1849
(Notice of the Brothers of Mary of Bordeaux)
Father Leo Meyer and his confreres are members of the institute known in Europe as the Society of Mary. The society was founded in Bordeaux by Canon William Joseph Chaminade on his return from his emigration in 1793. The first group was an association of youths which rapidly grew in numbers. One finds on its catalogue the name of Archbishop William Dubourg of Besancon formerly of New Orleans. Then Chaminade determined to draw up a more permanent organization for which he obtained the approval of the government in 1829. These young men from all walks of life formed the nucleus from which the Society has grown. A rule of life was drawn up and having been placed before Gregory XVI, received a decree of praise April 23, 1839. The society offers ample opportunity for the zeal of its members, having taken charge of schools of higher studies, normal schools, common schools and also the orphan asylum at Besancon. They expect other members of the Society to whom will be given schools in Cincinnati. They hope that their work be made known in America so that they can secure new subjects. Old age has forced Father Chaminade to relinquish his superiorship and in his place Father (George Joseph) Caillet who was elected Superior General, in 1849.
II-4-k - D. - 3pp. - 8vo. - (French) - {8}
(1849?)
(Brownson, Orestes A.):
to Mr. Editor:
(Boston, Massachusetts)
(Brownson) is so dissatisfied with the meagre sketch of his remarks at the Jackson Jubilee which has appeared in the Boston Times and in the (Boston) Post that he must ask him to insert the subjoined (no enclosure) report of the speech he actually made.
I-3-i - A. Draft(Incomplete) - 1p. - 4to. - {2}
(1849)
Chambost, Father Charles:
(Bayou Sara, Louisiana?)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Chambost has seen a young Irish girl who wishes to become a Sister. Since he does not know the rules of the Augustines or Sisters of Charity he promised to get information from Rousselon. Chambost has not yet seen Father (John M.) Delcros,(C.M.) Chambost is writing to Bishop (Anthony Blanc) but he has said nothing to him about building a chapel. He does not know what Delcros has done. If the pastor of Baton Rouge is still there, Rousselon is to tell him that he would have been glad to come to say Mass but it was impossible to render this service to Father (Auguste) Martin. He has been so good to Chambost. Chambost hears only English so these lines seem like a new language.
V-5-k - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {4}
(1849)
Chevrel, (O. Carm.) Sister (Thérèse:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Father (Stephen) Rousselon:
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Mr. Robert, from whom she had asked a receipt for the 200 piastres, came this morning and said that when he asked for this receipt from Father (Anthony Désiré) Mégret he replied that Sister had a notarized paper which sufficed, since the portion for which they paid $200 was in the 4th lot of ground. So it amounts to this: Mégret in 1847 sold them what he had given them in 1846! These $200 and the 507 Sister Elizabeth, O. Carm.) gave is a considerable sum for a poor house. Sister Elizabeth should have sent some money; she had 16 or 17 pupils. Elizabeth repeated that she owed nothing, that she had a very productive garden, a poultry yard, and that the parents often gave gifts. How could she then, knowing the expenditures they have made for Vermillion for three years, not send them something? (P.S.) Enclosed is a letter for Elizabeth; if Rousselon thinks it apropos he is to mail it. (On the letter in another hand): Martial Sarrus, St. Martin.
V-5-k - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. - 4to. - {6}
(1849)
Fontbonne, Father James:
St. Martinville, Attakapas, (Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Population 4,000 Catholics. Baptisms in 1848, 121; 2 adults. In 1849, 102. 33 slaves in 1848; 125 in 1849. There are many more baptisms of slaves but they come in a crowd and retire so quickly that they cannot be registered. Marriages in 1848, 10; in 1849 up to the present, 12. About 200 Easter Communions. There is a spirit of hostility toward religion. Hardly any slaves (Negroes) practice their religion but they have their children baptized.
V-5-k - A. Report S. - 2pp. - folio - {4}
1849
Hanford, C. J.:
Gloustershire, England
to Orestes A. Brownson:
(Boston, Massachusetts)
Hanford only knows Brownson through his writings. He wants to promote Catholic Literature. Hanford saw by the last Review that Brownson spoke favorably of Balmez's work on the effects of Protestantism and Catholicity on the civilization of Europe. Hanford is publishing an English translation of the work. He wants to see it circulated in America and wants Brownson to give him the name of some booksellers who would reprint the work in America. If not, does Brownson think there would be a demand for a certain number of copies. All Hanford is looking for is the advancement of the cause. The book has been printed as cheaply as possible. The selling Price will be 7 shillings. The publisher is Burns of London. Now, Hanford is translating the Life and Times of Pope Innocent III. The second half of the work is intended to be published first. Hanford would like to ask the same questions about the latter work that he asked of Balmez's work. He hopes for Brownson's continued success.
