th. I appointed the Revd. T. McCarthy to the
temporary charge of Augusta until the ist of November,
and appointed the Revd. F. O'Donoghue to the charge of
the flock at Locust Grove until the ist of January. I
regulated that Messrs. McCarthy and O'Donoghue should
meet from six weeks to six weeks, midway between their

46 Diurnal of Bishop England.
respective residences for confession and consultation
and write to me regularly an account of their meetings
and adjournments.
I also regulated that no Clergyman should, under pain
of suspension ipso facto to be incurred, officiate in my
Diocess in any Church, the property of which was not
vested either totally, or in trust, in the Bishop and his
successors, or in any Church in which there were one or
more pews, excepting the Church, of Charleston, the
Church of Savannah, and the Church of Augusta, and I
determined to bring those Churches as soon as I could to
conform to my plan.
It will not be here amiss to state my objection to having
pews in Churches, together with my reasons for the [Page
63] objection. I would not wish to see a pew in a church,
because —
ist. They occupy a considerable portion of room and
disfigure the symmetry of the Church.
and. By their means a very painful and galling distinc
tion is created between the rich and poor, which causes
pride and self-conceit in the one, and mortification and
shame in the other, where both ought to be on a footing
of equality before their common maker.
3rd. The feeling of mortification and shame frequently
causes the poor to remain from Church to avoid being
subject thereto, and thus leads to indifference and
ignorance, and not unfrequently has caused many to go to
Methodist and other free meeting houses.
4th. Because as it serves as a specious pretext to the
slothful and to the indifferent to remain at home, upon
the plea that they cannot obtain seats, and thus they are
confirmed in their indifference, whereas by occasional
attendance they may be excited by God's grace to
religion. 5th Because it places the monopoly of the Church room
in a few individuals who not unfrequently absent themselves
and whilst others attend, for whom there is no accomo-

Diurnal of Bishop England. 47
dation, the space in which they might be accomodated
is left unoccupied, and the Clergyman is frequently obliged
to officiate in a half empty Church, whilst several retire
for want of room.
6th. Because the poor and the afflicted, who stand in
most need of the aid of religion, are put most out of its
reach, or still more humbled in their attendance.
[Page 64.J 7th. Because by their means Children who
ought to be brought to an early attendance to the duties of
Teligion are virtually excluded for want of room.
Sth. Because by their means strangers and persons of
other persuasions are bereft of the opportunity of hearing
our doctrines explained, as they feel themselves either to
be intruders upon the private property of others, or under
¦obligations which they do not like to feel, and which to
them it is painful to repeat, for they perceive that whoso
ever accommodates them inconveniences himself.
9th. Because by their means some persons are too
heavily taxed for the support of religion, whilst others
who would be willing to contribute a little are prevented
from bestowing their contributions.
loth. Because it generally happens • that their income
is placed in the hands of laymen, who have in many
instances required from the Clergyman concessions incom
patible with his duty, and reduced him to the alternative
of betraying his conscience, or forfeiting the means of his
support. For these and many other weighty reasons, not
speculatively adopted, but fixed in my conviction from
observation and experience in several instances, and which
conviction has been strengthened by the experience and
observation of several others, I have no doubt but the prog
ress of truth and religion has been materially retarded by
having pews in Churches and therefore have determined
never to suffer them in any Church to be built, and I trust
for support to the Providence of that God who has sent
me unworthy to preach the Gospel, and do not think I
would be justified before Him in doing what I know

48 Diurnal of Bishop England.
[Page 65] to be injurious to religion that I, or my clergy,
may thereby derive money. Because no money can com
pensate for placing an obstacle to the progress of Religion.
I trust to voluntary contributions of a religious people for
support, and if we get less money we shall do more good,
and if we make the laiety religious they will not permit us
to want food or raiment, and we need no more. Let us seek
first the Kingdom of God and his justice and those things
shall be added to us.
March 19. Sent Revd. A. O'Hannan into North Carolina,
giving him general jurisdiction in the Diocessuntil the
31st of December. He went at first to Fayettesville in the
latter part of this month.
April 4th. The Revd. John Tuomy, not wishing to
remain in America, left the city of Charleston in a vessel
which sailed for London.
May i9tli. The Revd. B. J. Fenwick, whom I had
frequently prevailed upon to prolong his stay from time to
time, and who had done great service by his exertions, left
the City of Charleston for his College in Georgetown,
D. C. On this day I blessed the new temporary Church at
Broad Street, dedicating it to the service of God under the
Invocation of St. Finnbar and also under the patronage of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Apostles, and Evangel
ists, Saint Mathew and Saint John, and made a collection
to aid in defraying the expenses of the building. During
this summer I remained in the City of Charleston, and had
alone to do all the duty, as the Revd. Mr. Gallagher re
tired to Sullivan's Island, and [Page 66] did no duty ex
cept to say Mass on Sunday and occasionally to preach.
The Revd. Mr. Doyle did more injury by his misconduct,
and was grossly negligent in his duties in the Seminary,
so that I was obliged to teach his classes in his stead.
June 5th. The first number of the United States Mis
cellany [1822] was published in Charleston.
July 10. I received a letter from the Bishop of Ha
vannah, stating it to be out of his power to attend to East

Diurnal of Bishop England.

