Bruté's letter of July 8 found him confessing, preaching, confirming, etc. The holy services consume nearly all his time. Bruté's prodigies from Maryland edify him but intrigue him also. It is good to strive to imitate the best but to realize that such is unattainable. Up to the present he gives Confirmation only on Sunday and to those who are well instructed and have made their First Communion. He is usually accompanied by two or three ecclesiastics. The people are from every profession but the spirit of piety is very deep. The ceremony lasts three hours, with First Communion besides the Confirmation to which Father Charles Nerinckx has added a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. When the Bishop objected Nerinckx would not listen to his remonstrances because he had not driven away the demons from the neighborhood. Nerinckx arranged three of these services, the latest 10 or 12 miles away. The people, although poor have purchased 400 acres for a church and have built a little chapel, sending him the title to both. At the ceremony they carried branches of trees instead of candles with four large ones serving for a canopy. Father Nerinckx managed the ceremonies and the chant. The Trappists have a pretty establishment there but Father Urbain Guillet has gone to Louisiana where he suffers from the heat. The Bishop says his functions are always the same and he fears his letters are also. On his way one day, and speaking to a Catholic he asked a Protestant lady if the child she held was baptized. Learning that it was not he asked to baptize it and eight others. This in turn led to the baptism of the lady. He has given to these children sponsors of his own choice so that they still learn their prayers. He pleads with Bruté to send his priests for the work. Part crossed out. He has a letter of exchange for Father Ladavière but since Ladavière has not come he has asked to use the money. the draft is for 30 days and he wants approval to use the money since Archbishop John Carroll said that Ladavière would not come to America to be a Jesuit. In the next room Father Jean David is making students decline the pronouns. Morety [Moretti] does not do so well in Latin. Father Guy Ignatius Chabrat is a great source of consolation. Flaget sends his respects to Father Francis Nagot, and a thousand thanks to Father John Tessier and his other confreres. He holds Bruté responsible for the life of Gather William Dubourg. He sends attentions to Madame Amiote and the ladies of the laundry. He salutes all the professors and students of the seminary and college. The good Madame Leroy has not written him although he wrote her. He does not know if Moral the nephew of Adame Lacombe has received the letter he sent him the first of the year as he has received no answer. He will start for Baltimore at the commencement of September and will visit many congregations on the way., P.S. He greets various ladies and Mr. Costel. He owes an answer to Harent and many other things. He blesses the family with its holy patriarch. :: II-3-n A.L.S. 6pp. 4to., 7