Description
Autograph letter signed, three pages (on two conjoined sheets), 7,5 x 9,5 inch, Konstanz, 20.04.1805, in old German, to Canon J. Schuler in the collegiate monastery in Bischofszell - concerning the permission to print a manuscript, written and signed in black ink "J. Wessenberg", with expected letter folds - in fine to very fine condition.
"Hochwürdiger Herr Kanonikus!
Werthester Freund!
Ein Reformierter aus dem Kanton Zürich, Namens J. Heinrich Hubmann wollte bey dem hiessigen bischöfl. Buchdrucker Wegener das beyliegende Manuskript drucken lassen. Dieser verwies ihn aber an mich wegen der bischöfl. Zensur. Da ich nun die Schrift gelesen habe; so kann ich die Erlaubnis zur Verbreitung derselben nicht geben. Da indessen der Verfasser von dem Grund oder Ungrund der im Wirtshaus aufgefangenen Wundergeschichte, deren Bettunternehmung [gemeint `Betunternehmung`] oder als eine Geldquelle zu betrachten scheint, näher unterrichtet zu werden wünscht, und er mir selbst versichert hat, Sie könnten die verlässigste Auskunft darüber geben; so ersuche ich Sie, den Mann gehörig zu belehren. In Bischof Namen nicht gestatten, dass erdichtete Mirakel, deren Wahrheit nicht von der ordentlichen Behörde untersucht worden ist, auch sonsten des Ansuchens unserer Hl. Religion zur eigennüzigen Erwerbquelle eines Individuums missbraucht werden. Uebrigens wünsche ich doch, dass Sie sich, ohne mindestens Aufsehen under die Umstände der Suche näher erkundigen und mir Nachricht davon geben möchten.
Mit ausnehmender, wahrer Hochschätzung.
dero ergebenster Dein Freund
Constanz, d. 20 April 1805 - J. Wessenberg"
Translated:
"Reverend Canon!
Dearest friend!
A Reformed man from the canton of Zurich, named J. Heinrich Hubmann, wanted to have the enclosed manuscript printed by the local episcopal printer Wegener. But he referred him to me because of the episcopal censorship. Now that I have read the Scripture; so I cannot give permission to distribute it. But since the author, based on the miracle story recorded in the inn, seems to regard it as a prayer enterprise or as a source of money, and would like to be informed in more detail, and he himself assured me that you could give the most reliable information about it; So I ask you to instruct the man properly. In Bishop's name, fictitious miracles are not permitted, the truth of which has not been investigated by the proper authorities - otherwise the use of our Holy Religion for an individual's selfish source of income is also not permitted. By the way, I would like you to inquire more about the circumstances of the search without making the slightest fuss and let me know about it.
With exceptional, true esteem.
your most devoted friend - J. Wessenberg
Constanze, d. April 20, 1805"
Further Information on the person
Profession:
(1774-1860) German writer and scholar, and liberal Catholic churchman as well as Vicar general and administrator of the Diocese of Constance.
Year of Birth: 1774
Ignaz Heinrich Karl von Wessenberg was born on March 22, 1774, in Konstanz, Germany. He was a prominent German politician and diplomat during the early 19th century.
Wessenberg studied philosophy and law at the University of Freiburg before embarking on a career in public service. He held various administrative positions in the Austrian Netherlands and later served as a diplomat in Italy and Switzerland.
In 1809, Wessenberg was appointed as the Minister of State for the Austrian Empire, where he played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Schönbrunn, which ended the War of the Fifth Coalition.
Throughout his career, Wessenberg was known for his political acumen and diplomatic skills. He was instrumental in shaping the foreign policy of the Austrian Empire and was highly respected by his peers.
After retiring from public service, Wessenberg devoted his time to writing and scholarly pursuits. He published several works on politics, economics, and international relations, cementing his reputation as a leading intellectual of his time.
Ignaz Heinrich Karl von Wessenberg passed away on August 30, 1860, leaving behind a legacy of diplomatic achievement and intellectual contributions that continue to be studied and admired to this day.
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