David's letter of December 19 reached Timon this evening. The affectionate respect impressed on Timon since his visit to Kentucky and David's kindness makes his wishes for information a command though the subject is a very delicate one. Mr. Ratigan came here on June 9, 1831. About a year afterward sickness rendered study impossible. He left a year ago. He arrived here again about December 2, 1833 and would have stayed but the Superior wished him to apply for another year to Latin and logic and Ratigan decided on retiring. Mr. Langton entered here on February 7, 1832 and left September 20, 1833. At departure on account of his health, he received testimonials from Father John Baptist Tornatore, C.M., their Superior. He returned December 20?, 1833 but the Superior wishing him to apply to Latin before beginning his Philosophy, Langton expressed determination to withdraw. Later he mentioned that his determination to withdraw was caused by fear of relapsing into delicate health. Both have ever showed a most persevering wish to fit themselves for the priesthood. Ratigan has roamed about since his first departure. In the first but not in the second a certain mediocrity of talent has been feared. Langton may be of considerable assistance in David's college; Ratigan also, so that David's charitable trying them until he can decide will be no loss while a rejection might place them in difficulties and danger. Timon read the passage of David's letter to Father Donatien Olivier who sends respects. Olivier remembers well the dinner at Sautron and offers his respects to Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget and reminds him of a letter by which he long since invited him to his seminary to end there his days in peace. He says the Bishop mentioned in his letter a "Nunc Dimittis" which David was to set to music and which Olivier was to sing on arriving at David's place. His health is excellent. Tornatore has been confined to his room for more than a month; he is slowly recovering. :: IV-3-i A. Draft 3pp. 8vo.