Cheveau, Paul Emile, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1843 December 27

It is almost 2 years since he left New Orleans; Blanc's kindnesses are not forgotten. Since he entered the College of Baton Rouge thanks to Blanc's influence, he owes him an explanation. Brought up in the Christian religion he would proclaim his faith before the world; he went to Mass occasionally; he visited the priests Father Joseph Nicholas Brogard returned his visits. One day Brogard came to the College; they were talking to some students to prepare them for Confirmation. The president, a Protestant minister, became angry and Chéveau had a trifling argument with him, which, however, was followed by Chéveau's departure. Arriving at St. Charles, Missouri, Father John B. Smedts, S.J.? Smith placed him at the College but not speaking English, he could not remain. Led by curiosity and not knowing how to pass the 5 years of his naturalization, he left for the Rocky Mountains and spent last winter in an Indian lodge. Returning to St. Louis several months ago, he resolved to study English and so he chose a place where there were few French. With a letter from Father John A. Elet, S.J. of Cincinnati he came to Pittsburgh and thanks to the kindness of Father Joseph F. Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral and of J. May, Chéveau is spending the winter picking up some English but not enough for a lawyer. He has read with sorrow about Blanc's trouble with the trustees of the Cathedral. He thinks he will return to New Orleans next fall. :: V-4-n A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.