Reflections on a Founding-Era Correspondence

As America gears up for its 250th birthday, historians are revisiting documents from the founding era that laid the groundwork for the nation’s ideals. A noteworthy piece is a 1790 letter exchanged between John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the U.S., and President George Washington. This correspondence addressed a pivotal question of the time: could Catholics, often viewed with skepticism during British rule, truly be considered equal citizens in the new nation?

This historical document—a rarity—now travels across the country on the “Freedom Plane” as the anniversary approaches. The original letter is housed at the Library of Congress, just a short distance from the office of Dr. Kevin Butterfield, the acting director of the library’s manuscript division.

Washington was actively engaging with communities throughout 1790, as Butterfield explains. He aimed to foster direct connections between the people and their new government. During this period, numerous letters from religious and civic groups were sent to Washington, seeking reassurance about their roles in the evolving federal landscape.

Among these was Carroll’s March 1790 address, which, following the establishment of the first U.S. diocese in Baltimore in 1789, questioned whether Catholics would be fully included in America’s new framework.

Michael Breidenbach, from Ave Maria University, notes that this exchange illustrates how Catholics not only benefited from the nation’s founding but also played a significant role in shaping it. The ongoing debate surrounding whether America has Protestant or secular roots often overlooks this Catholic influence.

Carroll’s letter stands out as he sought reassurance that Catholics would be embraced as full-fledged members of the republic. He advocated for religious freedom and the idea of belonging to a society that recognized them as equals.

Despite the long history of priests serving in the American colonies, the Vatican had not appointed a Catholic bishop until Carroll’s consecration in 1790. This was an important symbolic moment, highlighting the evolving relationship between church and state in the new country.

Butterfield highlights a powerful excerpt from Carroll’s letter: “While our country will maintain her freedom and independence, we will have a well-founded right to claim equal citizenship in her justice…”. This reminder of Catholic contributions during the Revolutionary War resonated with Washington, who understood the importance of those who fought alongside him.

Historian Catherine O’Donnell emphasizes that Catholics faced significant skepticism in Britain and its colonies because they were often seen as more loyal to the Pope than to their country, casting a cloud over their citizenship.

Carroll’s letter, while sincere, was also strategic—he sought acknowledgment from Washington that Catholics were welcomed citizens of the new nation. His appeals were backed by notable leaders such as his cousin Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and other prominent figures of the era.

The correspondence from Washington affirmed the patriotic role of Catholics during the revolution, stating they were already reaping the benefits of the new government. Butterfield reflects on Washington’s vision for a country where diversity in belief mattered less than the shared commitment to citizenship.

Although Washington emphasized the need for religious pluralism, some states continued to impose restrictions on Catholics. The newly formed federal government, however, aimed for a different approach, one rooted in the principles of the Constitution which prohibited religious tests for office-holding.

The survival of Carroll’s letter is attributed to Washington’s foresight regarding its historical significance. It remains an essential document, digitized for global access, yet the original is rarely moved for conservation reasons.

O’Donnell believes understanding this part of American history—complete with its challenges of religious freedom—is essential. She also highlights how public leadership can pave the way for broader acceptance and ideals.

In essence, this correspondence is a poignant reminder of a time when a minority religious group sought assurance of its place in the American narrative, and the first president affirmed their rights as citizens. It’s a piece of history that resonates deeply, reflecting ongoing conversations about inclusivity and belonging in the United States.