1843 May 1
Haskell, H. S. Lane, Moses:
(Burlington, Vermont) (University of Vermont
to (Orestes A.) Brownson:
(Boston, Massachusetts)
They tell Brownson that the literary societies "Phi Sigma Nu" and the "University Institute" have voted that he be the orator at their annual celebration to be held on the Tuesday preceding the first Wednesday of August. They ask on behalf of their societies that Brownson favor them with an address, as they have heard he will be in the neighborhood near that time to give an oration at Dartmouth. They flatter themselves that their request will be complied with. They ask to be notified if he consents.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {3}
1843 May 1
(Louisiana), New Orleans
Treasure of Municipality No. 3
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
A receipt for $12.75 for the 1842 tax on Ilet 128/49. $1,000, $4.25; and Ilet 148/41, $2000, $8.50; signed by DuGany as treasurer.
V-4-n - D.S. - (French) - - 16mo. - 2pp. {2}
1843 May 4
(Courrier de la Louisiane) Louisiana Courier
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
A receipt for a six months subscription ending October 14, 1843. Signed by F.S. Nicomède.
V-4-n - Receipt S. - 1p. - 32mo. - {2}
1843 May 4
Gallien, G. Choiselat, Treasurer:
Paris, France
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
Detroit, Michigan
Gallien received Lefevere's letter of March 9 and conforming to his request sought some information of the bankers of Paris but was assured that it was impossible for them to give him drafts on Detroit. They offered him only drafts on New York and he could not accept them without finding out whether it was agreeable with Lefevere that he take this course and whether Lefevere thought he could receive the amount at New York without too much expense. Gallien asks for Lefevere's intentions on the subject and will conform to them. He didn't think it wise to deposit any sum with the bankers in order to take some of their paper in exchange. This would have been to expose himself to paying twice. On March 13 last Gallien wrote Lefevere that he was able to pay immediately the whole of Lefevere's allocation plus 1206 f(rancs) 35 c(entimes) received from Belgium for the Council, and he said then that Lefevere could draw on him to the amount of 10,20 at 30 days from sight. Gallien thinks the time of payment being more brought near again, that Lefevere can negotiate them more advantageously. Gallien believes the Council will eagerly take advantage of this facility. He accepted the drafts of 7 and of 8 thousand francs Lefevere drew on him. He need not tell Lefevere that they will be paid exactly. All American banks have as much trust in the Association of Propagation as the Bank of France itself. Having accepted the two drafts totalling 15,000 fr(ancs) he need only remit to Lefevere 39,086 f(rancs) 35 (centimes) for the balance of 1842. If Lefevere has not yet sent out of negotiated these drafts he can negotiate them immediately unless he prefers that Gallien send him drafts on New York as Gallien suggested to him. Gallien awaits in this matter Lefevere's prompt answer and orders. (Nore:) "20 days 19,543,35.
19,543. 39,086,35"
(Note:) "Answered July 18, 1843 and payed through the agent Mr. Fraynye."
III-2-h - L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 8vo. - {2}
1843 May 5
Francais, Father (N.):
Avoyelles, (Louisiana)
to Father E(tienne) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Francais asks Rousselon to send him the Holy Oils by the bearer of this letter. Francais cannot come to New Orleans because he has no money to pay for his trip. He had to borrow 100 piastres to pay a servant whom he dismissed; there is a little money due him but they do not pay him. The whole parish is bankrupt. He takes his meals at a neighboring house at $12 a month. He hopes this state will not last up to the time of his leaving for Europe which he has been obliged to put off for several months. He hopes the Bishop at his return from Baltimore will replace him. He can no longer stay. In order to live he has to go into debt; to get the consolations of religion from a confrere requires a long journey; being alone, he is exposed to all the fury of the devil. He has not yet sold his property as he iswaiting for the Bishop's return so that he can sell it to whomever succeeds him. It will be very difficult for the parish to give the pastor a house as the church is not yet paid for. P.S. He received Rousselon's letter but he already knew what it was through the newspapers. He is a naturalized citizen so he will not be contrary to the law.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {2}
1843 May 6
(Blanc), Bishop Ant(hony):
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Father E(tienne) Rousselon:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Arriving last Sunday at Louisville, they stopped long enough to say Mass. They did not see Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget who was at Portland. They arrived in Cincinnati and left the same day. There they met Father (Peter J.) Verhaegen, (S.J.), who was to leave for here with Bishop (John Baptist Purcell) the next Monday. (Blanc and his party) arrived here yesterday. Bishop (John Mary) Odin has had 2 or 3 attacks of fever since they left New Orleans. Sister Regina (Smith, S.C.), aside from the fatigue of the trip, is well. (Blanc) took her as far as Baltimore where she will remain until next Wednesday. (Blanc) will probably accompany her to Emmitsburg. He had planned to go to Washington Tuesday but believes he will have