Ivers, Father William, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 November 20

Ivers is now perfectly recovered and will continue so if he could only leave the city immediately. Father James Ignatius Mullon Mullen was right when he said staying here would destroy his peace of mind. The Superior had no right to send Ivers down here. He cannot do on a mission but he was informed at the monastery or noviciate that no one can do better in a religious house. The Superior asked him when quitting whether he had anything against the Institution. Ivers said no, but that it was a bad sign to leave on the last day of May. Ivers went to the parish where he officiated 4 weeks. He wrote back for admittance and was refused. He walked and rode half the way to Kentucky. He met a priest who dissuaded him from going to the Trappists. Ivers entreated the Superior of South Bend to send him to the Trappists. He wants to return to the Trappists of Kentucky and begs Blanc to enable him to go there. On leaving South Bend he had $7.78. He would want clothes (he lists his needs). He lost his trunk and all his letters. He asks Blanc for a letter to the Trappists. He sent for a priest to hear his confession the day before he lost his reason and could not get one. He has never committed himself since he left the last 5th of July two years. Blanc is to speak to Father Flanigan and the Moynahans. He sends love to Fathers D'hauw and Mullen. Ivers regrets he cannot repay Blanc's noble conduct except by prayers. He wishes Blanc had seen Father Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C.'s testimonials; Ivers thinks they acted wrong in not receiving him. But Sorin is a splendid priest. Ivers forgives D'hauw and Mullen. He forgives Father John Flanagan? Flanigan who refused him hospitality and threw him in the streets of New Orleans. P.S. He was never as far as the monastery of Kentucky. P.S. 2. He has apprised Sister Regina Smith, S.C. of the clothes. P.S. 3. Any of the priests on the coast may go in a Kentucky boat and carry Ivers with them. V-5-l - A.L.S. - 4pp. - 4to. - {5}