David regrets his delay in answering Bruté's latest letter. The details of the mission of Orleans was so interesting and gave proof that hope for the renewal of religion is not impossible. On July 16 the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget solemnly blessed the foundation stone of the cathedral. He was assisted by Father Fuit the Dominican, Father Guy Ignatius Chabrat and David, four deacons Desrigauds and three Dominicans, one subdeacon, two in minor orders and seven clerics, 17 in all. The seminarians had come four miles on foot. A great crowd of people attended, including several ministers, among whom was the Presbyterian minister of Bardstown. David describes the procession to the site and his sermon and the speech of Flaget. He made a good impression as the enclosed clipping evidences no enclosure. There is much activity at the foundation now since they want to lay the bricks in the springtime. The worker charges $8 a thousand and promises to finish October 15, 1817. As Bruté can see they are in need. they lack a plan. Maximilian Godefroy Godfroid has been cold to Flaget's urging. They have formed a ground plan which he gives in detail. He urges Bruté to have Godefroy send the frontispiece. The seminary is sufficient for the office but there are many things to be done there. Flaget will bless it on the feast of the Assumption. They are about to begin their seminary and he is sure that his translation to Louisiana will not take place. Flaget's word should have influence in Rome as Bishop William Dubourg will have to establish his see with his zealous missionaries as he sees fit. The seminary will be of brick. He is advancing the vacation of the seminary 15 days so that the seminarians can work on the building. They expect to be in the seminary by winter. The stipends for Masses from New Orleans will aid here. He forgot to say that the Bishop gave his blessing from the throne and greatly impressed the people. Millet has changed his mind and will stay. He does poorly in theology and reads like Ganilh in the refectory., P.S. The Sisters thank him for his precious gifts, and promise prayers for him. They have as many scholars as they can handle. The number is 14. He asks that Father Jean Tessier send them by the first opportunity some medicines he lists. :: II-3-n A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to., 4