to put it off until after the Council. This morning Mr. Reed, the lawyer (Blanc) wanted to see about their appeal to the Supreme Court, called. (Blanc) let him have the papers in order to examine them. This morning (Blanc) sent on the 3 boys to Georgetown College; he was well satisfied with their conduct on the trip. (Blanc and his party) were the first to arrive except the Bishop of Boston who only passed through on his way to Georgetown from where he will return next week. The bishops from the West are coming in one by one. If Bishop (Michael) Portier arrives all will be present. They even have some hope of Bishop (Joseph) Rosati arriving. (Blanc) has not changed his plan of return; he is uneasy about the two notes to pay on the 12th or 15th of July, amounting to $2300. He hopes the bill in the Legislature, giving 3000 piastres to the Sisters, will be given out and above all that it will be paid, in part at least, in time for their need. (Blanc) will go to St. Louis to see again about the $1000. The expenses of the trip from New Orleans to Baltimore amount to $32.65. Father (Jos.) Ev(rard?) is really here with the Redemptorists, (Blanc) expects a visit from him today or tomorrow. They have not let him say Mass, they were waiting for (Blanc)'s arrival. If the good religious give him a good recommendation, what will he do? And what can (Blanc) do for him? He will not know until he sees him. (Blanc) saw the beginnings of the new cathedral at Cincinnati; it is already up above the lower chapel. It will be magnificent, all in cut stone outside, 200 feet long. The Redemptorist College is doing very well; they have conquered public opinion.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {11}
1843 May 7
Callion, P(ier)re(?):
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Callion authorizes Barthélemi Leveque to have baptized Callion's slave born March 12, 1843.
V-4-n - A. Note S. - (French) - 2pp. - 32mo. - {1}
1843 May 7
Calongne, Ch(arle)s:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father (James) Lesne:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Calongne asks Lesne to baptize his slave, Louis, born December 26, 1843(!), child of Zabelle (?).
V-4-n - A. Note S. - (French) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {1}
1843 May 7
Megret, Father A.D.:
Vermillionville, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Easter kept him so busy that he could not write the Bishop while he was in New Orleans and now he is not there. The law just passed about marriages is causing trouble. Megret is far from being a citizen and did not come to Louisiana to perform civil functions and does not think the State can prevent him from exercising his functions as a priest. Some look on him as unfit for these functions because he is not a citizen. In order not to send his parishioners to a priest who is a citizen, Megret has arranged with the parish judge so that while the law stands the young couple will have a civil contract and the same day go to the church for the nuptial blessing. The judge will take $6 and Megret will get $5. This way he hopes to bless all the civil unions. Ed. Meunier sends Rousselon his newspaper. Megret hopes Rousselon is pleased with it. Rousselon will see that Meunier has lost Mr. Lemoine's collaboration. Megret talked to Lemoine and tried to dissuade him from cards and cafés. As soon as Megret can get rid of it, he will do so very willingly. His people are pleased with the paper and he has the hope that the opposition will no longer attack religion. Megret is waiting for the Bishop's return to talk over all these things. Megret's fabrique has authorized Megret to pay the sum reclaimed through Rousselon's mediation. They had a meeting three weeks ago and all went well.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {3}
1843 May 8
Carrière, P.:
Bonfouca, (Louisiana)
Carrière gives his negress Fanny permission to have her child baptized.
V-4-n - A. Note S. - (French) - 2pp. - 12mo. - {0}
1843 May 8
Eugenia, (S.C.), Sister:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Father S(tephen) Rousselon:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Sister Francis Regis, (S.C.) has asked Eugenia to request a favor in behalf of two Religious of the Sacred Heart residing with them for a few days, that is, to appoint a confessor for them before they sail for New York on next Wednesday or Thursday. Madame Bujolt speaks both French and English, Madame (S.?) Jennings only English. They would like to go to Father (Angelo) Mascaroni will be satisfied with whomever Rousselon appoints. They also request the privilege of visiting the Charity Hospital. Sister Regis sends her respects.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {6}
1843 May 8
Giustiniani, C.M., Father J(oseph>:
Natchitoches, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
While at New Orleans, Giustiniani talked to Rousselon about his desire to institute in his parish the Archconfraternity of the Heart of Mary. A great many of his parishioners ask to be enrolled. He wants the rules for New Orleans and a manual. He also has some money for the Propagation of the Faith. If Rousselon can continue to send some of the annals they will have no trouble collecting 60 to 80 piastres. Also would it be proper to read from the pulpit the decree of the Council of Trent about Catholic marriages.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {2}
1843 May 9
Beck, J.P.:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
A receipt for $1.05 for freight on the brig Catherine. Signed for Beck by Tho(ma)s Blois.