49

Florida, and requiring me to look after it, as being the
nearest Bishop. The Bishop of New Orleans had taken
possession of West Florida. The Attorney of the District
of the United States had written to me that the Church,
&c., was the property formerly of the King of Spain, and
was now consequently that of the United States, and at
the disposal of the President. In consequence of which I
wrote to the President, claiming the Church for the
Roman Catholics, and succeeded in obtaining an order for
its presentation to them. The Revd. ^Michael Crosby, the
former clergyman, having died, his Coadjutor, Revd. Mr.
Gomez, remained in charge of the place.
July 26. On this morning, after having attended a
Culprit concerned in the Negro conspiracy to execution,
upon my return home I was called upon and informed of
the atrocious misconduct of the Revd. Henry Doyle.
Being satisfied of the truth of the charges exhibited, I in
stantly withdrew his faculties, sent him his papers, which
I held, released him from my Diocess, and charged him
immediately to depart [Page 67] therefrom.
August iS. The Revd. Anthony Hannan, most unex
pectedly to me, arrived in Charleston, overland, having
quitted his mission, as he alleged, through ill health, and
requested an appointment farther South. I foresaw he had
risked his life by travelling as he did. In a day or two he was
taken heavily sick, and reduced to great danger of death.
August 17th. The Revd. Henry Doyle, after having
given me great trouble and uneasiness, left Charleston —
having received mere testimonials of freedom without any
certificates of conduct or commendation.
[1822] August 25. The Revd. S. F. Gallagher having
frequently requested to be appointed to St. Augustine's in
East Florida, and been advised by me not to undertake
that mission, prevailed upon me to give him the appoint
ment thereto, which I did with the restriction that there
should be no pews in the Church, and no lay Trustees,
and that all the Church property should be vested in me

50 Diurnal of Bishop England.
in trust for the use of the Clergy and the benefit of the
Congregation. September. I gave the Vestry of Hasell Street notice
that unless the Charter was allowed so as to be conform
able to the discipline of the Roman Catholic Church, I
should be under the necessity of abandoning the Church.
The great majority of the Congregation were favourable to
the change, and well disposed, but a few Infidels, who had
been Catholics, and ignorant and peevish dupes, were op
posed thereto. A committee was appointed to draft new
rules for the purpose of endeavouring to reconcile the dif
ferences. Upon this committee were [Page 68] some well
disposed men, and some ignorant, and irreligious and
Infidel members. The rules were worse than the former.
I therefore gave up all hopes of bringing the Church to be
useful, and determined to Interdict it as soon as my lease
should expire, of which I gave notice to the Vestry and
the Congregation at large — and thenceforth determined to
avoid any attempt to change the Charter or Rules, as I
feared such attempts would only produce irritation. 1 had
also greatly to exert myself to preserve peace in the Con
gregation, which was broken evidently into two parties.
Catholics and Infidels, which latter were joined by some
weak Catholics.
October 5th. Gave his Exeat to Revd. Anthony
O'Hannan, who was now recovered, but who did not ap
pear desirous of remaining in that part of the Diocess in
which I considered his services would be available. He
went to Savannah as I suffered his jurisdiction to continue
to the 31st of December.
October loth. The Revd. John McEncroe arrived in
Charleston, and was employed in the Seminary and on the
mission by me.
November 20. The Revd. F. Gallagher resigned the
jurisdiction of Florida and requested his Exeat, as I was
not able to pay him a larger sum of money than I could
afford. He frequently became troublesome, and import-

Diurnal of Bishop England. 51
unate to be recognized as Parish Priest of Charleston,
though when I arrived there he had no situation, as he
himself informed me. If he ever had a title he forfeited it
in a variety of ways, and was besides perfectly useless. I
offered to make his situation [Page 69] as comfortable as I
could, frequently in the course of the year I offered to pay
him ^00, provided he would teach two hours daily in the
Seminary, but he would bind himself to nothing. I
allowed him I50 per month whilst he remained in Charles
ton, though I was frequently myself without a dollar from
the wretched state of the income, and the bad disposition
of the Infidel portion who professed to belong to the flock.
I gave Revd. D. F. Gallagher his Exeat, continuing his
jurisdiction until after the Epiphany.
In the month of September a violent storm ravaged the
City & its vicinity, Hasell Street Church particularly
was injured and out of my income its repairs were to be
made exceeding $400. *
[1822] November 27th. I went to Columbia in order to
try and have a Church built.
December ist. At the request of the students and with
the consent of the President I preached in the College
Chapel. I made several efforts to procure some place in
which I could preach, but in vain. I then continued to
visit the Catholics, and to explain to them the necessity of
having a Church. I found the Infidels in Charleston had
succeeded in making impressions upon their minds un
favourable to my plan of having the property vested in the
Bishop, as Trustee for the use of the Clergy, and the bene
fit of the Laiety, however by perseverance I overcame
their objections and succeeded in bringing them to concur
with me, but could neither bring them to unanimity, nor
found a lot of ground which would answer.
[Page 70] December 5th. I succeeded in getting the
book Society incorporated as also the Catholic Friendly
Society, there having been petitions in the hands of two
members, one in the Senate and one in the Representatives

