tay in Rome he frequently visited the
General and his consultors, sometimes on business but at other times
from courtesy and good feeling.

He at once presented the testimonials intended for the General to
Cardinal Barnabo, Prefect of the Propaganda, who examined them in
company with Archbishop Bedini, the Secretary of that Congregation.
As may be imagined, the attitude of these prelates was at first one
of extreme reserve. But every case gets a hearing in Rome, and that
of this expelled religious, and therefore suspended priest, could be
no exception. A glance at the credentials, a short conversation with
their bearer, a closer examination of the man and of his claim,
produced a favorable impression and led to a determination to sift
the matter thoroughly. The principal letters were from Archbishop
Hughes and Bishop Bayley. The former spoke thus of Father Hecker: "I
have great pleasure in recommending him as a laborious, edifying,
zealous, and truly apostolic priest."

Some of the letters were from prominent laymen of the City of New
York, including one from Mr. McMaster, another from Dr. Brownson, and
another from Dr. Ives; in addition he had the words of praise of the
Provincial in America already referred to. Finally he showed letters
from each of the American Fathers, one of whom, Father Hewit, was a
member of the Provincial Council, all joining themselves to Father
Hecker as sharing the responsibility of his journey to Rome, and
naming him as the representative of their cause.

It is not our purpose to trace the progress of the investigation
through the Roman tribunals. We will but give such facts and such
extracts from letters as throw light on Father Hecker's conduct
during this great crisis. One might be curious to know something
about the friends he made in Rome. The foremost of them was the
Cardinal Prefect of the Propaganda.

"The impression that Cardinal Barnabo made upon me," he writes in one
of his earliest letters, "was most unexpected; he was so quick in his
perceptions and penetration, so candid and confiding in speaking to
me. He was more like a father and friend; and both the cardinal and
the archbishop (Bedini) expressed such warm sympathy in my behalf
that it made me feel, . . . in a way I never felt before, the
presence of God in those who are chosen as rulers in His Church."

In another letter he says:

"He (the cardinal) has been to me more than a friend; he is to me a
father, a counsell