V-4-n - Receipt S. - 1p. - 16mo. - {2}
1843 May 9
Brownson, Orestes A.:
Boston, Massachusetts
to Parke Godwin:
New York, (New York)
Brownson should like the Pathfinder from the beginning. He likes the spirit and general character of the paper but with some of the doctrines, he does not agree. Godwin does not seem to be just to Brownson, Brownson does not wish to be misapprehended by one for whom he has respect, Godwin seems perpetually charging Brownson with narrow and one sided views. In this he thinks Godwin wrong. Before we accuse anyone of falling short of the truth, we ought to understand their views. Brownson has reference to Godwin's comment on Brownson's article "Universal History". Brownson believes his view is distinctly implied in the whole design and scope of the article. He is much surprised to find Godwin overlooking it. He rejects the optimism of Cousin because the movement of humanity has not been in accordance with the law of order. Evil in individuals springs from a secondary duality. Brownson's essay on the Community System in the February issue of the Democratic Review, Godwin will perceive must have been written with this thought. In remarking on Brownson's essay "Democracy and Liberty" Godwin claims Brownson did not go to the root of the matter. One ought to criticize an article in reference to the design of the writer in writing it. He requires in his theory, the church, the state, the community and the family, whereas Godwin and the Fourierists leave out the community, hence it is they who are onesided and not Brownson. In organizing the State, Brownson adopts the views of (John C.) Calhoun. The state is essential and he demands certain guarantees. Calhoun contemplates very little action for the melioration of mankind, save through the state. Brownson thinks Godwin in danger of underwriting the states and political action. He believes he comprehends Godwin's view of the Church. The Fourier Catholicism is based on pantheism unless he has misapprehended it. The Church in which Brownson believes is founded by the extra mundane intervention of providence for man. Fourierism recognizes providence only in the fixed which is to deny providence and to fall into pantheism. To Godwin's view the church has failed. This as a Christian Brownson cannot admit. Christ promised to be with the church always; to say He has failed is to reject Him. altogether. Brownson cannot believe it has failed. Godwin is wrong in classifying Brownson as a Puseyite. Till within the last three weeks, Brownson had never read a single publication of the Oxford Divine. Brownson does not agree with the authors that the Anglican Church is Catholic. It is Protestant and schismatic, and its claim to Catholicism is ridiculous. Brownson accepts the faith, the discipline but does not adopt the Catholic Church's philosophy. He does not hold that the life can be transmitted only by the laying of the hands of the Bishop. Apostalic succession does not necessarily imply Episcopolian succession. The spiritual communicability and transmissibility of life plays a very important part in Brownson's theory of the Church. If Godwin wishes to do Brownson justice, he must not leave out this doctrine. In speaking of the Church, we must beware how we consider it because it has not yet accomplished its whole work. Brownson accepts the Church and labors to effect the well being of the race. His great objection to Fourier is his rejection of the Church, seeking a true church founded not upon the word of God but upon his individual interpretation of that word. Brownson considers himself as one among these who are laboring for the moral, intellectual, and physical melioration of all men.
I-4-h - A.L.S. - (Photostat, N. Y. Pub. Library) - 4pp. - folio. - {1}
1843 May 9
Lane, Moses:
University of Vermont (Burlington, Vermont)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
(Boston, Massachusetts)
This letter is to inform Brownson that, due to an irregularity in the meeting of the Institute, the entire proceedings of the meeting were illegal, and therefore his election as "Orator" for their next annual celebration was illegal. The matter came up again, and he was elected "Orator" for their next annual celebration. If he was already answered the Societies' first letter they would like another copy of it, for any letter received from Brownson before he receives this letter cannot be laid before the Society. They are ardently desirous that he accept their invitation.
I-3-g - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {1}
1843 May 10
Aliquot, Marie Jeanne:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Aliquot acknowledges the receipt of one thousand piastres from the Ursulines on the account of 2000 coming to her on the house in St. Claude Street according to the deed drawn up February 16, 1836 at Théodore Seghers'.
V-4-n - A. Receipt S. - (French) - 2pp. - 32mo. - {2}
1843 May 10
Raviol, Father (John):
Opelousas, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen)Rousselon:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Raviol received the circular letter regarding priests' conduct of marriages. With it he hopes to have a word about the letter he wrote asking Rousselon to send him some things he needs. He believes Rousselon did not get the letter. Today since he is obliged to ask for a dispensation for a marriage he will tell of his need first. With the 34 notes of the 1st and 2nd municipality which he left with Rousselon and the 20 piastres coming to him for the first 2 weeks of February plus the entire month of fees, Rousselon was to send him a cask of beer, 50 pounds of coffee as well as sugar and 500 corks. He supposes the pastor gave Rousselon all that was coming to him as he had promised. Raviol forgot a sack of salt too, by the steamboat Fame. He has hope of a visit from Father (Victor) Jamey. The names of the parties: Hebert, son of Jean Baptiste Hebert and Mélanie Landry; Celina Lanclos, daughter of Ulger Lanclos and Eulalie Landry asking a dispensation from relationship.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 8vo. - {7}
1843 May 11
Figari, C.M., Father H(ector):
St. Louis, (Missouri)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
N(ew) Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Figari believes Mr. Wiltz gave Rousselon a little money for the College. If Rousselon received it he is to give it to Mr. Watson, pilot of the Ben Franklin, who will present this letter.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}
1843 May 13
Joosz, Michel:
N(ew) O(rleans, Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
A receipt for 2 ½ piastres for putting glass in a small house at St. Augustine's Church.