52 Diurnal of Bishop England.
signed by the Infidel pretended Catholics against any
attempt of mine to have the Charters of Hasell Street
Church altered.
December 7th. I was confined by sickness.
December Sth. I preached in the house of representa
tives at the request of the legislature.
December nth. Seeing no prospect of effecting any
good immediately, I left Columbia in the stage at 4 o'cl9ck
in the morning for Charleston, having administered Con
firmation to one person the day previous. I arrived in
Charleston on the night of the 12th.
December 15th. Gave the holy order of Subdeacon-
ship to Mr. John Birmingham in St. Finnbar's Church at
the High Mass, which of course I celebrated in Pontificals.
In the course of the ensuing week I closed the Examina
tions of the Seminary for this year. In this week also I
received as a Candidate for Holy Orders Mr. Bernard
Cavanagh, late of the Diocess of Leighlin in Ireland, who
brought excellent testimonials from the Right Revd.
Doctor Doyle, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, who had
more subjects than he wanted.
In the course of this week also I had a retreat at St.
Finnbar's Church for the Laiety, the instructions at which
were very well attended and it had the good effect of
bringing several absentees of long standing to the Sacra
ments. [1822] December 22d. Gave the Holy [Page 71] Order
of Deaconship to the Reverend John Birmingham, at the
High Mass, which I celebrated in Pontificals. The crowd
of strangers was very great, and the form was translated
into English for their use, and distributed, I also preached
upon the subject.
December 25. In fulfilment of powers for that purpose,
and to grant an Indulgence to those who had been at Com
munion in the morning, I gave the Papal Benediction in
Pontificals from the throne, which I had temporarily
erected. Vespers in the Church of St. Finnbar for the
first time.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 53
[1822] December 29th. I gave Confirmation to about
forty persons in the Church of St. Finnbar, and in the
Evening at Vespers made a collection to pay for church
ornaments which I had lately procured from France. On
this day several persons signed the profession of Faith.
This closed my second year in Charleston.

1823.
January 4th. I opened the second Academy at the corner
of Church Street and Washington Street, for children of
the middling classes of society, as I found it impossible to
bring them otherwise to Catechism, all my efforts having
failed. January 5th. I gave the Holy Order of Priesthood, in
the Church of St. Finnbar at High Mass, celebrated in
Pontificals, to the Revd. John Birmingham, being aided
in the imposition of hands by the Revd. S. F. Gallagher
and Rev. John McEncroe. I preached on the occasion
to a vast concourse of Strangers who were present, and
who had copies of the form [Page 72] translated into
English. On this day was published a commission to several gen
tlemen to hold an election for seven persons who had
signed the profession of Faith and been at their Com
munion within a year, who together with the Clergy of
St. Finnbar's should be its Vestry for a year, the electors
to be persons who had signed the profession of Faith, and
paid $4. within a year to the support of the Clergy. The
Constitution of the Church was drawn up by me. After
Mass the election was held.
January 12. I gave the Tonsure, in the Church of St.
Finnbar, to Mr. Bernard Cavanagh, and published the
Constitution of the Cathedral which I gave to the new
Vestry, who pledged themselves to observe the same, and
signed their pledge publicly. I then gave them the books
and accounts, and inducted them into office.

54 Diurnal of Bishop England.
The Revd. S. F. Gallagher would not appear content
with any situation which I could give him. He frequently
requested his Exeat which I gave him, and he this day
left Charleston for Havannah.
January 19. I gave the Order of Porter to Mr. Bernard
Cavanagh in the Church of Hasell Street. I gave the
Revd. John Birmingham leave to celebrate Mass, and juiis-
diction to hear the Confessions of the Clergymen, and
gave to the Revd. John McEncroe, and to him, leave for
twelve months to celebrate twice on Sundays and Festivals,
whenever the wants of the faithful should require their
doing so. On this day I gave Confirmation in the Church
of St. Finnbar to about twelve persons.
[Page 73] The Revd. Patrick O'Sullivan, a Subdeacon
from the Diocess of Limerick, who had arrived in the
beginning of this month, wished to be received into the
Diocess. I preferred not doing so until I should have
received letters from Ireland concerning him, but I em
ployed him in the Seminary.
[1823] January .2ist. I left Charleston in. the stage for
Columbia. January 23rd. I arrived in Columbia, intending to go
thence to Mrs. Sumter's near Statesburgh, but finding no
conveyance I enquired whether any steps had been taken
at Columbia to procure a lot for a Church, and finding no
prospect of doing any good
January 24. I left Columbia in the stage for Augusta,
where I arrived on
January 25th at night and stopt at Mr. Cashin's.
January 26th. Sunday. I opened the Visitation in the
Church, where I found the Revd. Tim'y. McCarthy had
been very negligent. I exhorted the people to prepare for
the Sacraments, and felt great pain at the apathy of the
Pastor and flock. After the usual form and exhortation I
adjourned the Visitation to that day fortnight. I preached
at Vespers.
January 27th. Held morning exercises and said Mass

Diurnal of Bishop England. 55
in the Church and preached in the Evening to a very
crowded congregation.
January 28th. Held exercises and said Mass and
preached as the day before, and saw many persons who
desired to speak with me. Some had complaints &c. I
also visited the burying ground where the Revd. Denis
Corkery was interred, and where a [Page 74] handsome
Monument had been raised to his memory.
[1823] January 29. Left Augusta before day in the
Stage for Warrenton, where I arrived at two o'clock, and
proceeded thence in a carriage to Mr. Thompson's at
Locust Grove, where I arrived at about 8 o'clock, having
strayed in the woods.
January 30. Saw most of the Congregation, 'made sev
eral enquiries, and was greatly pleased at the good conduct
of the Revd. F. O'Donoghue, and the piety of his flock
and the progress of religion.
January 31st. Celebrated Mass at the new Church
which had been built and consecrated the Cemetery which
had been enclosed, marking off a piece to the west of the
Cross, stretching a line from the North Western angle by
the Western Cross till it strikes the Southern line, which
I left unconsecrated for the burial of strangers. I
preached to the persons who attended. I afterward exam
ined the Children in Catechism and made some farther
enquiries, heard Confessions, and received a convert into
the Church.
February ist. Went to Washington in Wilkes Co.,
where I found four or five Roman Catholics with whom I
conversed, and who signed the profession of Faith, and to
whom I gave certificates incorporating them with the
flock at Locust Grove. I then preached in the church to
a large Congregation and introduced to them the Revd.
F. O'Donoghue, who, I informed them, would, if they
desired, occasionally preach to them. In the Evening I
returned to Locust Grove where Mr. Thompson executed
a deed conveying to me and my successors [Page 75] the

56 Diurnal of Bishop England.
Church and Cemetery in trust for the Roman Catholics
of the vicinity, and stated that he was satisfied Mr.
O'Donoghue should take possession of the ground devised
by his Father (see page 9) of the original copy).
February 2d. Heard Confessions, celebrated Mass
(Sunday), gave Communion to upwards of twenty persons.
Several others had been lately before at Communion.
Confirmed four persons (one of them the convert). Held
the Visitation, no complaints, but a general entreaty to
continue the services of the Clergyman, whom they
pledged themselves to support. The Confession of Faith
was signed and the Certificate given. I then blessed and
dedicated the Church, under the invocation of Our Blessed
Lady of the Purification, after which Revd. Mr. O'Don
oghue celebrated Mass, and I preached to a verj'
large congregation. The number of the faithful here was
now greatly increased by settlement and otherwise, being
of persons of all ages and colors nearly 300.
February 3rd. I celebrated Mass, heard confessions,
and gave Communion to three persons. Regulated with
Mr. Thomas Luckett to send his son William to Charles
ton as a candidate for Holy Orders, and I would strive to
support him through his studies. In the evening I went
to Warrenton accompanied by the Revd. F. O'Donoghue,
Mr. Thompson, and a very respectable pious man, Mr.
Rossignol. I preached in the Court House after supper,
and introduced the Rev. Mr. O'Donoghue as a Priest who
would preach for them occasionally if they chose. There
were no Catholics in Warrenton.
[Page 76] February 4th. I returned to Augusta in
the Stage accompanied by the Revd. Mr. O'Donoghue,
and arrived at Mrs. Cashin's in the evening.
[1823] February 5th. Made farther enquiries into the
state of the Church. Regulated for Messrs. McCarthy
and O'Donoghue to meet from six weeks, to six weeks,
for Confession and preaching in the vicinity of their dis
tricts. Preached in the Evening to a large congregation.

Diurnal of Bishop England. 57
Feb. 6th. Celebrated Mass, made some enquiries and
preached in the Evening.
February 7th. Celebrated Mass, heard Confessions,
preached at night.
February Sth. Heard Confessions, examined the Classes
-of Catechism. Examined the Vestments, ornaments, and
state of the Church, and preached at night.
February 9th. Celebrated Mass, gave Communion to a
number of persons, continued the Visitation, and con
cluded it. Gave Confirmation to about twenty-five per
sons, established the Committee of the book Society, and
preached in the Evening. This day was excessively cold,
and the fall of snow was so great, and the frost so severe
as to render it unsafe for many persons td go out, in con
sequence of which the collection which I intended to have
made for the Seminary was postponed.
February loth. Heard Confessions, and left Augusta
in the stage for Parysburgh, but the coach for Charleston
'*having departed when I arrived there on the nth I went
to Savannah in the steam [Page 77] boat.
February 12th. Being under an engagement to
preach in Charleston for the ladies Benevolent Society
on the following Sunday, I left Savannah by the
boat for Parysburgh, and proceeded in the stage to Char
leston, where I arrived on the next day, and having done
the usual duties preached for the Institution, on the i6th.
Examined at the Seminary on the next days and
Feby. 19 set off in the Stage for Savannah, where I
arrived Feby. 20.
[1S23]. February 21st. I celebrated Mass, gave an
exhortation, heard Confessions, and preached at night to a
very numerous congregation.
February 22d. Celebrated Mass, instructed, gave Com
munion, heard Confessions, and preached at night. Saw
the Vestry to whom I gave a schedule of the principles
which would be useful as a basis for having the Church
Catholic.

58 Diurnal of Bishop England.
February 23d. Sunday. Heard Confessions, exhorted,.
gave Communion to several. Opened the Visitation,
Confirmed twenty three persons, and in the Evening
preached and had a collection of #93. 47 for the Seminary.

[1823] I'^eby. 24th
Feby. 25th
Feby. 26th
Feby. 27th
Feby. 28th

Celebrated Mass and instructed
in the mornings. Heard Con-
> fessions. Instructed and re
ceived into the Church three
Converts. Conversed with two
others who had been received by Reverend Robert
Browne. Had some unsuccessful communications with
the Vestry.
[Page 78] March ist. Visited the school and preached
at the nights.
March 2nd. Sunday. Celebrated Mass, heard Con
fessions, gave Communion to many. At the second Mass
preached, then closed the Visitation and gave Confirmation
to eighteen persons, amongst whom were five Converts. I
then retired, and having been indisposed during the last
four days, I took medicine and was obUged to remain con
fined during a week.
March 9th. Celebrated Mass and was able to preach at
mid-day, though very weak and still indisposed.
March loth. Celebrated Mass and heard some Con
fessions. I found in Savannah great want of an active
religious spirit, the inactive habits and illness of the
Pastor left religion in a very languishing state. I found
that in many other places in Georgia there were Roman
Catholics, and favourable opportunities of establishing
missions, had I missionaries or ability to go thither,
especially at St. Mary's where they were about building
a Church. I received a letter trom the Right Revd.
Doctor Du Bourg stating that the Floridas were in his
jurisdiction, giving me Vicarial powers for East Florida
and requesting me to have care of it. I also received a
letter stating that the Revd. Mr. Gomez, who had been at

Diurnal of Bishop England.

59

St. Augustine, was obliged to leave it on account of ill
health and requesting a Pastor, but I had not one to send.
I also received very afflicting complaints of the private
disorders in Savannah.
[Page 79] March n. I left Savannah and finding
myself very sick in the boat thought of returning but be
fore arriving at Parrysburgh was sufflciently recovered to
proceed to Charleston.
March 17th. Celebrated the festival of St. Patrick.
March 23d. Celebrated all the ceremonies of the ensu
ing week, (The Holy Week) at the New Church of St.
Finnbar's. March 29th. Holy Saturday. Gave the Order of
Reader to Mr. Bernard Cavanagh in the Church of St.
Finnbar. April 5th. Held this day (Low Sunday) by adjourn
ment, the general meeting of the Charleston Catholic
book Society Committee, and elected on this day, Easter
duty closed, the number of Communicants in Saint Finn-
bar's and Hasell Street was over 300, about fifty of whom
had been absent during several years. During this week
I examined and regulated much in the Seminary and had
several sums paid for Vestments and other necessaries.
I this tveek learned with great regret and pain the loss
upon the coast of Jersey by shipwreck of Mr. Francis
Nagle of the County of Cork, a gentleman of the
best talents and education, who had left Ireland to obtain
Orders in this Diocess, and was bringing books and Vest
ments from my friends to me. May the Lord have
mercy on his soul. This was a great loss and disappoint
ment to me.
April 15. I left Charleston in the Stage for Columbia
where I arrived
April 17 and made some exertions to procure a lot of
ground for a Church, found the disposition of some of the
Catholics very favourable, others were quite [Page 80]
negligent. On the 19th I baptized a child.

6o Diurnal of Bishop England.
April 19th. Left Columbia for Camden in the stage,
which only proceeded 17 miles that Evening.
April 20. Sunday. Was unable to say Mass as I had
no place in which I could offer, and was to proceed with
the Stage. Arrived in Camden at 9 o'clock, but not
knowing whether there were any Roman Catholics there I
could not learn and according to appointment found a
carriage from Mrs. Sumter near Statesburg in readiness
to take me on to her place where I arrived at three o'clock.
Mr. Sumter was not a Catholic, but Mrs. S., a Catholic
lady, married him when he was Secretary of Legation to
France in 1801. He was from 1809 to 182 1 Minister
Plenipotentiary to the Court of Rio Janeiro, where with
his consent Mrs. Sumter had educated her children in the
Roman Catholic religion. Since July 1821, they had not
the opportunity of fulfilling their duties, but Mrs. S. had
instructed them well.
Met here also Mrs. Spann, a Catholic lady, who had
seldom an opportunity of seeing a clergyman, but who
educated her children in the Faith.
April 2ist. Celebrated Mass, gave an exhortation.
After breakfast heard Confessions and examined the
Children. In the evening baptized Mrs. Spann's four
youngest children and explained much of our doctrines
and Ceremonies to upwards of forty respectable persons
[Page 81] of other Communions who were present. After
which I again heard Confessions.
April 22d. Celebrated Mass, exhorted, gave Com
munion to six persons and confirmed three. After break
fast examined the children and preached to about fifty
respectable persons.
April 23rd. Celebrated Mass and exhorted, and after
dinner returned to Camden and stopped by invitation with
Mr. Salmond a Presbyterian.
April 24. Mr. Salmond was kind enough to find the
Catholics and bring them to me. They consisted of the
following persons, to whom after some conversation I gave

Diurnal of Bishop England. 6i
the usual commission, viz. Peter Laurence Jumelle,
Charles Emilius Catonnet, Alphonsus Louis Catonnet,
Edward McGarry, and Thomas Marron, and the children
of two of them, the others not being married. I gave
them some books and heard the Confession of one who
presented himself. At the request of the inhabitants I
preached in the Evening in the new Presbyterian Church
to a very large Congregation. I afterwards baptized three
children. April 25th. I left Camden in the stage for Fayetteville,
and arrived in Cheraw.
April 26. Left^Cheraw in the stage and arrived that
night in Fayetteville.
April 27. Sunday. Celebrated Mass at Mr. Perry's.
Found the little congregation scattered and reduced. I
exhorted those who attended to prepare for the Sacra
ments, and appointed the Evening to hear Confessions. I
waited in the Evening, but none presented themselves. I
found the Rev. A. O'Hannan had during his stay made
very erroneous impressions [Page 82] upon the little flock
respecting the Schism at Philadelphia, and created great
prejudice against the Bishop and in favor of Mr. Hogan. I
also found that his reason for quitting his mission (p. 38)
was his apprehension that upon my discovering that he
had quit his position in North Carolina and gone to visit
Hogan in Philadelphia, and been seen in his company at
Baltimore, I would withdraw his Jurisdiction, and he was
desirous of obtaining his Exeat and testimonials before I
should make the discovery.
April 28. Celebrated Mass and exhorted to the approach
ing of the Sacraments . I heard the Confessions of four
persons who presented themselves and examined some
Children, heard their Confessions. In the Evening went
three miles from town to visit one of the Congregation
who was sick, heard his Confession and gave him the
Viaticum. ., , , ^^
April 29th. Heard Confessions, celebrated Mass and

62 Diurnal of Bishop England.
exhorted, had four Communicants — baptized a Child. I
found that the Congregation had regularly prayed together
on the Sundays and Holidays, until the sickly season when
they fell off. I endeavoured to prevail upon them to
resume this good practice. Superceded the former com
mission and issued a new one to John Kelly, Dillon Jor
dan, Laurence Fitzharris, Doctor James Moffet and Daniel
Kenny. Was invited to preach in the State House. In the
Evening I again saw the Catholics and exhorted them to
persevere — spoke to several individually. At eight o' clock
I preached [Page S3] in the state house to a very large and
attentive Congregation for upwards of two hours.
April 30. I left Fayetteville in the stage for Raleigh,
where I arrived that night.
May ist. Not able to say Mass, as no preparation was
made. I found the Catholics who had been here, with
the exception of Judge Taylor's family, had left the place,
and even they had been divided, his daughter Mrs. Sneid
having gone to live at Salisbury. Two young ladies from
Washington, D. C. were living there, and attended with
Mrs. Taylor every Sunday. I heard the Confession of
Miss Taylor, and in the Evening I married her to Mr.
Sumner from Hertford County.
May 2d. In consequence of the business after the wed
ding was not able to have preparation of the place for
Mass. May 3d. Celebrated Mass, heard Confessions, &c., gave
exhortation. May 4th. Sunday. Heard Confessions, celebrated
Mass, and gave Communion to three persons. Was invited
to preach at night in the Presbyterian Church, which I
did. The Congregation was not numerous.
May 5th. I hired a horse and gig to take me to
Washington, and left Raleigh.
[1823], ^^y 6^^- ^ arrived in Tarborough, was recog
nized, and invited to preach. I enquired if any Catholics
were in the town and was told none. I preached at half past

