Brassac, Father Hercule, Paris, France, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 October 28

Brassac was not in Paris when Father Bonaventure Armengol, C.M arrived with the young men he was bringing to Propaganda College. He was at Marvejols when he received Blanc's letter dated June 1, and the one of August 3. Blanc reminded him that he needs four priests; it is very difficult to find men for New Orleans. He knows the country too well to send men without suitable character. He saw Father Placet, now a pastor in the diocese of Versailles; he seems like a holy man. As for his friend, Placet told Brassac that he was somewhat turned away from his plan by a Father Menestrier, chaplain at the Versailles chateau, who had visited New Orleans. Last year Father Boué wrote that he had a young priest for Blanc. Brassac would have had him leave but he preferred to wait until Placet was ready. Blanc asks if Brassac wishes to make a gift to the diocese of the balance of 56 piastres which Blanc has from his draft on Brand and Landry; he would like to but he needs it more than the diocese. He has his old father who is 88 and his sister. Blanc is to judge what to do. Brassac thanks Blanc for his new requests to return to his diocese but other considerations keep him here now. Father Matthew Bernard Anduze? is here looking for a chaplaincy in one of the royal chateaus; he was to see the Prince of Jouiville? to whom he was recommended by Admiral Baudin . Brassac has seen him several times but they have never discussed affairs at New Orleans; Brassac's position is very delicate. Anduze? said he might spend the winter at Naples; Blanc would do well to write to the Archbishop of Paris. P.S. Some days ago Brassac wrote to recommend Dr. Roaldez, nephew of Garrigues Flaujac ; he is a fine man. Blanc's allocation this year is 44,000 francs. In the margin of p.2: Father Bonmieu?, would like to have news of an Ursuline who came to New Orleans in 1816, Adèle de Brousser who took the name of Sister St. Augustin :: V-5-b A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to. 11