V-4-n - Receipt S. - (French) - 1p. - 32mo. - {2}
1843 May 14
Dusseaud, J(ea)n:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Dusseaud gives permission for his negress Louise to have her child baptized, aged one month. J. B.(?) Bertrand writes the permission for Dusseaud.
V-4-n - Note - (French) - 2pp. - 32mo. - {1}
1843 May 15
Bellune, Duchesse de:
Versailles, (France)
to (Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Only the fear of bothering (Blanc) has kept her from writing for such a long time. Since the return of her husband he has lost no time in writing to persons who took an interest in him during his stay in New Orleans, and she is sure he must have especially written to (Blanc). She believes his letter must have been lost, as he has not received an answer. So she now tells (Blanc) of her husband's return to his family. But in her contentment in seeing her children once more around their father, she fears that this unfortunate affair may still have sad consequences. Bellune sent to London a confidential person to try to find out through a friend of Mr. De la B(elinaye?) what were his real plans concerning her husband. She received the reply that the sorrow of Mr. De la B. was still very great and that only time and Izabel's return to England could heal the wound of his heart and suppress the affair. (Charles Stokes) Mr. Stockes, B(elinaye)'s friend, desires her return as soon as possible and promises to protect her if she returns. It is a case of seeing whether the girl will consent to follow the line of conduct which all point out to her. Bellune's husband has just written Iazbel a letter urging her to submit to her father's wishes. The illness of her mother who for a month has been completely deranged should be a powerful motive to make her decide. Bellune asks (Blanc) to take care of this important negociation and if Izabel consents to return to England to advance the funds for the trip. Bellune regrets all the trouble she has caused (Blanc) and asks his pardon. P.S. Her husband sends his respects.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 16mo. - {4}
1843 May 15
Ladavière, S.J., Father A. P(ierre):
St. Michael, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The likelihood of rain made him come back from a little trip this morning; he gave Father (Bonaventure) Armengol his cases for the Holy Oils and asked him to be his living letter to Rousselon. He asks that the cases be filled as much as possible so they will be enough for St. James and St. Michael. Ladavière intends to go down to New Orleans the week after Ascension, before Trinity. He has not yet had First Communion in the parish, he wants to have it before Pentecost. First Communion at the Convent will wait for the Bishop's return. He does not expect much from Father St. Ives or Father (Charles F.) Moracchini; they always leave him in the lurch.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {4}
1843 May 15
Timon, (C.M.), Father J(ohn):
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Father Stephen Rousselon:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
The president of the College here has sent to New Orleans 50 copies of the second volume of the modern history. Rousselon is to send 25 to the Ladies at St. Michael, 5 to the Seminary, and to any other who wishes to complete the work. The price is 50 sous per volume. The remainder are for the Seminary at the Barrens.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {1}
1843 May 20
Armengol, C.M., Father B(onaventure):
Assumption, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Here is the certificate Rousselon asked for (no enclosure). He will see that F. Théard was born March 12 and not April 12. Armengol believes that Rousselon received through Father St. Ive(s?) a letter for Father (Jean) Caretta, (C.M.) about his affair at Thibodeauxville. His ticket is not yet transferred; he had better hurry to save his money.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {4}
1843 May 20
(Blanc), Bishop Ant(hony):
Baltimore, (Maryland)
to Father E(tienne) Rousselon:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Today at 5:30 they concluded their work of the Provincial Council (of 1843). The opening ceremonies last Sunday were most imposing. 16 bishops, 43 priests and a large number of altar boys marched to the church. Bishop (Michael) Portier officiated for that. On Tuesday at the second solemn session, at which (Blanc) officiated, there were also services for the priests and bishops deceased since the last Provincial Council. All went with the greatest harmony. All the sees were represented; even Charleston which was represented by the Administrator. Tomorrow there will be the solemn closing meeting. Bishop (John Joseph) Chanche is to officiate. (Blanc) plans to go to Washington on Monday or Tuesday to see the attorney who is to handle their case in the appeal to the Supreme Court. (Blanc) saw at Baltimore one of the most loyal Catholic lawyers who consulted with several of his friends of the bar who thought the case could be won. He consented to join with the lawyer directed to (Blanc) by Bishop Seghers. (Blanc) received Rousselon's letter of the 9th. He was very sorry to learn of Judge (Charles) Maurian's refusal of marriage licenses to priests who are not citizens. He is not the less convinced that it is not the intention of the bill but it is so in the wording, of which H.D. could not be unaware. What Bishop (Celestin) de la Hailandière wrote to Father (Ferdinand Dominic) Bach about Mr. Ch. has been confirmed. (Blanc) would be glad if Rousselon could