Summary of SOCG 535, 1672-08-02
Jesuits
Non-Catholic Christians
Petitions for missionary patents
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
PF Summary of SOCG 435. Robert Monro, a missionary in Scotland, writes in a letter that: a) he has not been able to serve the mission as he wanted, because of a persecution in Scotland that started after letters of Jesuits were found. This happened when one captain Hardy (a Catholic), had a fight with his wife who sent the most confidential letters to the dean of Edinburgh (a heritic called Lauria or Lorenzo), and he sent the letters to the privy council. This Hardy had a correspondence with all the missionaries, and especially with Sig' Bianchi [Francis White] and Padre MacDonel [Francis MacDonnell?]. They also found a letter by Monro, and received detailed information about all the missionaries. They see this as a judgement from God, because these people did not want to return to the church, and the Catholics did not live virtuously enough; b) the council issued another decree by which it was forbidden for Catholics to hear mass, or practice their religion in Scotland; c) the count of Sempil and the baron of Petfodels have been thrown in jail, because they sent their children outside Scotland for education; d) the count of MacDonell of Glengary has been told that he should find security, and that many members of his family will need to behave themselves, and the same goes for many of the Montagnoli; e) in the mountains there are not really any problems. But Monro nor the other missionaries can carry out their missionary activities; f) Frasiro [Francis Fraser] and Kimneries will pay the money, as ordered by the procurator; g) Bianchi [Francis White] is dying; h) the Procurator [William Lesley], when writing to the missionaries, should call himself Giacomo I'nes. He should also send the letters for the prior to his brother Alessandro Lesleo [Alexander Lesley], because all the letters that are written to Catholics are intercepted; i) he asks for Rome to write to the queen of Scotland so that she will protect the Catholics; j) many Catholics have been imprisoned, and that he himself escaped two times. He has many other things to write that he does not dare to say. Barclaro [Robert Barclay], the rector of the Scottish College in Paris, who sent Monro's letter to the procurator, writes also to the procurator himself, asking to give the missionary parents with the viaticum to the brother of the procurator [Alexander Lesley]. Because the College had spent a lot of money on a chapel, they were not able to give him the money themselves. He writes that the things Monro wrote were true, but that not all the mistreatments of the Catholics were for religious reasons; it is noted however, that they have been treated badly for their religion in the past, but now the Catholics do not have to fear persecution. After a decree that issued the freedom of conscience, the criminal laws against the nonconformists have been suspended, the Catholics can organize mass in private places, and all the other religions have been given public places. Information about this edict is also written by Patrizio Coneo [Patrick Con], and he said that he gave this letter to Cardinal Carlo [Carlo Barberini?] and Cardinal Barberino [Francesco Barberini?]. He writes that it is important to be careful, and one should remember that there are spies [in Paris?] that write everything down to send to England. PF decides to write to the queen about the Scottish Catholics.
Date discussed: 1672-08-02
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 435, 127r-128v
1672
See for the corresponding ACTA: ACTA 42.
Original
Italian
Latin
Summary
757
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Rome]
Statement from Rainmondo Zanforte, Dominico Fiarchetti and Giacomo Cadenado about the health of John Walker, 1672-08-05, Padua
Scottish Catholics abroad
Statement from Raimondo Zanforte, Dominico Fiarchetti and Giacomo Cadenado. They attest that Gio' Valker [John Walker] has come to Padua, after he had lost movement in the left side of his body four years ago. Not only to give him back his movement but also to avoid new attacks, they advise the folloing things that are written underneath.
Date discussed: 1672-09-05
Additional comments
Raimondo Zanforte; Dominico Fiarchetti; Giacomo Cadenado
APF SOCG 435, 358r
1672-08-05
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 42 225v-226r.
See for the letter of Francesco Barberini to which this statement was attached: APF SOCG 435, 367-r-v (database item 760).
Original; signed
Italian
Statement
761
Origin: Padua
Destination:
Report on the Scottish mission, 1674-07-21, [Rome]
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Capuchins
Conversion
Jesuits
Scottish Catholics abroad
Tripoli
Report on the Scottish mission. In 1668, PF received a report on the Scottish mission from the prefect Alesandro Winstero [Alexander Winster]. This report was discussed during PF meeting of 27 September 1669. After this meeting, the affairs of the Scottish mission were referred to this particular congregation.
In the report the following subjects are being discussed: a) the size and location of Scotland; b) the rule and language of Scotland; c) the location of the mission in Scotland; d) the amount of people; e) Catholicism, errors and abuse; f) the goods of the church; and g) the many obstacles the Holy Faith faces in Scotland. According to the law it is prohibited to say or listen to mass. Priests face the death penalty, and the lay people face the penalty of having their goods confiscated. The heretics also force the Catholics to go to their University, where they run the risk of conversion. Catholics are not allowed to take public office in Scotland, because they cannot take the required oath, and the number of missionaries in the area is insufficient; the solution to the last issue is better administration of the Scottish Colleges overseas. To achieve this, they propose the following solutions: 1) that all Colleges should receive a visitation that makes sure that the foundations of the Colleges are respected. The Scottish College in Paris claims that it was not founded to produce missionaries, but to house Scottish students who want to study at the university. After finishing their studies they were free to choose a career to their liking. Now however, new houses have been bought and there are 10 students (not including the superior, prefect and servants), who are all willing to return to Scotland. The missionaries in Scotland also select the students on their willingness to return. The procurator of the mission proposes that since the Nuncio will not be able to make the proposed visitation, they will ask Cardinal De Bouillon [Card'le di Buglione] to visit instead; both he and his uncle (marshal Turenne), are very affectionate to the Scottish nation. The second College is in Douai, and whilst the prefect is not sure with what intention the College was founded, it is believed that it always created its own revenue; there used to be around 30 students residing at the College. Nowadays, the Jesuits (who are the superiors of the College), state that the College has hardly any money, and that the original donation was not made to the College itself, but to their mission; there are also few students still living at the College. The secretary informs PF that on 8 February 1667 it was decided to let S'r Intern'o di Fiandra make the visitation. At that time however, the city was conquered by the French and he could not enter; 2) the third College is in Madrid, and according to the Prefect [Paluzio Altieri] it was founded by a Scottish nobleman, colonnello Sempelio [colonel Sempill]. Its noted that there have been very few students at the College, and it is administered by the Jesuits. The secretary [Francesco Ravizza] states that in 1668 Cardinal Borromeo [Federico Borromeo] had the instructions to visit the College (he was nuncio at the time), but he does not seem to have done this. The procurator will ask the current nuncio to make the visitation. The fourth College is in Rome. The procurator believes that cardinal Barbarini had visited this college often over the past few years. In general, the procurator states that the Colleges give little assistance to the mission. The College of Rome, which had the best chances of creating missionaries, has been limited to just four students. This is caused either by the Jesuits who do not chose capable students, or by the superiors and ministers of the College, who do not educate the youth with prudence and kindness. For the other Colleges, (except Paris, where the youths do not have any obligation to become missionaries), there does not seem to be of much use for the mission, at least for the secular clergy. This leaves the mission only protected by PF, who proposes that regular visits are made, in order to make the youth serve the nation. The prefect also asks the visitors of the Colleges to substitute any students that are not suitable for the mission. The prefect asks the visitors to instruct them in particular in Christian virtues, controversies, cases of conscience, in administering the sacraments, rites, ceremonial practices, and preaching, and they should also all visit conferences during their studies. The procurator of the mission adds that in the College of Rome they no longer carry out these expectations. For this reason, the students are forced to stay for some time in Paris, before going to the mission. The prefect proposes that when the students are not instructed in the Colleges, the rectors of these Colleges should be forced to send the students (at the expense of the Colleges) to a seminary. When the students are sent back to their countries without any experience as missionaries, they are of little use. The secretary states that during PF meeting of 4 February 1664, it was proposed that the students of the Scottish College in Rome would be used for some time to take care of the city's souls, in order to send them to the mission fully prepared; 3) the prefect believes that it would be better if the election of students for the College of Rome would be done by the prefect and the missionaries. They should find a person zealous to his country and the mission, and should check if the Colleges actually followed the instructions previously listed; the procurator says that without this last issue, all the others would be neglected or not be enforced at all; 