Chanche, Bishop John Joseph, Natchez, Mississippi, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 October 6

A few days ago Chanche received a letter from Mrs. Waggaman and this morning one from Henry Waggaman asking him to come down to perform the marriage of Henry with Miss Bujac. The mother is afraid if Chanche does not go they will be married by a Protestant. Could he, according to law, perform a marriage in Blanc's state? It is officially announced in the St. Louis news letter that the diocese of St. Louis has been raised to an archbishopric. He must doubt until he receives official information. If it is correct, it is time the Province should be divided since so little regard is paid to the wishes of the assembled Bishops. They must begin to think of their southern province. As soon as Bishop Michael Portier returns from Bishop Bazin's consecration, they must have a meeting in New Orleans to see what is to be done. They must invite Bishop John Mary Odin. They must not suffer themselves to be the victims of intrigue. Chanche is sorry to hear that Blanc is likely to have trouble at Natchitoches; he hopes it is not as bad as it looks in the papers. Chanche has not been well. Father William Blenkinsop has been confined to his room for more than a month. He begins to go about again. One man died of yellow fever; he has not heard of another case. He is happy to learn it has diminished with Blanc.V-5-l - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 4to. - {9}