I-3-i - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
(1849)
Institut D'Afrique:
Paris, (France)
to (Bishop Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
(Blanc) has been proposed as a titular member of this society, founded for the regeneration of the African race. The Duc de Valentinois is listed as president, Hip(olyte) de Saint-Anthoine as secretary-general. (Many recommendations of distinguished persons are given, the aims are stated, and the names of benefactors and members are given).
V-5-k - Printed Circular - (French) - 4pp. - 4to. - {3}
(1849)
Irene, Sister M(ary):
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Anthony) Blanc:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Sister sends New Year's greetings from the Sisters (of Charity?). The accompanying piece was worked by one of Blanc's orphans and presented by their good and faithful Marg(are)t (Haughery?).
V-5-k - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 12mo. - {3}
(1849)
(Kenrick, Bishop Francis P.):
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
to O(restes) A. Brownson:
Kenrick scolds Brownson for not visiting him on his return from the mountains. He invites him to stay the next time he is in the city. He explains that the part he has in the C(atholic) Herald is merely to indite some editorials. The selection of the materials is in Mr (Henry) Major's hands. At Major's repeated request Kenrick consented to aid him; it is not suitable to Kenrick's position but it was the only way he saw open to restoring a Catholic tone to the paper. Kenrick feels that the manner in which the Review was noticed was not objectionable; he has always admired Brownson for his honesty, even when he felt that some of his remarks bore qualification. Brownson need fear nothing from the forthcoming issue. Kenrick describes the causes of the bitter feelings of Major; he has a young wife and a small income. His various attempts to earn money have been unsuccessful. Kenrick hopes that Major's good feelings will return. Mr. (George) Allen and his family continue most fervent. Kenrick sent to the Herald for publication an extract from the Pittsburgh Catholic containing a long extract from the Review, defending the Jesuits, to atone for the wrong done to Brownson. On the appearance of Brownson's next number Kenrick will attempt to do justice.
I-3-i - A.L.S. (Signature cut out) - 3pp. - 8vo. - {4}
(1849?)
Lafont, Father A(nnet):
(New York, New York)
to Father (Stephen Rousselon:
New York, New York)
Only today was Lafont able to get the information about the baptism of A.J. Rédon. All the registers of the oldest churches were searched but with no success. (Rousselon) will congratulate Lafont on obtaining the Brothers of the Christian Schools who arrived in New York. His efforts at the time of his trip to Paris were unfruitful when suddenly he received a letter from Brother Philippe, (F.S.C.), the Superior General, that a charitable person of Paris wished to pay the expenses of the trip for the Brothers. May they succeed at Merville. (Rousselon) asks if the Brothers teach English. They have 2 classes in French and one in English under an American novice. The Brothers cannot, without modifying their statutes, accept any payment from their pupils. They are supported either by the Bishop or the rectors of the churches who call them, or by the fabriques. In New York Lafont has agreed to procure a house for them and give them $600 a year. He can use only three Brothers. However there are five because they hope to establish a novitiate. They propose to have a central house where they can live in community and from where they go out to other schools. An association of ladies of St. V(incen)t de Paul gives Lafont $200 and he collects the rest wherever he can. The Brothers are attached to the house in Paris. In the city they wear secular dress like the priests; in class and in church they wear the habit. Lafont thanks (Rousselon) for his efforts in behalf of the persons he recommended. The husband of this woman will perhaps make a trip to New Orleans. (P.S.) Lafont sends respects to Bishop Blanc.
V-5-k - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {4}
1849
Lefevere, P(eter) P(aul), Bishop of:
D(etroit, Michigan)
to Charles P. Babock:
(Detroit, Michigan?)
A copy (in Lefevere's hand) of the report for 1849 on the Indian schools in the Catholic missions under his superintendence sent by Lefevere to the Acting Sup(erintendan)t of Indian Affairs (for) Mich(igan). The schools at Little Traverse Bay, LaCroix, Middletown, Sheboygan, Mackinac, Point St. Ignace, L'Anse, Pokagan, and Grand Traverse Bay with the names of the teachers, number of scholars, and the courses taught are listed. Ottawas, Chippeways, and Potawatomies are listed. (Probably a rough draft.)
III-2-h - A.D.S. - 1P. - folio - {10}
(1849)
Mapero(?), C.:
to Bishop (Anthony Blanc:
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Wishing to have Father Marie Eutrope (Proust, O.C.S.O.) receive the enclosed letter, he asks (Blanc) to give it to him as he travels near. If it is not possible the letter is to be sent to Gethsemani.
V-5-k - A.L.S. - (French) - 1p. - 12mo. - {2}
(1849)
Neustaedter, W(illia)m:
New York, (New York)
A circular advertising church goods.
V-5-k - Printed L. - 1p. - 4to. - {0}
1849 ( ) 4
(Raho, C.M., Father Blaise):
Natchez, (Mississippi)
to Miss E. Marcilly:
(Raho) has ascertained exactly the accounts of Bishop (John Joseph Chanche) with the creditors of the church. Three judgments have been obtained against the church (which) with interest (amount) to $15,615.10; cash to be paid $7000; payable in 10 years $8615.10. The creditors have signed to hold to their promise and stop the law. It has been sent to the Bishop.
V-5-k - A.L.S. - 1p. - 12mo. - {3}
1849(?)
Seton, (William) B.:
Saint John's College, Fordham
New York
to Robert Seton:
He loves Robert with his whole heart and hopes he is a good boy. He passed a happy day with him last Tuesday. If Muzo, the dog, had been alive it would have been the happiest. He hopes the donkeys, Pick and his mate, and the dogs, Jerry and Rove are well. He supposes Robert is studying hard and will take the examinations. He hopes to be present to hear him and see him take some premiums. He urges him to try and says he is sure he will himself. He hopes to have fun with Robert and the children. The 25th is near and he will have fun with the mule Dr. Smith engage(d). They will suffer. He asks Robert, whom he calls Commodore if he doesn't think so. In his navy they will try it. And if they don't succeed they will be hard for them at Christmas. "Tell the old lady to have buckwheats." These are explanatory notes written at top and bottom of page by (Robert Seton). On reverse side in same hand to Mrs. Seton. The author says he was third the next time first. He told her he would try, and he succeded. He hopes to be first next composition. (Here follows drawing of tree, bird and shrubbery). He tells Mrs. Seton not to forget indian pudding and apple pie and more apple pie. So take Charlie with him and will make him say "go way Sam Hunt, Hurry the boats".
II-1-a - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 8vo. - {1}
(1849)
(Smith, S.C.), Sister Regina:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop A(nthony) Blanc:
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
This morning Sister M(ary) Joseph from Donaldsonville told Regina that she thought she had better leave the Community as she finds herself so far from what a Sister of Charity ought to be. Regina told her that it was a temptation but later she came again to say "it is no use." Regina told her that the Bishop must be informed. Regina fears there is some communication with some nurse or other person. Sister Joseph's conduct has been edifying since her return. Regina was advised to put her in the wards; perhaps elsewhere she would not have had this temptation.
V-5-k - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 4to. - {3}
1849
Viszoczky, (Father) Andrew:
Grand Rapids, (Michigan)
to Bishop (Peter Paul Lefevere):
(Detroit, Michigan)
In response to Lefevere's request of Jan. 18 concerning the new church that is being built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Viszoczky tells him that on the 4th of the month the congregation appointed three collectors and Viszoczky as treasurer. He complains that with the exception of $9 he sees only a note valued at about $300. He quotes from a promissory note signed by L(ouis) Campau in which Campau promises to pay Maxime Reinquete or carrier the sum of $250 in merchandise, in material, and in masonry for the construction of the new church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Irish and the Germans promised to pay him or the bearer of the note. Viszoczky thinks he will return the notes and resign his office for several reasons. W. Godfroi is not interested. It is true that Viszoczky has money in the treasury, $60 for O'Keefe, $4 for Servatius, notes for $39.50 and also a contract of R. Hardy for 20 acres, and a note of Clancy worth $35 from the estate of deceased Gavin. Viszoczky would not build a church with that.
III-2-h - A.L.S. - (French) - 1p. - 8vo. - {5}