Brassac, Father Hercule, Paris, France, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1842 April 6

Blanc's letter of February 5 arrived four days ago. This delay was explained by a fog which prevented the mail from being put on the English steamer for Europe. He, too, was put out by the decision of Father de la Treiche about his trip to Louisiana. He thinks the principal reason that influenced him was the pecuniary advantages. If Brassac can find someone suitable he will do his best to send him but he is not hopeful. The bishops of France wish more than ever to keep their good subjects. Brassac rejoices with Blanc over the success of the seminary and the first results of his recruitment. It is time that the country began to furnish its own. In leaving Louisiana Brassac left some notes at the State Bank; the last two should be paid in the first days of May; one is for $5,000, the other for $500, signed by Marcel Ducros and endorsed by Rodolphe Ducros and Philippe Marsoudet. He sends his draft No. 1 enclosed for this sum and will send a duplicate on the English boat on the 19th. Blanc will oblige Brassac if he will send the money by the first steamboat. If part of this money, say half of it, would be of use to Blanc and in exchange Blanc would send a draft on the allocation made him by the Propagation of the Faith, allowing him 6 per cent, Brassac would be happy to be of use. He authorizes Blanc to do anything necessary in his name either to claim the money at the bank or to reclaim the mortgage which Ducros guaranteed. All his wealth is in this sum, $2000, given him in 1819 by Mrs. Smith in gratitude for services rendered. If his bank book is needed, Blanc is to ask Narcisse Landry at Ascension. Since Bishop Joseph Rosati is writing to Blanc, Brassac will say nothing about him except that he is well though a little thin from his trip to Santo Domingo. P.S. Brassac encloses an order on Father John Boullier, C.M.? Bouillée payable at Brand and Landry which is to be added to the other draft. :: V-4-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.