4) due to the number of missionaries being very small, in comparison to the needs of the country (every day the number of Catholics is increasing), the prefect deems it necessary to increase the amount of missionaries. These should not only come from the College of Rome, but also the other Colleges. Right now there are eight missionaries divided over five dioceses, and the others do not currently have any missionaries; 5) it is not right that the only Irish missionary is Fran'co Bianchi [Francis White], who has worked for many fruitful years for the mission. According to White they could easily find more Irish missionaries with help from his brother. The prefect already asks to reserve 20 scudi as travel money for three or four persons. It is hoped that PF deems these people suitable, as one of the two Irish Franciscans of the mission has already died. The procurator says that in the Highlands and on the islands people are more inclined to the Holy faith, and that there is a smaller risk of persecution. The procurator proposes that they will focus their efforts on these areas, because he believes that the conversion of the Lowlands depends of those in the Highlands. The Irish Franciscans who went to the Highlands spoke the local language, but now they all left. If PF decides to use regular priests they should make sure that they understand that they are subjected to the prefect of the mission, from whom they receive faculties and provisions; 6) because all the requisites have been used, PF is asked to give the nuncio to France the money to buy portable altars. The procurator says that there is a big need for chasubles and chalices. All the priests should have their own, as they live very far away from each other. It should be made clear however, that these items belong to the mission and not to the missionaries themselves; 7) there should be money reserved to buy books on controversies and devotion, as they will be useful for not just the Catholics, but also among the heretics; 8) the immediate time after their arrival is always very hard for the missionaries. They have used all their traveling money, and have to wait an entire year before receiving their next provisions. The prefect asks PF to send the provision for the missionaries to the prefect, so that the missionaries can start working directly after they arrived. If someone is unable to go to the mission, it is up to the prefect to get the money back. The secretary states that this problem was recently resolved, when it was decided that the missionaries of Scotland would be paid one semester in advance; 9) the prefect asks to set a date for when the provisions begin, so that the missionaries know how much time they have before being paid. According to the secretary, this is the day that they start to work for the mission. In the case of illness, its noted that PF may continue to support the missionaries; 10) because PF has always been very zealous towards the Scottish mission, they want to find a way in which the missionaries can live honorable lives. The English missionaries own patrimonial goods, or are supported by noble houses where they serve as chaplains; regular priests might be supported by their superiors. The Scottish Catholics that own patrimonial goods, are layman or part of an order, and only very few become secular priests. At this moment none of the secular priests have any patrimonial goods. There are very few Catholics in Scotland, and they live very far away from each other. The missionaries first stay at one house for a few days and then travel further to another one. Even though they are staying with Catholics, they use their provision to pay for their living, and often live among heretics. It is common that they are very lonely, start to get bored and become very silent. At mass, they hardly ever receive money from the Catholics. The Catholics are usually very poor, as they are excluded from public office and forced to pay the protestant priests. The life of the missionaries is very insecure and full of fear, and they are afraid to leave without the license of PF. After receiving their license they either have to retreat for a while to recover from illness, or they are too old or tired to be of any use for the mission; they are forced to live the rest of their lives in poverty. The Jesuits for example have always received a subsidy and always stayed in Scotland, even during the most dangerous times. Some pious people from Paris sent Irish missionaries to the Highlands, and paid them 100 scudi for travel and living expenses. As these priests did not receive any alms, they were not able to pay for their living. The situation in Scotland is not the same as in England, and the mission needs a stable base. They ask PF to help the mission, because without any help this church cannot exist much longer, and the students will abandon the mission; 11) they propose to use the revenue of one of the Scottish Colleges for the mission itself. They suggest the College in Madrid as hardly any Scottish students went there, so it is of little value to the mission. It also would not be against the wishes of the founder, because he simply wanted to help his Fatherland, which is better served with the mission itself than with the College; 12) though the missionaries behave themselves, they could (because of their isolated position), ignore their duty if they are not controlled by the prefect. They ask that in the case of missionaries who have received multiple warnings, to give the prefect (together with two missionaries), permission to limit or revoke the faculties of these missionaries; 13) they ask PF to permit the prefect (or someone nominated by PF), to stay in Edinburgh. The council is located in Edinburgh, and it is also where the Catholics have to go for the courts; 14) the procurator says that if regular priests would work for the Scottish mission, they should be spread over the dioceses. This is applied to the secular priests, and they should not be allowed to just stay in comfortable areas, and the houses of Catholics; 15) there are three universities in Scotland, one in Glasgow, Aberdeen and St. Andrew, as well as a College in Edinburgh. It is suggested therefore that there should also be somewhere for the care of missionaries. They suggest that this be assigned to the Jesuits; 16) because there is no bishop is Scotland to administer the sacrament of confirmation, PF suggests that on occasion, a bishop from Ireland should visit; 17) there are many potential students for the Colleges of Rome, Madrid and Douai, and the Jesuits should make their decision, without any bias; 18) there are many Scots outside Scotland that have sworn to become missionaries but never did. Therefore they should be forced to return to the mission or send a substitute in their place; 19) the rectors of the Colleges should not receive any students without permission from the prefect of the mission, or at least from the missionaries themselves; 20) the Jesuits should be forced to teach the students in Scotland; 21) the Catholics are forced to send their children to the schools of the heretics, where they run the risk of being converted. PF asks thats all missionaries to do something about this, and to either make sure that the children have Catholic schoolmasters, or to send them to the school of the mission; 22) because the schoolmasters cannot live on the 30 scudi given to them, they have to ask for a provision from the students. They propose to forbid the schoolmasters from taking anything from the children, and instead raise their income to 60 scudi. This was already decided during PF meeting of 4 February 1664, however the prefect was satisfied with 30 scudi, and money being taken from the students; it was this reason however, why many students were not able to go to the schools; 23) since the two schoolmasters are secular they should become missionaries, and two other priests should be found in their place; 24) the prefect should be given the faculties to consecrate chalices and portable altars, as there is no bishop in Scotland. Its noted that the prefects in Asia work in the same way; 25) the house in Dieppe (which has already been approved by PF), depends completely on PF for money, and for other problems which have yet to be explained by Card’l Antonio b. [Antonio Barberini Jr.]. PF should provide the money for at least one house in Dieppe or Cacen [Caen?]. In this way the Scots will be more eager to work for the mission. PF does the same thing for the Franciscan mission in Albania, the mission in Cairo, Egypt, in Tripolo for the missions on the coast of Africa, the missions in India by the Theatines in Lisbon and Goa, and the Capuchins in Lisbon who work for the mission in the Congo; 26) they propose to give the nuncio’s to Flanders and to France the authority to give dimissorial letters to young Scots. This will make the Scots more eager to become part of the clergy, and does not force them to travel far away. This will also make them more loyal towards their own Fatherland; 27) at the College of PF, the students learn way more about ecclesiastical matters, which they do not learn with the Jesuits. Therefore they ask PF to receive someone from the Scottish Highlands, so that in time this person can work as schoolmaster; 28) PF has already been asked on several occassions to send a visitor to the mission, but it has never materialized since they have not been able to find a suitable person. They propose to choose a Scottish or Irish priest, in order to not to create any suspicion; 29) PF decided to have a superior general in Scotland, but this did not happen as the Jesuits opposed the plan. This would have allowed one person to oversee everything; the secular priests never gave any information on the regular priests, therefore PF never knows what they are doing. The secretary found a few relevant decrees on this matter, one from 9 July 1630, and the other from 5 August 1630. Both are on the office of superior for the Scottish mission; and 30) its requested by the faculty to the prefect, permission to nominate a vice-prefect who would substitute him in the case of absence or death; this happens in Asia and other remote places. In the case of death, all faculties should be given to the oldest missionary until PF appoints a new prefect. The secretary found a decree about this on the missions in Asia which is being cited. (A longer summary in English is available in the transcription file.)
