Letter, June 5, 1874

The papers of the Layton Family consist of several types of material: letters, privileges, authentics, relics, bound materials, a wooden box, and miscellaneous items. These materials date roughly from 1834 to 1879.

Letters: These letters document the Layton family's relationship with the Catholic Church authorities. Bishop Verrea, for example, expressed gratitude for Layton's hospitality and regret that the Civil War prevented him from being able to celebrate the first Mass at the St. Thomas Chapel. One letter revealed that Pope Pius IX held Layton in high esteem. Another letter by Archbishop James Gibbons of Baltimore stated that he said Mass at the Layton's chapel on January 13, 1878.

Privileges: These documents show the favors and privileges that were conferred on the Laytons. F or instance, one privilege given to Layton and his son was membership in the Order of the Knights of St. Gregory the Great. Layton and his family also received indulgences at the hour of death. Many of these privileges were written with the pen of Pope Pius IX himself.

Authentics: Official documents of the Catholic Church attesting to the authenticity of a relic. Many relics with their accompanying authentics were given to the Layton family. These authentics are for first and second class relics of very prestigious saints, such as St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Thomas.

Relics: Most of the relics belonging to the authentics have disappeared. Perhaps the most prominent of those remaining are a relic of the post at which Christ was scourged, a piece of St. Peter's tunic, and pieces of the veil of Our Lady of Loretto.

Bound Materials: This collection contains two volumes of bound materials. The first is a history of the St. Thomas Chapel written by Dr. Thomas Layton, with accompanying materials from Archbishop Perche and with general information about the Knights of St. Gregory. The second volume concerns the consecration of the Southern Bank to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1874. The writers of this consecration were Sr. Mary of the Rosary Layton, R.S.C.J. and Fr. Darius Hubert, S.J. (d. 1893).

Miscellaneous: Most of these miscellaneous items are religious in nature. An exception to this is a patent signed by President Andrew Jackson for an invention by a James Herron for an improvement in the construction of railroad carriages, cars, and wagons. There are also items collected during travels and pilgrimages throughout Europe and the Holy Land. These include a 14.5" x 11" signed picture of Pope Pius IX.

Wooden Box: All of the collection's items were originally contained in a 2.5" x 18.25" x 12" box. The title on it states: "Family of Thomas Layton. Privileges conferred by His Holiness Pope Pius the Ninth." The privileges and authentics were kept in a file on the bottom of the box. The relics and other items rested on top of this file.