Chanche, John Joseph, Bishop of Natchez, Baltimore, Maryland, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1841 August 26

Chanche has Blanc's letter of the 7th. All accounts corroborate Blanc's fears that the dreadful visitor will not spare them this year. Chanche had several conversations with Father Ignatius A. Reynolds; Bishop Guy Ignatius Chabrat has secured Reynolds' future services by appointing him his vicar general. He will probably be the general factotum of the diocese and a good choice it is. Father James M. Lancaster who said he had written Blanc about Natchez, still entertains the wish. Much as Chanche wants him he could not advise him to quit at once the important station which he fills. Chanche is told there are two clergymen from the diocese of Vincennes who have applied but their letters arrived at Natchez after Chanche's departure. By an unaccountable mismanagement of Father Joseph N. Brogard, Chanche has not yet received one word from Natchez since he left it. What he fears is that not receiving an answer, those clergymen will think he does not want them. Chanche spoke to Father Louis Deluol about the intended novitiate of the Sisters of Charity. Deluol said he had written Blanc that his sentiments agreed entirely with Blanc's. Deluol was waiting for Bishop Joseph Rosati and Father John Timon who were to bring the modus operandi of the Sisters in Europe. Mississippi needs the assistance of the Sisters. Chanche will make the necessary arrangements with Father Peter Lucas about Blanc's little debt. Chanche will have to draw on Blanc in a few days for 6 or $700. To begin to keep house and to finish a church is no trifling matter. Archbishop Samuel Eccleston is not very well. Chanche sends regards to Fathers Rousselon and Maenhaut. :: V-4-l A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.