Loras, Bishop Mathias, Dubuque, Iowa, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 July 26

The box for Father Augustine Ravoux arrived. Father Stephen Rousselon told Loras that there were two boxes of church ornaments at the customs in New Orleans for which they ask $180. Loras made a claim to the Secretary of the Treasury through their representative in Washington. He replied that they were going to refer it to the collector in New Orleans for information. Bishop Simon Bruté, Bishop Joseph Rosati for the 4 bells of St. Louis, and other have been exempted for objects which were not for sale. Loras is pleased to hear that Blanc intends to build two or three churches in his city; he should make them big. Still no coadjutor; Loras is not surprised; Bishop Célestin De La Hailandière asked for one and Loras will have to do the same. Blanc's trustees will have to give in. Philadelphia has sent some Catholics, some of whom have means and piety. They also have built some churches. The 13th in Iowa was erected at Keo Kuck Keokuk a small town of 700 on the Mississippi. Bishop John M. Henni of Wisconsin will do well; he came to see them and was a sensation. It was unfortunate that he does not speak French and that Bishop William Quarter of Illinois does not speak German; these three languages are necessary here. Blanc will laugh when he hears that Loras is studying German; they laughed also when he was learning English at the age of 37. P.S. Is there a firm in New Orleans that will pay a draft on J. E. Walsh, St. Louis? :: V-5-b A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.