Date discussed: 1674-07-21
Additional comments
Gio' Brenano is named as 'hora Vescouo/ Vaterfordien.' This must refer to the bishopric of Waterford and Lismore, who is indentified as John Brenan.
PF
APF CP 23, 176r-196v
1674-07-21
For thoughts on the doubts adressed at the end of this report, see: APF CP 23, 197r-200r (database item 810) and APF CP 23, 232r-v (database item 813).
For further discussions on the other issues adressed in this document, see: APF CP 23, 201r-202v (database item 811) and APF CP 23, 222r-225r (database item 812).
Original
Italian
Latin
Report
809
Origin: [Rome]
Report on the mission in Scotland by [William] Lesley and the Archbishop of Armagh for PF, [1678]
Conversion
Franciscans
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Relation on the Hebrides. The task to write a relation on the Hebrides was given to Archbishop of Armach [Armagh]. This relation was given to him by a franciscan missionary Fran'co Macdonel [Francis MacDonnell], who had to travel there to bring the Holy oils. The procurator [Willam Lesley] of the mission made some remarks about the content. He thinks that the amount of people that live on these island is much bigger than is described in this report. Various island are being described by their size, amount of inhabitants, whether they are Catholics or Protestants, and by its rulers. Most people on these island talk Scots "Scottish Gaelic" and the nobility speaks corrupted English. The lords of the island also have possesions on the mainland, where the people also speak Gaelic, and are very willing to the Catholic faith. Grain does not grow in these islands, but there is barley, oat and spelt and many animals; there are however, no fruit trees. There are many monuments for saints, and destroyed churches. The islands have a pseudo-bishop but he is never really present. The people there could be converted pretty easily. In the sumer people drink milk, during the winter boiled water. The rich nobility drinks beer. People do not give alms to the priests but are obliged to pay money to the Protestants. The missionaries only have the money that they receive from PF. Because there are not really foreign missionaries, the Scottish youths are instructed in Colleges outside the country, there is a risk however that they will not want to return. Flour should also be brought for the missionaries, since they live in great distress. To convert these island's one should: a) send priests who speak English, despite the problem of Scottish youth missionaries not wanting to return from abroad; b) to instruct the youths overseas, as the people prefer priests from their own country. Also described are the easiest ways to send a letter to the Scottish mission; c) it would really help if there was money to pay a schoolmaster. It was suggested that Eugenio Makelastrio would do this first, and later David Burnetto [David Burnet], but this never materialized. Maybe the brother of the procurator could teach Sciences after he finished his studies in Paris; and d) it would be a good thing if PF would write to the nobles on the island who are willing to help the Catholics. This is where the relation, that the bishop of Armagh, wrote with the help of Francis MacDonnell, ends. Lesleo [William Lesley] does not want to say anything more about this document besides the additions that he already made. Another, imcomplete, draft of the relation follows.
Additional comments
This report seems to be a reworking by William Lesley, the procurator of the Scottish Mission, of the report of the archbishop of Armagh (probably James Margelson). The missionary Francis MacDonnell also had a role in this, but it seems as if he provided the information to the archbishop who wrote the report. The archbishop says that he delivered the relation on 2 September 1671. The problem is however that Lesley still made changes to the document. The letters in the same file written by Lelsey are from much later, in 1678. Hence the report is probably written around the same time.
William Lesley
Archbishop of Armagh
APF Scozia vol. 1, 593r-607r, 697r-699r
[1678]
Adressed to S. Cong'ne Particolare
Orignal; draft
Italian
Report
745
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Report from the Scottish mission, [1652]
Scotland
Mission reports
Conversion
Scottish colleges
Scottish Catholics abroad
Report from the Scottish mission, with the names of the missionaries and a short description of their activities: Giovanni Smitteo [John Smith] studied in Rome and Paris, and is working near the border between Scotland and England. Guglielmo Bannatino [William Ballantyne] who converted in France and studied in Paris and Rome, is living in Aberdeen where most Catholics live, but he travels a lot. Giacomo Crittonio [James Crichton] studied in Rome and Paris, and is working in the west of Scotland where his family lives. Giouannj Valchero [John Walker] studied in Rome and was converted by Ballantyne there. Ballantyne invited him to join the Scottish mission. Giouannj Brusio [John Bruce] studied in Rome and worked as a chaplain to a Scottish regiment in France. He is about to go to Scotland and is awaiting the requested faculties. Tomaso Lumisdeno [Thomas Lumsden] was converted in France and ordained in Rome. Like Walker he is awaiting his faculties so he can go on the Scottish mission. [Roberto Barclaio] Robert Barclay is the procurator of this mission in Paris.
Additional comments
Although this report is undated, it must have been written after 1650, when Ballentyne was back in Scotland after his journey to France, and before August 1653, when Lumsden was already in Scotland.
