Bazin, Bishop John Stephen, Vincennes, Indiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 January 16

The bearer of this letter is a girl whom Bishop Celestin de La Hailandière brought from France on his last trip. She is dissatisfied at Vincennes and wishes to rejoin him. In a few days Bazin will send some copies of the prospectus of their seminary-college, St. Gabriel . This establishment was to be sold by the sheriff on January 8 for debts. Bazin called a meeting; all agreed that for the sake of religion, Bazin should take the college in his name. After prayers to God and tears shed at the tomb of St. Bishop Gabriel Simon Bruté, Bazin took over the college and the greatest part of the debts, $10,759. He has paid part of it and has 10 years to pay the rest. He united the college and seminary into one; Blanc will find more details in their prospectus. Since their fees are very low, perhaps Blanc could send them some boys from New Orleans. They intend to put St. Gabriel on a footing with the little seminaries of France. Marie, who brings this letter, is a fine young woman, an excellent cook and maid, only a little sensitive. Blanc is to present Bazin's respects to his predecessor. Bazin cannot write Hailandière without referring to the harsh and unjust letter he wrote to Bazin. At present everyone seems content. Bazin has appointed Father L. Ducoudray, a first cousin to Hailandière, as steward of the seminary. He was to go to spend the winter with Blanc, but not finding a boat he was so pleased with Vincennes that he gladly accepted the position. From his last letter Blanc may have believed that Bazin had something against Hailandière; he has not. He complains about him but does not blame him. He made others unhappy while trying to do good. :: V-5-i A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.