Lafont, Father Annet, New York, New York, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New York, New York, 1849?

Only today was Lafont able to get the information about the baptism of A.J. Rédon. All the registers of the oldest churches were searched but with no success. Rousselon will congratulate Lafont on obtaining the Brothers of the Christian Schools who arrived in New York. His efforts at the time of his trip to Paris were unfruitful when suddenly he received a letter from Brother Philippe, F.S.C., the Superior General, that a charitable person of Paris wished to pay the expenses of the trip for the Brothers. May they succeed at Merville. Rousselon asks if the Brothers teach English. They have 2 classes in French and one in English under an American novice. The Brothers cannot, without modifying their statutes, accept any payment from their pupils. They are supported either by the Bishop or the rectors of the churches who call them, or by the fabriques. In New York Lafont has agreed to procure a house for them and give them $600 a year. He can use only three Brothers. However there are five because they hope to establish a novitiate. They propose to have a central house where they can live in community and from where they go out to other schools. An association of ladies of St. Vincent de Paul gives Lafont $200 and he collects the rest wherever he can. The Brothers are attached to the house in Paris. In the city they wear secular dress like the priests; in class and in church they wear the habit. Lafont thanks Rousselon for his efforts in behalf of the persons he recommended. The husband of this woman will perhaps make a trip to New Orleans. P.S. Lafont sends respects to Bishop Blanc. V-5-k - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 12mo. - {4}