APF SOCG 297, 293r-294v
[1652]
Addressed to [PF]
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Report
301
Origin: unknown
Destination:
Report about the mission in Scotland by [William Lesley], [1678]
Jesuits
Mission reports
Petitions for faculties
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Visitation
Relation on the mission in Scotland. The covered subjects are the following: a) archbishoprics and bishoprics; b) the place of residence of the missionaries; c) the residence of the prefect of the mission; d) the universities; e) the Catholics usually live in the mountain areas and in the islands. It would be wise to send more missionaries to these regions; f) there is not even one Catholic bishop in Scotland, it is advised to send a bishop to Scotland once every seven years; g) there are many regular priests in Scotland, especially Jesuits; h) there are many regular and secular Scottish priests outside Scotland in the Colleges, who are actually obliged to work for the mission but who are not able to, or do not want to go back; i) there are many youths in Scotland suited for study, and they should be sent to the Colleges outside the country; j) the Catholics should not send their children to Protestant schools; k) the school teachers need more money; l) the school teachers could also help as priests during festivities; m) there are four overseas Colleges for the Scottish youth, but they should be inspected better by the nuncio or the bishops; n) especially the College in Rome should be visited; o) the students should be carefully selected so that the most talented will be send to the Colleges; p) there should be appointed someone who would make sure that the decrees are followed in the Colleges; q) the students should first be send to the missionaries since they do not learn missionary activities in the College; r) there are relatively few missionaries compared to the amount of Catholics, therefore more should be sent; s) there is a shortage of chalices and other Holy objects, it is asked whether they could send more; t) money is also needed for books; u) there is often not enough money for the priests in Scotland; v) to persuade the students to go to Scotland, they should be given the promise that when they get old or fall ill they will be taken care off; w) the faculties of the missionaries should be limited; x) cases of conscience; y) the prefect of the mission should be able to give dimissory letters, or there should be send a bishop who could do this; z) in the Collegio Urbanothere are two or three youths from outside the mountains; aa) there should be a visitation to the mission in Scotland; ab) maybe there should be a superior general of the mission; ac) they ask for a hospital in Dieppe or Caen; ad) they ask to give the prefect the power to appoint a vice prefect; ae) they ask to give the prefect the power to give faculties to priests; af) Pope Urban had given the mission a subsidy, and they would like to have another subsidy or fund; ag) questions about absolution for the students of the Colleges, of whom the greater part has been a heretic at some moment in their lives; ah) translation of books; and ai) translation of the compendium of Baronius in English.
Additional comments
The identity of the creator is rather vague but William Lesley seems the most likely candidate. He was the procurator in Rome of the Scottish mission. This same file (APF Scozia vol. 1) also contains another relation that he worked on and some letters from his hand. Moreover at some point the text says "Per parte poi del Procuratore/ della Miss’ne." So it seems that he has at least something to do with it. It is also possible that the report was written around the same time as the other report, in 1678
[William Lesley]
APF SC Scozia vol.1, 573r-580v
[1678]
Adressed to the Congregazione particolare
Original; draft
Italian
Report
744
Origin: [Rome]
Destination:
PF minutes, 1658-10-01, Rome
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Minutes of PF general meeting of 1 October 1658 discussing among other issues, a petition sent on behalf of John Walker. He had to go to Paris after being in prison for a certain period; he had asked for a provision for the time he spent outside the mission, but PF did not agree to it. Now back in Scotland, he receives the normal provision. In the discussed petition, he asks again for a provision for the two years he spent in Paris, for the book he wrote, and in order to repay some of the debts he has since incurred. The cardinals decided that he should send them his book.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 27, 239r, 258v-259r, issue 39
1658-10-01
Latin
Italian
Minutes
493
Origin:
Destination:
PF minutes, 1657-03-26, Rome
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Minutes of PF general meeting of 26 March 1657 discussing among other issues, a petition by [John] Walker. He asks to be granted an annual provision, despite not currently residing in the mission, (he is staying in France, where he is writing a book against heretics). The cardinals do not approve his request.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 25, 70r, 73r, issue 17
1657-03-26
Latin
Minutes
524
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Petition on behalf of John Walker to PF, [1672 or 1673]
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
CM petitions
Gio' Valchero [John Walker], who used to be the prefect of the Scottish mission, was forced to leave the mission because of health problems (paralysis) and went to Padua. After his health improved, he travelled to Rome. Now he asks PF to give him an allowance to help him repay the debts that he accumulated while recovering, and for his upkeep in this city [Padua]. In the PF summary, more details are provided: two requests were made by Walker. The first request was to replace him with another prefect for the Scottish mission. PF decided that Alessandro Winstero [Alexander Winster] will be the new prefect. The second request was for a subsidy to help him out in his infirmity. PF decided to grant him a one-time payment of 50 scudi. At a later date, the (unnamed) petitioner who submitted the request on Walker's behalf asked for more money in order to help pay for the debts incurred by Walker in Padua; an additional 30 scudi were granted by PF as a result.
Date discussed: 1673-05-08
Additional comments
The petition is undated, but it was submitted sometime in 1672 or, more likely, in the first part of 1673, because John Walker left Scotland in 1672 and the petition was discussed by PF on 8 May 1673.
John Walker
APF SOCG 440, 17r-18v
[1672 or 1673]
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 42, 115r, 117r.
Original
Italian
Latin
Petition
774
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of [James Tyree] and mister [Blackall] to PF
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Scottish Catholics abroad
Petition on behalf of mister Blaccallo [Blackall?] and Giacomo Tirio [James Tyree?] both Scottish priests living in Paris, to PF. They ask for the missionary faculties, a travel provision, the normal provisions, and the necessary sacred ornaments. The petition is unsigned and undated.
Additional comments
Date based on the year around which Blackall and Tyree wanted to go to Scotland, which is 1665. See also: APF SOCG 308, 71r-75v (database item 319).
Blackall
James Tyree
APF SOCG 308, 80r
[1665]
Addressed to PF
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Petition
321
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Letter from William Lesley, 1678-02-10, Pesaro
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from Guglielmo Lesleo [William Lesley]. While walking with a cardinal in the garden of the grand duchess named Miralfiore, he saw beautiful Amaranth flowers of which he sends a few seeds with this letter. He reccomends Gio' Iruino [John Irvin, probably the one from Hilton] of whom V.S. already received information from Don Gioseppe. Since Lesley is so far from Rome, he cannot be as involved in the mission of Scotland as he would like to be; but this priest could replace him perfectly. Whilst Irvin is very informed about the mission, he does not know everything about the working style, but he could learn this very quickly. He asks to trust Irvin in the buisiness of the mission, and gives permission to Don Gioseppe to show him the decrees and information about Scotland, so that he will be fully informed. He himself only stayed in Rome for such a long period, as the mission needed a procurator. Now Irvin has arrived in Rome, his presensce is no longer necessary. Lesley now asks to be sent away as a missionary to Scotland, or anywhere else where he would be considered useful.
Additional comments
William Lesley
APF Scozia vol.1, 785r-786r
1678-02-10
For the answer to this letter, see: APF LETTERE 67, 12r-v (database item 633).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
746
Origin: Pesaro
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from William Ballantyne to the PF secretary, Mario Alberizzi, 1660-06-26, Elgin
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from William Ballantyne to Mario Alberizzi, PF secretary. He writes regarding his arrival in Scotland on 18 May 1661. It is noted that after his arrival, he succeeded in bringing back to the Catholic faith an apostate priest named James Crichton, who died soon afterwards. He tells about the major progresses made by other missionaries, and about the fact that more missionaries are needed. He mentions Francis White (who is in France, and is unlikely to come back if he does not receive an annual provision by PF), together with two others. He furthermore asks for timely payment of the provisions because of their great need of money. The letter signed and dated 29 June 1660.
