These letters, covering the years between 1850 and 1872, illustrate the complex issues facing the newly-established Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales. Bishop Alexander Goss was closely involved in the struggles to assert diocesan independence from Westminster and undue interference by Rome and was a determined upholder of his episcopal rights, -strong and resolute almost to vehemence - the crozier, hook and point- as Cardinal Manning claimed. At the same time, as leader of the diocese with the largest number of Catholics in England and Wales, he faced the problems of serving the needs...