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 counsellor, a protector.  No one enjoys so high a reputation in every regard in Rome as the cardinal.  He gives me free access to him and confides in me.”

There is much evidence, too much to quote it all, that the cardinal was drawn to Father Hecker on account of his simplicity and openness of character, his frank manner, but especially for his bold, original views of the opportunity of religion among free peoples.  Cardinal Barnabo was noted for his sturdy temper and was what is known as a hard hitter, though a generous opponent as well as an earnest friend.  He espoused Father Hecker’s cause with much heartiness; official intercourse soon developed into a close personal attachment, which lasted with unabated warmth till the strong old Roman was called to his reward.

Father Hecker speaks in his letters of spending time with him, not only on business but in discussing questions of philosophy and religious controversy, and in talking over the whole American outlook.

The cardinal became the American priest’s advocate before the Pope, and also with the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars after the case reached that tribunal.  “When I heard him speak in my defence,” he said in after times, “I thanked God that he was not against me, for he was a most imperious character when aroused, and there seemed no resisting him.”