Rivas, Jose(ph) Maria de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas,
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

Rivas suffers from gout and thinks the humidity of New Orleans is harmful for him. He considers himself unfit for the service of the bishop. Also he wishes to settle the affairs of his inheritance which are still in the same state as when he renounced it in 1768. He begs Penalver to accept his resignation as secretary and grant his dimissory letters so that he can ask permission of the government to leave for his home. On the same paper Penalver writes a note ordering that Rivas be given the letters and permission asked for. Rivas is to transfer his secretaryship to the pro secretary. The note is certified by Father Isidro Quintero, Pro Secretary.

A.L.S. 2p. 4to. (Spanish)
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--With this is a (copy) of the testimonial letters:

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1796 Mar. 17

(Penalver y Cardenas), Luis, Bishop of
New Orleans, Louisiana

Jose(ph) Maria de Rivas of the Diocese of Havana came to New Orleans with the permission of his bishop to serve as secretary to Penalver. Because of his health and the need to take care of some personal affairs he asks permission to return to Havana. Penalver grants the permission and states that de Rivas is under no suspension or interdict and that his behavior during his stay in New Orleans has been as it should be. Signed by Father Isidro Quintero as Pro-Secretary. There follows the permission for Rivas to return to Havana. This is signed by Quintero as Pro-Secretary.

IV-5-h D. (Copy) 1p. 4to. (Spanish)
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