Date discussed 1661-11-14
Additional comments
William Ballantyne
APF SOCG 308, 178r-179v
1660-06-26
Addressed to Mario Alberizzi
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
330
Origin: Elgin
Destination: Rome
Letter from Willaim Lesley, 1678-07-10, Urbino
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from Guglielmo Lesleo [William Lesley]. He is very grateful for all the favours passed to him, and to Sig'r Iruino [John Irvan, of Hilton], who wrote that he will have the money soon.
Additional comments
William Lesley
APF Scozia vol.1 , 791r
1678-07-10
Orignal; signed
Italian
Letter
747
Origin: Urbino
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the PF secretary, to [PF], 1672-09-05
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from Federico Baldeschi, secretary of PF. Two letters have been presented to the procurator of the mission of Scotland from Valchero [John Walker], who had been prefect of the Scottish mission. He had worked for this mission for 22 years, and eventually fell so badly ill, that it was necessary to travel to Padua. Because he spent all his money for his treatment he has nothing left, hence why he asks to continue his payment as missionary. The secretary of PF [Federico Baldeschi] states that he has always done good work for the mission; there was also a letter of recommendation from Barbarigo [Francesco Barberini]. PF decides to give Walker 55 scudi.
Date discussed: 1672-09-05
Additional comments
APF SOCG 435, 361v
1672-09-05
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 42 225v-226r.
See for the letter of recommendation of Cardinal Barberini mentioned in the letter: APF SOCG 435, 367-r-v (database item 760).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
762
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de' Vittori, to PF, 1666-11-19, Paris
Scotland
Franciscans
Petitions for missionary patents
Scottish colleges
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de' Vittori, to PF. He writes that two Franciscan priests from Ireland have come to him: Marco Macdaniel and Francesco Macdaniel [Mark and Francis MacDonnell?]. They are both willing to go to the Hebrides after they heard from the rector of the Scottish College that there is a great need for priests there. They asked the nuncio to procure missionary patents for them. For more information about their qualities, PF can contact the "Colleggio di S. Isodoro" where they both have studied. This letter was discussed together with another letter from the nuncio written on the same day (APF SOCG 308, 302r (database item 348)), on 10 January 1667. During PF meeting on 8 February 1667 the cardinals decided that the nuncio should find out whether they are apt, and should give them the usual faculties which they can exercise under the authority of the Scottish prefect Alexander Winster; they should receive the usual provision and viaticum. The letter dated 19 November 1666.
Date discussed, 1667-01-10 and 1667-02-08
Additional comments
Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori
APF SOCG 308, 303r-v, 305v
1666-11-19
Addressed to PF
Italian
Letter
349
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno], 1652-09-09, Rome
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Copy of a letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno. The nuncio asked for two things: a) to verify that "Giacomo Walchero" [John Walker?] account about the Scottish mission is true, (namely that it is successful and that many more missionaries are needed); and b) to look for other candidates for the mission, especially the several Scottish priests [in Paris/France], and to refer their names directly to Rome, so that PF can send the patents and provisions. The letter dated 9 September 1652.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 29, 53r-v
1652-09-09
Addressed to [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno]
Italian
Letter
579
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1666-04-17, [Rome]
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori]. PF received the news that Gio' Bianchi [John White] will not travel to the Scottish mission. They are not sure about the reasons of CM superior [René Alméras]. PF proposes that in his place they send another Irish priest, which was also Alméras' idea. PF asked him to submit a candidate first to de' Vittori, in order to let him decide about the candidates suitability.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 50, 138r
1666-04-17
Adressed to [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori]
For the response of the nuncio to France, see: APF SOCG 308, 276r, 277v (database item 342).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
835
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1665-12-30, [Rome]
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori]. The prefect of the mission of secular priests in Scotland [Alexander Winster] told PF about the current problem facing Catholics in the Highlands; they require a priest who could assist them in their spiritual needs, and would work together with the missionary in converting heretics. Winster proposed that they send Gio' Bianchi [John White], who is currently staying in Paris, to the mission. The prefect confirms that he is very talented, and also speaks Irish; language barriers was the reason why it took PF so long to find a missionary. Moreover John White is also very willing to work for the mission for which his brother is also working [Francis White]. PF asks de' Vittori to talk to CM superior [René Alméras], and convince him to let John White go to the mission. They really need John White for the mission as there is a big scarsity of priests, whereas someone else could easily take over his old task. PF asks de' Vittori to keep them informed about the latest developments, regarding this matter.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 50, 129v-130r
1665-12-30
Adressed to [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori]
For the notes where PF decides to try to win John White for the mission, see: APF SOCG 308, 206r-208v, 231v (database item 331).
For the response of the nuncio to France, see: APF SOCG 308, 251r-v, 252r, 254v (databse item 340).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
833
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno], 1656-06-12, Rome
Scotland
Other secular missionaries
Scottish Catholics abroad
Copy of a letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, stating that the nuncio should inquire about Gio' Valcherio's [John Walker's] motives to leave the Scottish mission; the nuncio should also find out whether the fact that he wanted to stamp some books that he claims to have written, is sufficient reason. In the case that Walker's motives are valid, the nuncio should inform him that before he can print the book, he has to obtain approval from PF. The letter dated 12 June 1656.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 31, 28r-v
1656-06-12
Addressed to [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno]
Italian
Letter
585
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to Patrick Coneo, 1665-05-27, [Rome]
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from PF to Patritio Coneo [Patrick Coneo]. PF is committed to establishing a hospital for the missionaries in Scotland. Lesleo [William Lesley] the procurator of the mission, has delayed the foundation of the hospital, as up until now, they did not have the resources to maintain the hospital. Every time they discuss the hospital, PF maintains its support for establishing the hospital. The missionaries are asked to continue their service for the mission, and work for the benefit of their nation, whose health must be their first concern. They should not abandon the mission; Lumsdenio [Thomas Lumsden], left the mission even though his faculty had not yet expired, and PF paid his provisions prior to the beginning of his mission. It is noted that if the priests from the country itself do not care about the spiritual well-being of their Fatherland (as with Leto [Alexander Leith] who also left the mission), it is not PF's fault that there are so few missionaries left. However to not leave the mission of Scotland completely empty of missionaries, PF has decided to find two subsitutes. PF wrote to the nuncio to check the suitabilty of their two new candidates.
Additional comments
The two proposed missionaries are Guglielmo Cristio and a certain Funconot, see: APF Lettere 50, 127v (database item 828).