persuade him to flee from the danger of yellow fever and return to his country. Rousselon could tell him that after what was learned after (Blanc)'s departure, Rousselon had every reason to believe that he would not be incorporated into the diocese. Moreover there is nothing reprehensible in his morals; it is all in his head. (Blanc) greatly desires that Bach's hopes will be realized; their situation is so extraordinary to all the Bishops that they must act upon their own prudence and judgement. There are no antiphonaries or processional crosses here. Bishop (John Mary) Odin, (C.M.) could not attend the meetings of the Council except last Monday and today. He had a return of fever; he is better. The Superior General of the Sisters is much better. (Blanc) does not yet know what route he will take to return. He wants to go to St. Louis to see if he can get the $1000 for the asylum. He would like the Sisters to take steps to have at least part of the allocation made to them by the 12th or 14th of July. (Blanc) wanted to write to Sister Lor(r)et(t)a but he will not have time today. P.S. (Blanc) received $5 from the Bishop of Richmond for a subscription to the Propagateur for Father S(tanislaus) A. Bernier of Richmond, Virginia.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {10}
1843 May 20
Kein, Father R(ichard):
New York, (New York)
to F(rancis P.) McFarland Mt. St. Mary's:
Emmittsburg, Maryland
Kein has received McFarland's letter by Kerrigan but was absent. He complains that McFarland sends so little news of the Mountain, especially about Kerrigan's marriage. He tried to defer his ordination, but the Bishop assured him that he would not have any duties until the bishop himself had prepared him. He has spent his time so far attending the bishop's mail and has preached a few times. He describes the letters he has received from other friends.
I-1-a - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 4to. - {2}
1843 May 21
Aimé, Michael:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Aimé gives his negress Catherine permission to have her child baptized. (Written by) E(dwar?)d Aimé for Michael.
V-4-n - Note - (French) - 2pp. - 32mo. - {1}
1843 May 21
Jamey, Father V(ictor):
Villers la ville, (France)
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
On arriving in France Jamey intended to spend a year with his friend, the pastor of Jussey, in order to meditate and study after being deprived during ten years. But being called every minute to the church, receiving frequent visits, obliged to preach often under pain of offending his old friends he saw he would not gain his end and decided to follow the advice of the Bishop of Rheims and ask for a little parish. He took precautions that he would lose only 300 francs or so on the expense of setting up a house in case he should return to Louisiana. He has made no definite decision as he believes he hinted by saying that he was only here provisionally and in a year would be available. He waited impatiently and was not disappointed. Blanc's letter dispelled all his doubts. Bishop Gousset having read Jamey's exeat in which he is recognized as a priest of Besancon diocese, found that only family matters could make him consider it as a permission for absence. But Jamey told him that he had none and that only a week before his departure, the Sunday of the opening of the Synod, he had told (Blanc) that he would not come back if he did not bring back some priests. Then Gousset said that Jamey was not incorporated in the diocese of Besancon and could return whenever the wished. Jamey has only one word to reply to Bishop (William) Dubourg's writing of which (Blanc) spoke: Omnia sanctorum non sunt sancta. Jamey has an inkling that Father (Stephen) Rousselon may have dictated his exeat because knowing what papers should be sent to Jamey, Rousselon sent his letters to Father (Charles F.) Morac(c)hini instead of giving them to Jamey himself as he should have done. He found Rousselon's reproaches unseemly especially on the subject of his trip. Jamey does not see how he could be guilty of injustice in calling Father (Constantine Maenhaut) Maniaut's fortune scandalous or in adding that Father (Napoleon Joseph) Perché had made promises that he did not keep. What Jamey said about the Bishop of Besancon came from very respectable archbishops and priests and so the accusation of fickleness (Blanc) sends Jamey loses much of its weight. When deeds are obvious and notorious, they fall in the public domain. Now if Archbishop (Césaire) Mathieu forbade his priests to sign petitions for the freedom of teaching it could not be hidden; if he asked for and obtained the governorship of Martinique for his brother, everyone knows it. It is not the same with judgements based on the testimony of suspect witnesses, such as on the word of foolish young Madeleine they believed that Jamey had connived to deprive a dying religious, Sister St. Scholastique of the confessor she wished to have, Father A. Pierre Ladavière. On the word of an adventurer, Father (L.?) Vanbo(c)kel, they accused Jamey of detaining him when he was to go to Terre au B(o)euf. Jamey found out later that Father(?) Croiron(?) and Father (Louis) Moni had withdrawn him from this post. As when they gave Jamey as a model, Father (Louis) Boué, who knew how to make the Ladies of the Sacred Heart consent to have him leave when they wanted to make him Grand Vicar, while Jamey was detained by the Ursulines; Jamey does not know on what this was founded. He suffered these pains in silence; he felt none of them as he did what (Blanc) said of him in his