Chanche, Bishop John Joseph, Natchez, Mississippi, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1845 September 17

Chanche is sorry to learn that Father Joseph Soller, S.J. was taken away with so little ceremony. The Vincentians carried on a secret correspondence with Father Jean Claude Francois until they induced him to believe that he had a vocation for their society. Chanche has so few priests that he withheld his permission and Francois started without it. He trusts that Father John Timon, C.M. on his return will not approve of this conduct. How constant the French government has been in persecuting the Jesuits, but how noble the court of Rome in resisting. If Chanche had been in this place, he would have fought it out; he would have been supported by the law and all the clergy and laity of France. Chanche saw a beautiful letter on the subject in the July 24th "Ami de la Religion" by the Bishop of Langres. Chanche approves of Blanc's plan of taking a trip to Europe next spring. Chanche will never do anything here until he crosses the water. A few weeks ago he received a letter from the Prince-Archbishop Vincent Edward Milde of Vienna; he was full of hope to receive a large sum and he finished announcing 2000 florins which will make about $800! Chanche is waiting to see what they have done in Paris. So he thinks a trip to France quite necessary. :: V-5-d A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.