Chanche, Bishop John Joseph, Natchez, Mississippi, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1842 July 12

Chanche did not answer Blanc's two last letters because he thought Blanc would be absent from New Orleans for some time. Both letters contained matters of great importance. Chanche wishes it were possible to visit Blanc to exchange ideas with him. Chanche is sorry to hear of Father Louis Moni's ill health. It may prove a decided advantage; Chanche hopes it will be long before Blanc appoints another curé. Blanc will have an opportunity to put into execution his plan of getting two good priests from France who will take charge of the congregation under Blanc's direction. Chanche is glad that Father Constantine Maenhaut was nominated for Santo Domingo but still more glad the he declined. The Bishop of Santo Domingo ought to be a member of some Society who would go to his assistance. Chanche wonders that Bishop Joseph Rosati did not see that; Rosati is getting too old for business. Chanche has written to Bishop Michael Portier about the money which Blanc had asked him to pay to Chanche but he has not yet received an answer. He would like to draw that money now. The church is going on and there is no possibility of getting one cent from anybody. After receiving Blanc's permission Chanche wrote to Father Augustin de Angelis that he might go to Pascagoula and build a church but the property must be deeded to Chanche and he must approve the plan of the church. Chanche has been making a bold push for Jefferson College, about five miles from Natchez. At the first meeting 12 out of 17 were in Chanche's favor. At the last meeting, the governors not being present, no decision was taken. Getting the College will prove of great advantage. Even if he does not succeed the mere application for the College has caused so much talk that the Catholics will be known advantageously. P.S. Have Mr. and Mrs. De Beaumont left for New Orleans? What is Mrs. Waggaman doing? Blanc is to tell her that Chanche is very uneasy about her affairs. On the address side of the letter "Kindness of Father O'Reily." :: V-4-m A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.