Vandevelde, Bishop James Oliver, Chicago, Illinois, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 January 10

He should have written a long time ago about Father J. Masquelet . He has put it off, thinking he would return to the right path. By his previous letters, Blanc knows that Masquelet contributed to the schism at Teutopolis, Illinois, where he has property. Learning that Masquelet planned to come to Teutopolis last fall, Vandevelde wrote him at New Orleans telling him that if he appeared in any part of the diocese before repairing as best he could the damage he had done at Teutopolis, Vandevelde would forbid him even to say Mass in his diocese. He did not come but he corresponds with his family and perhaps with others. The way prepared by Father Francis J. Fischer, Vandevelde two months ago sent Father Joseph Zoegel to take care of the congregation. Zoegel has brought back nearly all the unruly ones, especially the postmaster Uptman who seemed to be at the head of the Masquelet party. Blanc will see Zoegel's zeal by his letter and the sentiments of the Masquelet family stirred up no doubt by their relative at New Orleans. It seems it is not the first time he has caused trouble. Bishop John Martin Henni, who knew his previous history in the diocese of Cincinnati, assured Vandevelde that there has never been a more speculative priest. All his proceedings since he plunged into the company which planned the town of Teutopolis, confirm Henni's statement. The letter Masquelet wrote last year to prove to Vandevelde that he was not a speculator is a strong proof. Vandevelde believed he should write Blanc so that if he deems it proper, he could give Masquelet some good advice. A.L.S. Enclosure: