These two letters are from Mrs. Patton, the wife of James Patton, the English consul at Alexandria, Virginia. Very interesting....who was this James Patton in Alexandria during the War of 1812? These letters are from the archives of Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. Many old records have been preserved at this Catholic University. http://archives.nd.edu/search/calendar-search.htm 1812 Oct. 27 Grassi, S.J., Father John Georgetown, (District of Columbia) to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté Emmitsburg, Maryland Mrs. Patton, wife of James Patton, the English consul at Alexandria, wants to send her daughter aged 12 or 13 to the religious house near Bruté's college. She applied to Grassi and he writes to Bruté whom Father (Francis) Malève informs him now lives at Emmitsburg. He takes the occasion to thank Bruté for the handsome picture he gave him last summer. The hope of writing and sickness delayed the acknowledgement. Father Cary has also suffered attacks of biliousness but is now better. Grassi asks that Bruté visit Georgetown and also Cary at St. Thomas Manor. The proximity to the capital makes it possible to invite Bruté. Father Malève will be glad to see Bruté at Frederick. From there the stage goes every week to Georgetown. II-3-n A.L.S.. 2pp. 4to. 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1812 Nov. 17 Grassi, S.J., Father John George Town, Dist(ric)t of Columbia to Father (Simon Gabriel) Bruté, Mount St. Mary's Sem(inar)y Emmitsburg, (Maryland) Grassi is sorry that he did not mention that James Patton is not a Catholic, although his wife and family are good Catholics. He asks that Bruté tell him everything concerning the education given at St. Joseph or have it done by one of the ladies. Mrs. Patton is the mother of 5 other girls who will all probably be sent to St. Joseph. If the daughter Mary is admitted Mrs. Patton intends to come with her. To lose no time she asks if she can come immediately if the terms are acceptable. Nothing would be more agreeable than Bruté's promise to come and see them. The presence of Father (A. Pierre) Ladavière (S.J.) late from France and Bruté's old acquaintance is a new motif. He has persuaded him to write a few lines on the next page. He asks prayers for their brethren in Russia whose colleges with one exception are in the hands of vandals. P.S. He sends his respects to Father (Jean) Dubois and (Benjamin) Duhamel. A.L.S. Father Ladavière adds in French on the next page that since Father Grassi has insisted that he add a few words he wants to call to memory. Although not a particular friend in the past yet since they are to work in the same country it is fitting that they remember each other in their prayers and Masses. A. Note. S. 3pp. 4to. 3