PM. Ponenza [prepared for the CG of 20 December 1825], in seven paragraphs, followed by three queries to be answered by PF, on the erection of a bishopric in Upper Canada, followed by a Sommario. The writer recalls the CG of 30 May 1825 [see Acta 132], and [Caprano's] letters to Poynter (two letters [see Lettere 200-201], one of which [Lettere 201] was meant to be shown to Bathurst), to Maréchal [see Lettere 197], and to Plessis [see Lettere 198], all of 9 July 1825.
Before answers to the said letters were received, other documents were acquired, showing that Plessis is not opposed to the erection of a bishopric in Upper Canada, but has doubts on [A.] McDonell's revenues and fears the vacancy that would follow the latter's death; that Poynter fears the dangers of episcopal vacancies, with particular regard to Panet and the Montréal disorders that followed Lartigue's appointment as vicar general, suffragan and auxiliary bp. [in the CG of 24 January 1820; Acta 046], although he is in favour of a settlement; that McDonell asks that Weld be appointed his coadjutor.
Reference is made to the following letters: Poynter to Caprano, [London], 24 June [1825; in SOCG 297]; Plessis to Poynter, [Québec], 25 March 1825 (Sommario, no. 1 G 297]); Plessis to Poynter, [Québec], 29 August 1824 G 288]; Plessis to Poynter of 28 October 1824 [see SOCG 289]; Poynter to Gradwell, [London], 26 July [1825] (Sommario, no. 2 [see SOCG 296]). The answers of Poynter, Maréchal and Plessis were subsequently received. In his letter of 9 August 1823 [recte 1825; see SOCG 298], Poynter argued that it was important to profit from Bathurst's good disposition towards Catholics, although the erection of the new bishopric has some disadvantages. Reference is made to the following letters: McDonell to Poynter, London [before 9 August 1825] (Sommario, no. 3 [recte 4; see SOCG 195]); Poynter to Gradwell, [London], 6 October 1825 (Sommario, no. 5).
[see in SOCG 301]. In his letter of 28 September [1825] (Sommario, no. 6 [see SOCG 198]), Maréchal is in favour of McDonell's appointment as vicar apostolic in Upper Canada, where Catholics are 30,000 and increasing daily on account of Irish and Scottish immigration, and the Sulpicians are likely to establish a seminary. Furthermore, Bathurst promised McDonell a pension and land. [see in SOCG 301]. In his letter of 4 October 1825 (Sommario, no. 7 [see SOCG 303]), Plessis is in favour of McDonell's appointment, considering his person, his revenues, and the attitude of the British government. He also favours Kingston as the see of the new bishopric, whereas York will be the see of the Anglican bp.. Reference is made to Plessis's letter [to Caprano] of 15 April 1825 [see SOCG 342].
The queries to be answered by PF are the following: [1] whether to erect a bishopric in Upper Canada and to appoint McDonell; [2] what are to be the borders of the new bishopric, and whether they should include New Longville, Hinchinbrooke, Godmanchester, and the Indian village of St. Regis; [3] whether to appoint Weld as coadjutor, or to write to Poynter for suggestions. The Sommario contains the following items: [1] Poynter to Caprano, London, 24 June 1825, attaching Plessis to Poynter, Québec, 25 March 1825 [see SOCG 297]; [2] Poynter to Gradwell, English College, 23 August 1825 [recte London, 26 July 1825; see SOCG 296]; [3] Poynter to [Della Somaglia], London, 9 August 1825 [see SOCG 298]; [4] McDonell to Poynter, [London, before 9 August 1825; see SOCG 299]; [5] Poynter to Gradwell, English College, 1 December 1825 [recte London, 2 September 1825; see SOCG 301];
[6] Maréchal to [Della Somaglia], Baltimore, 28 September 1825 [see SOCG 302]; [7] Plessis to [Della Somaglia], Québec, 4 October 1825 [see SOCG 303]. [The balance of this item deals with Trinidad, Haïti].
![[PM. Ponenza [prepared for the CG of 20 December 1825], ...]](/images/folder-80.png){kind=small}