Dec. 3, 1886 – To Rev. O’Connor, Perth, ON from General Superior Sr. M. Edward, Kingston ON

In reply to your favor of the 18th ult. I will only say that I was wholly unaware of the parish matters to which you referred until I received your letter, but even though I had have any knowledge thereof, this would not have deterred me from making the request which my letter contained. You will not I am sure take it ill if I speak plainly on this subject which I consider purely business. Well, now, if you refuse your good will in the matter of a collection, what is to be done with the poor from your Parish? You may not be aware that the parish of Perth has always been well represented in our Wards. A number of poor found a home with us until death released them and, at present we have two (one of whom is blind and was admitted in /67 and the other in /68). I think you will agree with me dear Very Rev. Father in saying that it is hardly just to burden an Institution with the care and maintenance of poor without indemnifying it for the same. You may object that it was not you who sought admission for those persons – very true – but it was not the pastor who bound himself to support them – the people understood from the outset that they would be called upon from time to time to contribute thereto, hence I look upon a collection from Perth Parish as nothing more nor less than the payment of a just debt. Will you then dear Very Rev. Father let me know at your earliest convenience what is to be done with regard to the maintenance of these poor old creatures, as I feel we cannot support them any longer without aid.