Chanche, Bishop John Joseph, Natchez, Mississippi, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1845 October 20

Chanche intended to write by Mr. Kelly who must have given Blanc a book for Father J.P. Bellier, but Sunday preparations prevented him. The book he sent belongs to somebody in New Orleans. Chanche would have liked to see Father Marie Arthur Guillaume Du Quesnay ? Duquenay; he hopes he may succeed in his wishes. Nothing yet from Bishop Odin? Bellier tells Chanche that there was in St. Louis a Bishop Byrne from one of the British possessions who was spoken of as being chosen the Coadjutor of Bishop Peter Richard Kenrick, whose health is very delicate. Father M.D. O'Reily has been on the verge of the grave; he is now a little better. Chanche is now left with only two priests in the diocese. They all pass by Mississippi. But poor as it is, Father Jean Claude Francois carried off $600. Chanche received a letter a few days ago from Father Pierce Connelly ; he spoke only of his ordination and first Mass, and his visit to the Pope who said he would give him a present for Chanche. Blanc is to ask Father Rousselon to send him a cask of claret wine. If he gets a good pull from Paris this year, he will be able to pay Blanc when he goes down. Chanche received a letter from Father Morales from Havana; it appears that the Archbishop of Guatemala began to get afraid after having his wish expressed for Chanche to give Confirmation in his diocese. He wrote to Madrid for permission; he doubts whether the government will grant it. Perhaps they would not let him go to Havana even in a private capacity. :: V-5-d A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to. 10