letter to which Jamey is replying. It could be stated thus: a man with rash thoughts and serving badly because of his judgement. (Blanc) did not need to interdict him in his diocese, he could have been less severe. The year (Blanc) was in France Jamey was at St. Claude house and the scandal caused by the counsels of St. Francis disappeared. Although serving badly by his judgement, Jamey bought the land on which (Blanc)'s fine church is built with the hope and foresight that it might be what it is today. When Maenhaut talked about it funds were withdrawn for beginning the building. The Sisters refusing their property, (Blanc) reproached Jamey for having given them deceitful assurance. Jamey's bad judgement did not prevent him from judging that after reflection (Blanc) would make a gift of it. Jamey was warned that he would not succeed with Mr. (Destrehan?) Détréhant for the land sold to Miss Bruner with the conditions that the land, the chapel, and the cabins were to be restored to the seller, but Jamey succeeded. When he was 24 years old, Jamey was for ten months the substitute pastor of one of the most difficult parishes of the diocese and Father Loyé, the vicar general, congratulated Jamey on his prudence. If on one hand (Blanc)'s opinion distresses him deeply, on the other Jamey is consoled that his living in France will be no less agreeable to (Blanc) than it is to Jamey himself. Jamey rejoices in the great number of workers (Blanc) has had since Jamey's departure. When he spoke of the insufficient number of priests he did not count on Father S(imon) Petit nor Fathers (Louis?) Dufour, St. Cyr and (J.M.) Morisot and he considered as vacant, St. Charles, St. J(ohn) B(aptist), St. James and Thibodoville, West Baton Rouge, Avoyelles and Rapides, Cloutierville with Ile Brevell, Attakapas, and Plaquemine. Without forgetting (Blanc)'s plan of doubling the posts which would be suitable, especially at Pointe Coupée because of Fausse Rivière and St. Francisville, and at several other places, when (Blanc) carried out his plan of a church near the bishop's house Jamey could also see the other plan carried out. But Jamey forgets that (Blanc) alone is responsible for the administration of his immense diocese and Jamey must acknowledge that he has the great fault of being too busy and he will continue, but only in the presence of God to beg Him to give (Blanc) all the graces necessary. Jamey knows too well (Blanc)'s great goodness and zeal for Jamey's spiritual welfare and the pureness of his intentions to take in a bad spirit, the observations which (Blanc) has thought it necessary to address to him. No man being infallible in judging another, Jamey is persuaded that (Blanc)'s opinion of him is a pure and simple mistake. For 2 or 3 years, Mr. Vezian's health was failing; he had a lively faith. When one talked to him of approaching the Sacraments he replied that he would do it later. Death will deprive (Blanc)'s clergy of a friend as obliging as he was useful and intelligent. Affairs in France are as usual. The irreligious party redoubles its efforts and its violence but the Catholic party must have discipline and promise a good fight.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {20}
1843 May 23
Martin, Father (Jean):
St. James, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Last Sunday Martin officiated for the first time at St. James. Yesterday the trustees met. He asked them to make an inspection of the sacristy and of everything in the presbytery. Then he told them of everything that could cause difficulty between them and himself, either in the church or regarding employees. The trustees are to take care of temporal things; Martin is master in church affairs. Everything ended amiably so Martin hopes he can stay perhaps for three months. This evening he is to perform a marriage. The parish judge must have a certificate from 2 persons to attest that Martin was in St. Louis when Missouri became a state. Father (Angelo) Mascaroni, Mrs. William Kenedy and the Duplessis could be witnesses as they were at St. Louis then; Father (Matthew Bernard) Anduze also. The judge also would like to have the opinion of the Attorney General about the interpretation of the law which says that every foreigner in the territory at the time it became a state, is to be a citizen. On leaving New Orleans, Martin stopped a day at St. Michael, then went down to Donaldsonville, and from there, on horseback, to St. James. This little trip restored him entirely. Rousselon is to tell Father (Claude) Lunel that Martin carried out Lunel's commission and will bring him what he wants when he comes down.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {7}
1843 May 24
Bazin, Father J(ohn):
Mobile, (Alabama)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, Louisiana
William Hanemann is to be married next Saturday, the 27th, to Miss Dufour. The rumor is that he was divorced nearly six years ago at New Orleans. Hanemann was for several years associated with John S. Lidner, hardware and musical (instruments?) dealer on Chartres street opposite "L'abeille"; he was well known. Rousselon is to get the information and let Bazin know before next Saturday. He is writing to Charles Daron also for fear this letter will not reach Rousselon in time. Bazin preformed the marriage about which Rousselon wrote. Bishop (Michael) Portier has left for the Council.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {6}
1843 May 24
Allen, Geo(rge) W.:
Havre, (France)
A bill of lading on board the Deucalion shipped by J(ohn) B(aptist) Le Gros to Father E(tienne) Rousselon.