PF
APF Lettere 50, 127r-v
1665-05-27
Adressed to Patrick Coneo
For the letter in which the nuncio is requested to inform about the proposed missionaries, see: APF Lettere 50, 127v (database item 828).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
827
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Paris
Letter from PF to Patrick Coneo, 1659-09-23, Rome
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Scottish Catholics abroad
Copy of a letter from PF to Patrick Coneo. The letter responds to a list of complaints that Coneo made on behalf of the Scottish missionaries. The answers are as follows: a) the missionaries should not complain when their faculties and provisions arrive too late; they should send their requests sooner; b) they should not complain that they lack certain things that other members of religious orders enjoy, because they knew the situation when they decided to become secular priests (besides, being a secular priest also brings some advantages); c) about the delay in the arrival of the requested objects for mass, the letter reports that PF had ordered the nuncio to send these to the mission one year ago, but he never received those letters, which explains the delay; and d) about the complaint that Walker's book was not appreciated by PF, the answer is that PF had forbidden all its missionaries to publish any books without Rome's consent, as they might be detrimental to the mission in which they are working; Walker did not comply with this order.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 38, 86r-89v
1659-09-23
Addressed to Patrick Coneo
Italian
Letter
568
Origin: Rome
Destination: Scotland
Letter from PF to John Walker, 1671-06-15, [Rome]
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Scottish colleges
Letter from PF to the prefect of the Scottish mission, Joani Valchero [John Walker]. Walker informed PF of the need for another missionary. PF agreed with Walker and asked Alexander Burnet to uptake this difficult task. Currently Burnet is staying at the Scottish College, and has always been commited to PF, making him very suitable for the mission.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 57, 65r
1671-06-15
Adressed to John Walker
copy; unsigned
Latin
Letter
861
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Scotland
Letter from John Walker to [the PF prefect, Paluzio Altieri] 1672-08-05, Padua
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from John Walker to [the prefect of PF]. It has been four years since he has not been able to move the left part of his body. He had been forced to leave Aberdeen for Edinburgh, and to stay there for a year to recover his health. He used all his own money and the money he received out of charity for this cause. He could move his right foot again, but did not regain his health. The doctors advised him to go to a warmer climate, and that is why he was no longer able to work in Scotland. He went to London where he met the marquess Huntly and Alexander Visterus [Alexander Winster] who came from Italy. They advised him to go to Padua because there were good doctors there, and they tried to help him. He asks [the prefect of PF for help]. He has worked for 22 years for the Scottish mission, and for a very long time he was the only one that worked alongside Bellentini [William Ballantyne]. He asks for a yearly payment as missionary.
Date discussed: 1672-09-05
Additional comments
John Walker
APF SOCG 435, 355r-v
1672-08-05
Adressed to [Paluzio Altieri]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 42, 225v-226r.
Original; signed
Latin
Letter
759
Origin: Padua
Destination: Rome
Letter from John Walker to [PF], 1672-08-12, Padua
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from John Walker to PF. He is asking PF for help since he is sick. He has been working for the Scottish mission for 22 years, not only has he administered the sacrements and teached the Holy faith, but he also wrote a book defending Catholicism. Four years ago the left side of his body stoped working, that is why he was forced to leave Aberdeen and go to Edinburgh, where he hoped to recover with the help of the doctors. The doctors advised him to go to a warmer climate, that is why he left for London, but it did not help. Walker met Marquess Huntly and Alexander Winster (missionaries to Scotland), who together with the doctors persuaded him to go to Italy. He made the long trip and with only very little money, he reached Padua. Before leaving Scotland he left Davidem Bornetum [David Burnet] in his place as prefect, but he thinks that especially Alexandrum Vinsterum [Alexander Winster] would be very suitable for the mission. Walker does not have any money to live through his old age, and that is why he asked PF to help him.
Date discussed: 1672-09-05
Additional comments
John Walker
APF SOCG 435, 354r-v
1672-08-12
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 42, 225v-226r.
Original; signed
Latin
Letter
758
Origin: Padua
Destination: Rome
Letter from David Burnet to [PF], 1672-06-21, Aberdeen
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from David Burnet to PF. John Walker was the prefect of the mission but he suffered from a stroke. He remained prefect for two more years. But in May 1671 he went to London, as he hoped that the doctors there could help him. During his absence he made David Burnet prefect. Eventually Walker decided to go to France, and eventually to Padua. Alexander Winster works in the province of Aberdeen and Bamfia[?], and one year ago he travelled to Angus and Moray[?]. Fran' Le Blanc [Francis White], Fran' Macdonald [Francis MacDonell] and Rob' Monro [Robert Monro] work in the mountains of Scotland. Alexander Irvin works in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. Gilbert Gray is useless for the mission and Burnet asks PF to recall him. Alexander Burnet came a year ago from the Scottish College in Rome without faculties, and he has been doing nothing ever since.
Additional comments
APF SOCG 438, 235v, 237r
1672-06-21
Original; signed
Latin
Letter
766
Origin: Aberdeen
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Alexander Winster to William Lesley, 1666-11-12, Moray
Scotland
Mission reports
Other secular missionaries
Scottish Catholics abroad
Translation of a letter from Alexander Winster to William Lesley. Winster states to have only recently (at the beginning of the month) received the letter and package sent by William Lesley, more than eight or ten months before. They had arrived in Scotland three or four months earlier, but since he has been traveling he did not see them until now. He reports on the situation in Scotland, on the continuing need in the Highlands, on the financial situation of the schoolteacher, the financial situation of the mission in general, the great need of books for the school (as well as for ordinary Catholics), the fact that Giouanni Iruino [John Irvin] has not yet arrived from France, and that another missionary who arrived recently, has already passed away. He furthermore writes about the problem of dividing the missionaries equally over the country (which he suggests PF might set up some rules about), the importance of the Huntly family and the usefulness of Winster's work among them. He also asks if PF or even William Lesley could write a letter to the young and devout Marquis of Huntly, to encourage him to persevere in the Catholic faith. Lastly he writes that the family and friends of William Lesley are doing well. The letter dated 12 November 1666.
Date received 1667-02-3
Additional comments
Alexander Winster
APF SOCG 308, 306r-312r, 313v
1666-11-12
Addressed to William Lesley
Italian
Letter
350
Origin: Moray
Destination: Rome
Letter from Alexander Winster to [PF], 1672-08-13, Edinburgh
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
There are eight missionaries in Scotland. Three of them, Francisc' Blancus [Francis White], Francisc' Macdonell [Francis MacDonell], and Robert Monro work in the northern mountains of Scotland, and on the Hebrides. Six priests there would hardly be enough, since there are around 4,000 people. On the islands Morar and Bara everyone is Catholic, on Ovist (the biggest of the islands), there are around 700 Catholics; there is also one master in the school in Glengaria, Eug. Maccalester [Eugene Macalister]. They teach the youths from the northern countries English, because they usually only speak Gaelic; therefore they would need more teachers. They ask a annual pension of 300 scudi for Biancu [White] so that he can work as a teacher. David Burnet works in the county of Aberdeen and in Buchania and Joannes Irvinus [John Irvin] works in Marria and elsewhere in Aberdeen. Alexander Irvin works around Edinburgh and sometimes also goes to Tivedalia and the county of Traquair. Huntley has left his easy life in the Catholic world behind, to help them in their mission. Gilbert Gray is very useless for the mission and Winster hopes that he will be recalled. David Burnet has become the new prefect without any official authority after John Walker left. Walker is paralysed, and for three years he has tried to improve his health; he left London for France, and eventually travelled to Italy.
