The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-02-17

10 the Editor of the New York Herald,
T. We, the publishers of the Awful Disclosure of
Maria Monk, seize this early opportunity to reply 10
the affldavs you published liz your SATURDAYS paper
although they do not furnish any of that species of EVIL
dence which the book demands, nor hold the hope
that any such evidence will be furnished as discern
ing public must naturally require; examination Of
tie Hotel Dien Nunnery, at Montreal.
The author Of the book plainly and repeatedly de,
cares, that bo evidence be expected prove dec-
in the case and while she proposes to present Her
self for any reasonable inquiry. she demands that the
meIH question be fairly tried and proclams that she is
ready to abide by The result. No inclination however
is shown by those who have il I their power TO allow
a to such evidence The Nunnerv rs 10 be kent
closed she is to be allowed entrance, accompanied
she might be- by few persons Of both parties and
while certain New York newspapers speak Of our book
as one of the proofs of the evils arising from "a free
press we are expected 10 admit the blessings of nunne-
ries closed againstail scrutiny.
Still, MIR. Editor, repeat prepared TO reply
TO the afbdayils you have published
These afhdavits are not Let not your readers
suppose that they are new to US, they be 10
oftlieni. They were published in MONTREAL several
months ago, and have beefi carefully examined and
weighed, and even commented upon since. in some
American newspapers. The appearance Of awful
Disclosures has not been owing either fanaticism,
or desire 10 make money. The love of truth has in
duced lis publication. After long aud candid e1anIina-
lions, the plain tale of Miss Monk has been to pre-
sent extraordinary claims TO attention and belief II
Is not true, ii will deserve rank among rather above
mens have been tested by amount of cross question
ngs, ten, if not fifty times greater than would satisfy
court in capital trial. Many individuals have en-
deavored detect inconsistency but thus far without
success.
With regard TO the affidavit of the mother, she
presents her daughter long subject te occasional
alienation of mind. She has been 10 but one mind on
the subject of her book for nearly year. be easily
proved by persons in this city. Several papers ex-
pressed suspicious ofinsany. This is disease indeed
very common TO eloped nuns and the remedy commonly
recommended is happily she would like to resort
TO, viz to be taken back 10 the nunnery-not however
remain as long as before.
The mother does say where her daughter was
during the period embraced by the chief part Of the
book, how she knows that she has been in the
nunnery since child. The mother is spoken of
Protestant From what has been learnt concerning her.
il appears that she is of Roman Catholic and
wanted her daughter go to priest TO have the
devil out Of her. because she had antpathy
converts.
The greater part of the testimony in the afidavits
designed 10 affect the public opinion, not in
spect to the nnnnery, the Witness but in respect
ofthe persons who accompanied her to Montreal last
summer. In relation to that portion, may say that
there Inconsistencies, and much irrelevant
matter likely draw of the attention Of tile reader from
the main question. From these questions do
not intend to be drawn off,
The affidavit given by DR.. Robertson, coroboraes
most powerfully several important statements made by