Diurnal of Bishop England. 63
two for an hour, intending to proceed on my journey, but
"was told I had removed many prejudices, and was requested
to -wait and preach again at night, which I assented to and
•conversed freely with the principal inhabitants, from whom
I experienced much kindness.
[Page 84] May 7th. I proceeded through Grenvilla
to Washington, and found no Catholics. Arrived in
Washington in the Evening at Mr. Le Roys. Found Mr.
W. Hanrahan had died, as also Mr. LaRoche. Hanrahan's
family unfortunate, and fallen from the Faith.
May Sth. Ascension day. Celebrated Mass and gave
an exhortation to prepare for the Sacraments. Saw several
of the Congregation and spoke with them upon the neces
sity of erecting a Church. Attended in the Evening to
see those who may present themselves for Sacraments.
Mr. Lewis Le Roy offered a lot of ground for a Church and
Cemetery, which I went to see. Preached again at night
in the Court house to a large Congregation.
May 9th. Celebrated Mass and gave an exhortation.
Went with Mr. Le Roy to examine the ground for a
Church &c. Examined the Children and heard Confessions
in the Evening, and preached in the Court house.
May lotli. Celebrated Mass and exhorted. After
Breakfast catechised the Children. Saw the few trading
Catholics who opened a small subscription to build a
"Church. In the Evening I heard Confessions and at night
I preached in the Court house.
May nth (Sunday). I baptized three children. Cele-
ibrated Mass. Gave explanations of the ceremonies of
Baptism &c to several strangers who attended. Exhorted,
gave Communion to ten persons, confirmed two persons,
and preached in the Court house at four o'clock where I
requested the cooperation of the Citizens with the Cath
olics, [Page 85] in erecting their Church.
May i2th. I celebrated Mass and exhorted, afterwards
(enquired into the state of the book Society. Catechised
the Children, conversed with some strangers whose minds

64 Diurnal of Bishop England.
had become favourably disposed. In the Evening I heard
Confessions and preached at night.
May 13. Was not able to celebrate Mass. Saw some
persons who were desirous of information on our tenets.
Visited one of the Congregation who was confined by sick
ness. Heard Confessions and preached at night.
May 14. Celebrated Mass, exhorted, gave Communion
to four persons, after which I went to give Communion to
the sick woman and gave some books and instructions to
one or two persons who were desirous of preparing to join
the Church. I learned that many prejudices had been
removed and that a good disposition was manifesting itself.
I encouraged Benjamin Lavender, a lad of about 15 years
of age, to become a candidate for Holy Orders ; his Father,
who was not a Roman Catholic, gave his consent and the
young lad seemed very desirous to prepare for the
Ministry. Preached at night.
May 15. Went to see the site for the Church and Mr.
Leroy marked the lots which he would give. I then saw
the Builder and sketched the plan upon which he formed
his estimate. Mr. Leroy, besides giving the ground,
furnished the heavy lumber upon an indefinite credit.
We determined to pay for the other materials, which were
estimated at $200, and to give the surplus of the subscrip
tion to the builder, who said he [Page 86] would receive
the money as it could be collected, hoping we would make
every exertion ,to get it as soon as possible for him. Mr.
Leroy then gave me the original titles, from which we
determined Mr. Gaston should draw the title deed of the
Church. After this I appointed John Gallagher Treasurer,
Wm. Grace Secretary, Lewis Leroy, John Murphy, James
England, and George Congleton, a committee to erect the
building, I having driven in the ground a stake where the
west angle was to be. In the Evening I left Washington.
May 16. I arrived in Newbern and went to Mr. Gas
ton's house, though he was not at home. Saw Captain
Brugman and Benj. Good, and others of the Congregation..

Diurnal of Bishop England. 65
Was offered either the Court house or the Episcopal or
Presbyterian Churches to preach in. Chose the Court
house and preached that night to a very numerous
assembly. May 17. Celebrated Mass and exhorted, heard Con
fessions. Mr. Gaston arrived from Raleigh. Was informed
the public wish was I should preach in the Presbyterian
Church, as the Court house was too small to contain those
who wished to attend. I consented to do so after that
Evening. On that Evening I preached in the Court
house. May 18. Whitsunday. Celebrated Mass at ten o'clock,
exhorted, had three Communicants. Saw several of the
Congregation and heard Confessions. At night I preached
in the Presbyterian Church to a very large assembly.
May 19. Celebrated Mass, exhorted, had two communi
cants, heard [Page 87], confessions and went to see a Prisoner
who sent for me. Consulted Mr. Gaston upon the best
mode of drawing titles for Catholic Churches and after much
discussion we agreed the best mode was to vest the legal
interest in Trustees, who were to hold the property to be
administered under the control of the Bishop. Heard
Confessions and preached in the Presbyterian Church at
four o'clock in the afternoon. I preached again at night
in the Church.
May 20. Celebrated Mass, exhorted, gave Communion
to four persons, Confirmed two persons, heard Confessions,
and gave private instruction to a few persons and preached
at night in the Church.
May 2ist. Celebrated Mass and exhorted. Gave Com
munion to four persons, found the number of books small,
and by no means adequate to the contribution of the Soci
ety. Assembled the members, consulted about building a
Church, advised and encouraged the commencement there
of Heard Confessions. Preached at night.
May 22d. Celebrated Mass, exhorted, had one com
municant, confirmed two persons, baptized four children of

