Blanc, Bishop Anthony, New Orleans, Louisiana, to The Trustees of St. Louis Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1842 October 21

Blanc sends them a copy of a communication no enclosure just addressed to him by the pastor of the Cathedral, in his name and that of his colleagues. Painful as a like communication is for Blanc he does not believe he has a right to refuse his approval. These priests are not demanding any privileges or new rights but simply what their predecessors enjoyed for all time. Blanc does not see how he could force a priest to live in a post where he could not offer him a guarantee of inherent rights and also the tranquility so essential to the performance of his ministry. And how could that be if instead of the respect due his character as a priest, he sees himself exposed to the insults of which the pastor of the Cathedral complains. Blanc would like to believe that these were expressions of fleeting anger but they owe it to themselves as well as to the priests to prevent a repetition by complying with the requests of the pastor and his assistants. By refusing to do the right thing they will show themselves not only enemies of the peace but also of religion. Blanc hopes their reply will be prompt and favorable so that a veil can be thrown over the past and that they can work and live together. A. Draft French 2pp. :: V-4-m A. Drafts French 3pp. 4to.