It has been ages since Flaget has spoken with Brute and he is sorry not to have answered Brute's letters. He has not even sent greetings for the new year. Many things have happened in the time since he last wrote, interesting things and trying things. Brute would have been very happy to see the way Bishop William Dubourg's flock welcomed him, the people of St. Louis above all others. Two carriages were sent along the banks of the Mississippi one to carry two bishops and the other for the priests who accompanied them. Father Henry Pralle and Father O'Connor, formerly professor at Georgegtown accompanied them and a large crowd followed in the rear. When they arrived at the presbytery they blessed the crowd. They then went to the Church for the usual ceremonies. Flaget led Dubourg to the throne, and then Dubourg spoke to his flock. The next day, Epiphany to Bishop Dubourg officiated. Four days later Flaget left but was held for eight days at St. Genevieve, that was six weeks ago. Three weeks he spent administering to the spiritual needs of his family and preparing for the recption of two priests that DuBourg is sending him. To his sorrow Father Shafer announced that he is returning to Europe. The Seminarians of DuBourg like Kentucky. They are good subjects. Towards the middle of April Flaget intends to go to Detroit and perhaps Montreal. He will be away seven or eight months. He does not know yet whether he will have a priest for a companion. P.S. The Cathedral goes on, they are working on the interior. The payments do not come so fast. He asks if Brute could say a hundred masses for his intentions and asks others to do the same. He asks that Brute pass on the letter to Father P. Babade since he does not have time to write to him also. :: II-3-o - A.L.S. - French - 4pp. 4to. 3