66 Diurnal of Bishop England.
colour, and spoke to others who looked for instruction.
Left Newbern after dinner.
May 24th. Arrived in Wilmington — found almost every
tracfe of Catholicity obliterated. Staid at John Calhordas.
May 25th. Sunday. Celebrated Mass, which notwith
standing the notice given on the previous Evening was
attended only by three or four persons. I was asked to
preach in the Evening in the Presbyterian Church, which
invitation I complied with and addressed [Page 88] a very
large Congregation.
May 26, Seeing little prospect of effecting any good
by delay and the sickly season now approaching and find
ing a Sloop about to sail for Charleston I went on board
and got that night to sea.
May 27. Arrived at Charleston. I omit entering here
several facts of minor importance.
June 24. Relieved Revd. T. McCarthy from the charge
of Augusta and appointed Revd. F. O'Donoghue to take
charge of that and Locust Grove.
Some time in the month of August or September I
ordained Mr. Edward O'Donnell, whom I had received as
a candidate for Holy Orders from the Diocess of Cashel
in Ireland, giving him the Tonsure and Order of Porter.
I also ordained the Revd. Patrick O'Sullivan, whom I had
received from the Diocess of Limerick in Ireland, Deacon,
he having been ordained Sub-deacon by the Right Revd.
Doctor O'Shaughnessy, Bishop of Killaloe and Kilfenora.
I also received as a candidate for Holy Orders Mr.
John Magennis of the Diocess of Meath in Ireland.
September 25. Having paid great attention to the
state of several Churches in America, and studied as
deeply as I could the character of the Government and of
the people, and the circumstances of my own flock, as
well as the Canons and usages of the Holy Roman Catholic
Church, and having advised with religious men and
Clergymen, and lawyers, I this day, after consultation and
prayer in the Church of Saint Finnbar, published the

Diurnal of Bishop England. 67
Constitution by [Page 89] which the Roman Catholic Church
under my charge is to be regulated, and I trust with the
blessing of Heaven much disputation and Infidelity
restrained. It was subscribed by the Clergy and by many
well disposed laymen.
November 24. The first Convention of the Roman
Catholic Church of South Carolina assembled. I omitted
to state in its proper place that on the 23d of September
I received into my diocese the Rev. Edward Swiny, a
priest of the Diocess of Cork, and at the time I left it, a
Parish Priest, whose conduct I knew to be excellent
whilst in Ireland and whose testimonials were excellent
for the subsequent time. The clergymen and laymen
who attended the several meetings upon this subject
were unanimous in their approval of the Constitution.
I now employed in the Seminary the Revd. Tim'y.
McCarthy. Nov. 25th. I celebrated Mass in Pontificals and ordained
the Rev. Patrick O'Sullivan Priest, the Revd. Edward
O'Donnell, to whom I had within the preceding month
given the Orders of Reader, Exorcist, Acolyth, and Sub-
deacon, Deacon, and the Revd. JBernard O' Cavanagh Sub-
deacon, and continued the Convention.
November 26. Celebrated in the Cathedral the obsequies
of Pope Pius VII and notified the election of Pope Leo
XII, and on this Evening met the Clergy and Lay Dele
gates and closed the Convention. During a considerable
portion of the last months I made several ineffectual efforts
to reclaim the Infidels, and besotted Catholics who united
with them in the disorders and irregularity of [Page 90]
Hasell Street Church, and had good reason to apprehend
that they were making efforts to induce and league with
them the Congregations of Savannah and Augusta, but as
yet I had not been able to succeed.
December 5th. I proceeded to Columbia, we had
petitioned to have the Church of St. Finnbar incorporated,
also the Church of Georgetown, and the Trustees of the

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68 Diurnal of Bishop England.
Roman Catholic Church of South Carolina, and having
associated a number of the Clergymen they petitioned [1S23]
for the incorporation of the Philosophical and Classical
Seminary of Charleston.
NoTB —In its publication of the Diurnal of Bishop England, the
Society has followed exactly the original manuscript, . preserved at
Georgetown College, with which the pages have been carefully compared
after having been set up iu type. u
All the peculiarities of the Bishop's spelling and punctuation have J
here been reproduced.
But the reader is advised that the name of the Archbishop of Baltimore •
— " Mareschall," as Bishop England has written it, should be spelled 1
Mar^chal ; and similarly that " Chevereux " and " Conolly," names of
the Bishops of Boston and of New York, should read Cheverus and
Connolly