The Rev. J. A. de Ruyter, a zealous Josephite Father who has accomplished
much good in Wilmington writes: “By advice of the Rt. Rev. A. A. Curtis
and very Rev. J. R. Slattery, an asylum for negro orphan boys has just
been opened. For this purpose I have given up the priest’s house. Next to
it we have a plot of ground on which to build. This is the only exclusive
boys’ orphan asylum for Catholic negroes. Orphan boys from all dioceses
will be admitted. We need much help to supply this long-felt great want.
A plot of ground at Cape Charles City, donated to me by a protestant
gentleman, needs a little chapel and school combined. We have no means to
carry out this desire. Chestertown, Md. and Elkton, Md., need the same.
We are ready and anxious to carry out the mission work, but we have no
means to do it. I request an allowance of $3000 this year. This sum is
badly needed.”