V-4-n - Bill S. - (French) - 1p. - 4to. - {2}
1843 May 24
Brogard, Father J(oseph) N(icolas):
Baton Rouge, (Louisiana)
to Father E(tienne) Rousselon:
New Orleans, L(ouisiana)
Brogard received Rousselon's letter about the new law about marriages. As for being a citizen, Brogard was naturalized two years ago in Mississippi. As to the guarantee, the doubt about it seems to be cleared up since the judges in this part of the diocese have refused it on the part of priests living here. So Brogard regarded it as useless to do anything about it. Rousselon has not replied to Brogard's letter of two months ago. He announced that he had succeeded in reviving the Association of the Propagation of the Faith and received $6 for the year 1842. But they want the Annals. If Rousselon has last year's he is to send a copy of each. He is to add one ordo; Brogard got the Holy Oils at Iberville.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {2}
1843 May 24
Mina, Father Ve. M(odest)e:
St. John Baptist, (Louisiana)
to Father E(tienne) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Through Mr. Garrès, Mina sends his subscription to the Propogateur Catholique; also the money from 5 groups of the Propagation of the Faith. He sent 4 others some time ago; 3 others are not yet paid. The time for the 1844 ordo is drawing near. Does Rousselon want inserted all the feast days approved by the Fourth Council of Baltimore? Since Rousselon's circular Mina has given the nuptial blessing to three couples. There is no difficulty but they grumble at the legislature. Mina spoke about this law to Ant(hony) Boudousquié who said that it was passed without a full understanding, a result of the schism, but that it was according to the spirit of the American Constitution that all legal acts be performed by American citizens. There is a law of 1822 or 1823 which says that the signature of the pastor is sufficient for marriage certificates. The security demanded from pastors was abolished several years before Mina's arrival in the country on demands made to the legislature by Father (Pierre) de L'Espinasse, pastor of St. James. This security was the result of the schism of 1805, Father (Patrick Walsh) Welsh being vicar general.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp. - 4to. - {5}
1843 May 26
(Blanc), Bishop Ant(hony) of New Orleans:
Philadelphia, (Pennsylvania)
to Father E(tienne) Rousselon:
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
(Blanc) has been in Philadelphia since yesterday morning; there are seven bishops. They assisted at the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop (Peter Paul) Lefev(e)re of Detroit in St. John's Church. Bishop (Francis Patrick) Kenrick is most attentive to them. The seminary is going very well; there are already 30 seminarians. This morning they visited Gérard College which is still far from being finished, but what is done is magnificent. All is in native marble, even the roof. (Blanc) left Bishop (John Mary) Odin, (C.M.) at Baltimore; they expected him this morning and he has not come. Tomorrow (Blanc) is to go to New York with Bishop (Celestin) de la Hailandière and Lefevre. He will spend 3 or 4 days there. They will leave Philadelphia the day after Pentecost with the coadjutor of St. Louis (Bishop Peter Richard Kenrick) and the Bishop of Vincennes. The latter wants (Blanc) to come his way in going to St. Louis. (Blanc) will remain only 2 or 3 days in St. Louis and expects to arrive in New Orleans in the first days of July. New York, May 31: Arriving in New York last Saturday, there are 9 bishops gathered here. Today they are going to dinner at Rose-Hill College, 12 miles from here. The charitable and educational institutions here are admirable; the Catholic schools are on a good footing. They will leave for Philadelphia day after tomorrow. Odin arrived day before yesterday. Father (John) Boullier, (C.M.) is here; he will leave with them to go to Cape Girardeau where Father (John) Timon, (C.M.) has called a meeting to elect a delegation who are to go to France for the election of a Superior General of the (Vincentians). Timon told (Blanc) that the small box of which Rousselon wrote must contain the second volume of a history of which the Ladies of the Sacred Heart at St. Michael have the first volume. (Blanc) does not know whether the Ursulines also have it. Rousselon is to send them one if they do not. (Blanc) suspects the two pictures and the bas relief are for St. Martin Parish; one of the pictures will be for Father (Julian) Priour and the other for the chapel at Breaux Bridge. The bas relief will be for the tomb of the late Father (Marcel) Borella, former pastor and benefactor of the parish. Bishop (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat of Kentucky has already left for France. Bishops (John Baptist) Purcel(l) and (John Joseph) Hughes will leave next week. It seems that Bishop (Joseph) Rosati is retained at Paris by illness; his letters indicate that he is concerned about his condition. (Blanc) received a letter from Sister Regina (Smith, S.C.); the Superior General wants (Blanc) to come back through St. Joseph promising to send two Sisters with him but since he must go by way of Vincennes and St. Louis he could hardly take them. He will write Bishop (John Joseph) Chanche at Baltimore to go if he can. P.S. Yesterday he read in the Propagateur about the law on marriages. If the law does not say that the old laws are repealed it would not concern them.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {20}
1843 May 27
Louisiana, New Orleans
Municipality No. 1 Recorder's Office
to Chevillon:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Chevillon is commanded to appear before this court to give testimony in a case between Municipality No. 1 and Bishop An(toi)ne Blanc. Paul Bertus' name appears as recorder; J(ea)n Meilleur signs as clerk. (On the back is written): Enquire of Mr. Rousselon, Ursulines bet(ween) Conde and Levee.