Additional comments
Alexander Winster
APF SOCG 438, 234r-v
1672-08-13
Adressed to [PF]
Original; signed
Latin
Letter
765
Origin: Edinburgh
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Alexander Lesley to William Lesley, 1675-20-14, Scotland
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Scottish colleges
Visitation
Letter from Alexander Lesley to William Lesley. Alexander Lesley would like to take the place of William Lesley in Rome. However he would first like to see that they send subjects and missionaries to the Scottish mission, and provide money for their needs, as they have been making a lot of progress. There are two potential students for the College in Rome: Guglielmo Lesleo [William Lesley, not the recipient of the letter] and Giovanni Giamesson [John Jameson] who is currently studying in Aberdeen. PF has unanimously decided to give Sig'r Burnetto [David Burnet] permission to go to the Scottish College in Paris. Sig're Barclaio [Robert Barclay] has chosen a very excellent prefect. Alexander Lesley has also asked Burnet to thank Barclay for his assistance during the famine in Scotland, which had been particularly bad this year. William Lesley (the procurator of the mission), aks PF to send the provision to the missionaries. As there is a famine in Scotland, William Lesley suggests that they send them extra provisions. He also states that there have never been any complaints or discord in the Scottish mission.
Date discussed: 1676-01-10
Additional comments
The first half probably consists of parts copied by William Lesley from a letter written by his brother Alexander Lesley, who was a missionary in Scotland. The latter half of the letter are remarks made by William Lesley.
Alexander Lesley
William Lesley
APF SOCG 457, 139r-v
1675-20-14
[Adressed to William Lesley]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 46, 2r, 9v-12r.
There is also a version from the SOCG of the aforementioned summary: APF SOCG 457, 128r-130v, 138r-v, 144v (database item 787).
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
791
Origin: [Scotland]
Destination: Rome
Letter from [Francesco] Barberini to [the PF prefect, Paluzio Altieri] 1672-08-19, Padua
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Letter from [Francesco] Barberini to [the prefect of PF]. He presents the public merits and the private problems of Giovanni Valcher [John Walker]. He has worked for 22 years for the Scottisch mission, and eventually as superior for the other missionaries. He has lost his health however, and he cannot move the left side of his body. He travelled to Padua, where one can find the best doctors. As [the prefect of PF] can read in the statements of the doctors, there is no other hope for Walker. That is why Walker asks PF for help.
Date discussed: 1672-09-05
Additional comments
[Francesco Barberini]
APF SOCG 435, 357-r-v
1672-08-19
Adressed to [Paluzio Altieri]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 42, 225v-226r.
See for the statement of the doctors mentioned in the text: APF SOCG 435, 358r (database item 761).
Original; signed
Latin
Letter
760
Origin: Padua
Destination: Rome
Itenery of Alexander Lesley the visitor to the mission of Scotland, [1681]
Conversion
Jesuits
Plague
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Visitation
Itinerary of Alexander Lesley, the visitor to the mission of Scotland. In May 1677 he was elected visitor to the mission of Scotland by PF, and he received the instructions in October that same year. While he was staying in Strathbogie he received news from the prefect of the mission, Alessandro Winstero [Alexander Winster], that post for him had arrived from Rome. He had someone pick it up at the palace of the marquess of Huntley. Reading the letters he was surprised to be chosen as visitor, since he was the weakest of all the missionarie candidates. The winter of that year came earlier than usual, and on 15 October it was already snowing. Despite this, he went travelling around the sheriffdom of Aberdeen to visit the usual places, and to also gather the require information.. Several times his work was delayed by the bad weather, and he asked his superior for more money because he needed to travel through the provinces of Aberdeen and Banff, to find Alexander Winster. Eventually however, he did not really give him the answers he wanted. It seemed as if he made his answers agree with those of the Jesuits, while only saying general things and excluding any information about individuals. He begged Winster to answer him, but, as will become clear later, it took him very long to get a response. In the meantime he went to the south of Scotland, to find the superior of the Jesuits. Because of the bad weather it was impossible to travel any longer, and he was forced to stay at 'Monte Rosa.' In these times he met a Jesuit named Murray, but his actual name was Roberto Spreull, and he asked him to tell his superior that he really wanted to meet him. For the rest of January he stayed in Mernia [The Mearns?], and halfway through February he went up north to visit Banff to help the Catholics living there. At the house of the Barone di Balquain [Baron of Balquhain] he met another Jesuits, Giorgio Lesleo [George Lesley], and he also asked him to persuade the Jesuit superior to talk to him. Halfway through Lent he went to Moray, and there he wrote a letter to Roberto Monrho [Robert Monro], asking him to come down from the mountains to talk to him at Bogh [Gordon Castel] in 'Ainzia' [Enzie?] in April. While he was staying in Inverness he helped many Catholics that had not seen a priest for a long time. The Catholics there were very happy to see them, and he decided to stay there for a longer period. From here he returned to Muray and Angus, and at the end of April he eventually had to go to Gordon Castel (the palace of the marquess of Huntley, which was close to the river Spey). There he met Monro and together they travelled to Inverness. For their travel into the mountains they bought cloths made according to the custom of the Highlands. They travelled to Loch Ness over the river with the same name. There they met the missionary Francesco Bianchi [Francis White]. From there they went to The Aird, where they stayed in the house of Alessandro Frasero di Kinnaries, who whilst staying in Rome had met Lesley’s brother [William Lesley]. From there they went to Strathglass whose lord and almost all his vassals are devout Catholics. Because they had a mountainous road ahead of them, they had to leave their horses behind. From there they went to Invergarry, where they stayed at the residence of the Count Macdonel [MacDonell], who is also a Catholic. Here he fell sick and the wife of MacDonell advised him to return, but Lord MacDonell himself was convinced that he should continue. They arrived at Loch Lochy, almost everybody here was a heretic for which reason it was hard to find a place to sleep. They were forced to pay prices three times as high as the usual rate. The next day they went to Loch Eil by boat, and they walked to a town, were they were treated well by the Catholics. They continued their journey by boat to ‘Glenallandaill’ where the rain forced them to stay for eight days. This was the land of Moidart where almost everybody is Catholic. From here he sent a letter to Paris, which was received by Barclaio [Robert Barclay], reporting that there was one student who would be very suitable for his College. Afterwards they took another boat, and Monro had to climb a mountain to visit a very ill Catholic. In the evening they took a boat to Kyndloch [Kindlocheil?], where the lord of Moidart had a house. They stayed in a another house though on an island called ‘Zona’ [Shuna?]. They stayed there for five or six days in order to help all the Catholics. They travelled through ‘Glenwik’ and went to a place called Arasaika [Airsag?]