Gilles, S.J., Father Vital?, St. Michael, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 March 31

A few days before leaving for Mexico, Gilles' Superior, Father John F. