Baraga received the Bishop's letter of March 9 on April 11 and is happy that the manuscript for the government is in the Bishop's hands. He thanks him also for the $200.- and hopes that a little more money will come for him from Europe during the summer, so he can do more good for this mission. As there are still new conversions, he has to build new houses in his Catholic village. Each house costs him complete $50. He is covering them with shingles, because the roof made of bark has to be remade every year, while shingles keep for a long time. Baraga is happy that the Bishop's cathedral will soon be consecrated and thanks him for the invitation. But he cannot come for 3 reasons: 1. His time is so precious and as he is all alone must go to so many distant places, he made it a rule never to go anywhere without necessity and usefulness. When he was in Detroit the last time, it was necessary and useful because he had to supervise the printing of his Indian books, but for the consecration of the cathedral he is not necessary. The Bishop will hardly notice that the little missionary of L'Anse is not there. 2. He has already fixed and announced that his second visit this year to Keweenaw Point will be just at the time of the consecration. He will leave L'Anse on June 19 and will spend 3 weeks in that mission. And after that he must visit other places. 3. His last trip to Detroit, round trip, cost him about $50. For that money he could build a house for another newly converted family, a good deed which will have salutary and lasting effects. Baraga hopes that the Bishop will forgive him for not coming. :: III-2-h A.L.S. French 2pp. 8vo