V-4-n - D.S. - 1p. - 16mo. - {4}
1843 May 28
Briscoe, A.:
Harrisburg, Texas
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc):
New Orleans, L(ouisian)a
Briscoe has a daughter ten years old whom he wishes to devote to the service of God in a convent. He has ventured to ask (Blanc) the age and other requisites to taking the veil as one of whom he could be sure of getting correct information. Is there any of the stricter orders in Louisiana? Is there a convent some distance above New Orleans; what would be the expenses there? His daughter has no mother. Poverty prevents Briscoe from going to Louisiana to ascertain what he wishes to know. He can command everything he needs here but dollars. If (Blanc) sees the bearer of this, James K. Brown, Brown can answer all (Blanc) wishes to know about Briscoe but Brown knows nothing of his wish in regard to his daughter.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 4to. - {2}
1843 May 28
Megret, Father A.D.:
Lafayette, (Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen Rousselon:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Megret received Rousselon's letter of the 17th. He sends this by a merchant of their town who will bring back things Mr. Cayol left at the bishop's house. Megret sees with pleasure that he was in agreement with the Bishop's Council on the subject of marriages. Unfortunate Louisiana does not promise liberties to the Catholics but makes them the victims of republican despotism. (France) is infinitely more free under the monarchy. Megret thanks Rousselon for becoming one of their subscribers. He will see that Megret has devoted Number 4 to the subject of marriage. His position is difficult. He will be as circumspect as possible. He keeps the Constitution of the Union and of Louisiana close at hand and writes nothing without consulting them. L'Union has been received with pleasure and compliments by most other editors. There is to be a meeting soon in Baton Rouge to which Mr. Meunier will go. Megret will do all he can to make his politico-religious system agreeable to all the editors and he intends to ask them to join in a body to demand freedom of worship. Many of them have invited Megret to give an article on "Legal Opinions." If the press demanded religious liberty it would be a great support for the Bishop. The law on marriage has made no unfavorable impression here; the young couples tell the judge that they are only fulfilling a civil function and that the real marriage is done by the pastor. Megret asks for a dispensation from relationship between Placide Broussard and Marie Thibodeau. He wrote to Father (Victor) Jamey and as he believes he is not working on the Propagateur, asked him to send a weekly correspondence. His non-reply makes Megret think he is absent from the city. Rousselon might judge that the work of the newspaper is taking time from Megret's parish. This is not so; it takes only several evenings during the week and assures the stopping of all irreligious pamphlets on the part of the former editor. The church has been much more attended this year with a greater number approaching the Sacraments. Megret would like more time to tell of certain acquisitions he has made for the good of religion. That will be for next time. He will soon begin the building of a chapel as arranged for with the Bishop. In case he is forced to build a church at Vermillionville besides the one belonging to the fabrique, he has acquired for nothing a piece of land in the center of the town without anyone knowing it, but he has other hopes. On the 30th they will renew the trustees and he believes that all the members will agree with him and he will try, under their administration, to make the bishop the owner of the church. In regard to the Act of Corporation and the extraordinary circumstances, if they are all in accord, they will be able to carry out the above relinquishment.
V-4-n - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {8}
1843 May 29
Kundig, (Father) Martin ( ):
Milwaukee, (Wisconsin)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
Kundig could not answer sooner because he was on a mission. In obedience to Lefevere he will be present at the consecration of St. Mary's Church but hopes to be relieved of the expense for the trip. Father (Thomas) Morrissey will return to Milwaukee after the third Sunday of June, which will enable Kundig to leave in time for the consecration.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {2}
1843 May 30
Smith, Persifor F. Judge:
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
David Nelligan has applied for a license to marry Mary Anne Derwin. Authority is granted to any priest or magistrate to celebrate the marriage.
V-4-n - A.D.S. - 1p. - 8vo. - {2}