. The priest who used to stay here, Giorgio Fannero, an Irish Dominican, had died. The population was very happy to see Monro, but when they heard that the priests were planning to leave for the islands within three days, their happiness turned into resentment. The next day they left from Cape Keapach [Keppoch?] and they went to the island of Eigg and from there to another island, Rùm. There are not many inhabitants but they are all very pious Catholics, even though they are living without any priests. From there they went to the island of Canna, all inhabitants were Catholics and received them with great enthusiasm. The inhabitants wanted them to baptize their children. Sometime before a few heretic priests had visited the island as well, and tried to do the same. From there they left for the island of Barra and ended up lost in a fog which caused an argument among the sailors. It would have been very dangerous if they would get past the last of the islands, in that case the currents could lead them all the way to America or Nova Zembla. When the fog cleared up they saw the island of Uist, and from there they went to Eriskay, where they stayed with the old widow of the lord of Moidart. From Eriskay they went to Barra, where they stayed for most of the time at the castle, also known as Kisimul Castle. As in all the places they visited, the inhabitants were very frustrated when Monro left. Lesley believes that if he had not been with him they would have forced Monro to stay. They only let him go when he promised to bring their problems to the Holy See. They travelled further, first back to Eriskay, then to the southern part of Uist. They stayed there for three weeks, which still was not enough to help everybody; Lesley could only talk to people with the help of an interpreter. He visited many other islands, which he does not describe. When he had all the information he needed, Lesley returned to the mainland. Also it was safer to return before August. A lord from the islands, of the house of MacDonell, helped them find a boat. Lord MacDonell said that Lesley’s mission to bring the notion of their misery to the pope was more important than anything else. First they had to wait till the sea became a bit calmer, then they went to Canna. The more they helped the people there, the harder it got to escape from them. Many times Lesley wished he could stay there to serve their religious needs. From Canna they went to Loch Morar and further to Loch Nevis, where they wanted to visit the island of Skye and help the Catholics in Knoydart. In Skye they found a discord between two MacDonell families. Afterwards they returned to Loch Nevis. Because of the heavy rain they were forced to stay there and Lesley had the time to see more of the region of Lochaber. Later, they entered a part of this region named ‘Locherkik.’ Because of his illness and the continuous rain, he really believed he would die there. Because the people there were heretics, they did not want to sell them anything. Sometimes though the heretics asked them to baptize their children. It still hurts Lesley to think about how many souls are lost because of a shortage of priests. Because he was ill he was forced to retreat in the house of the count of MacDonell. Later he continued to visit the rest of the region, where the possible harvest is great, but the priests few. It was moving to see how good the people were in absence of priests. After Lochaber they went to Invergarry, Loch Ness, Glenmoriston, Stratherrick and many other places. Everywhere they asked Lesley for priests to help them. He went back to Strathglass, the Aird and eventually Inverness. After this, Monro went back to the mountains, Lesley prepared himself to go back to the Lowlands. He returned to Moray and to Gordon Castle. Through Banff, Aberdeen and ‘Mervia’ he arrived in Angus. Here he had to visit his doctor and friend Dieson, and because of his illness stayed for eight weeks. In these times, a rumor of an alleged conspiracy, resulted in a persecution of Catholics not only in England but also in Scotland. With Gods help he was not arrested. While he was staying at ‘Monte Rosa’ he received a letter from Francesco Irvino [Francis Irvin] after which he immediately left the city; if he had not done so he would have fallen in their hands. A Jesuit priest had already been arrested and they had searched the houses of Catholics. All the Catholics gathered around them crying because he had to leave. His biggest concern were his notes, which he did not want to destroy. The doctor gave him a horse to flee to the countryside on, through the cold winter. He stayed at the house of a Catholic named Bridgeford. Here, close to the mountains, he was safe, because priests could always travel easily there. Many Catholics told Lelsey that the heretics were looking for him. At the same time the Jesuits had written to his superior that he was a Jansenist, and had done the Jesuit order wrong. Other Jesuits tried to set the Catholics up against him, and were told that he only obtained the position of visitor because of his brother, [William Lesley], who was the procurator of the mission in Rome. Many of his friends warned him against these accusations. He understood very well that his enemies just wanted him to make a mistake, so that they would have something to base their allegations on. Near Christmas 1678 he arrived in ‘Balvenia’ [Balvenie?] where he would hide until the persecutions would be over. He stayed at the house of his brother Giovanni in "Tullocalma" [Tullochalum?] where he celebrated Christmas. The priest of ‘Balvenia’ (who Lesley thought was a friend), told the authorities of Banff about him staying there. Lesley already had been afraid of this, and made sure he never stayed at the same place too long in the provinces of ‘Glentinetta,’ ‘Stradaunia’ [Stratdon?] and other places. He left his notes in a secret place in the mountains to protect them. From the beginning of May he travelled through Banff and Aberdeen, in the latter he was almost captured. He was staying there to rest and the old lady of Pesfodels [Pitfodels?] visited him often. One day when a heretic saw Lesley entering the house of this lady, he told the authorities. At the discussion of the magistrate, ‘lo Spione’ (a friend of this lady), went to her house to warn her. Lesley fled the house and stayed in the countryside till sunrise. After dawn he went to the house of a Catholic friend, Ricardo Irvino. From there he went to the mountains. While walking around in ‘Mervia’ he was forced to stay for three months with the aforementioned Bridgeford, because his legs were swollen. He had to spend a lot of money, in order to get the right medicine from Deison. In the fall of 1679 he went to Angus were he wrote to his superior, asking him to respond to some questions of his instruction; he already asked these questions a year earlier, and luckily he answered them shortly afterwards. At the end of fall he went to Gordon Castle. In December 1679 he arrived in Edinburgh to visit the southern parts of Scotland. Because the duke of York or Albany was staying there, everything was very expensive. He talked with him and with the duchess. In the meantime he was still waiting for the response of his superior. Eventually he came to Edinburgh, but only for a small amount of time, for which he could not answer all the questions. The superior told Lesley that he could answer his questions after returning from the north, after Easter 1680. Eventually Lelsey received the information he needed himself from the Catholics of ‘Laudonia’ [Lothian?], Galloway and Clydesdale and others and went to the north himself. In May 1680 he arrived at Gordon Castle, here he met his superior who told Lesley that he could not answer his questions, because he lost the paper containing them. For this reason Lesly was forced to travel to the place where he left his notes (at ‘Drummaica’), 60 miles from the Castle. By then he only wanted to answer after Lesley had let him read the response written by the Jesuits. When he had collected all the things he needed, Lelsey said that he wanted to go to Rome. When they saw that he was serious they started to write him letters and give him recommendations. In the meantime his superior met the superior of the Jesuits in Edinburgh to talk about the visitation. At the end he received a letter from his superior saying that he should not damage the relation between the Jesuits and the secular priests. Lesley told him that he could only tell the truth. Many have tried to support his visitation, almost everyone in fact, except the superior of the Jesuits. The great disposition of the Catholics has always given him great support. He did not want to leave his spiritual children behind, but for the good of the mission he had to do it. Eventually on 6 July 1680, he took a boat from Germoch [Garmouth] leaving for Rotterdam. The wind though blew them off course. After they passed ‘Sarmouth’ [Yarmouth?] they were struck by a tempest. There was nothing to eat and they did not have any fresh water. The wind blew them in the direction of the north of Holland. At Texel they took a pilot to lead them to port. He was forced to travel through the northern part of Holland to Amsterdam, and from there Lesley went to Rotterdam by boat. Eventually he arrived in Brussels, from where he went to Paris by coach. Because the plague ravaged Germany it was better to go through France. He had to stay a month in Paris to buy clothes and to arrange his notes. On 6 October 1680 Lesley begun his travel to Rome, until Auxerre he went by river, and from Auxerre until Chalon by road, and from Chalon to Lyon he went by water again. In Lyon he waited a while until there were horses to cross the Alps. By Turin and Piacenza he reached Loreto, and he reached Rome on 4 December 1680.
Additional comments
Alexander Lesley
APF CP 26, 302r-327r
[1681]
original; unsigned
Italian
Report
815
Origin:[Rome]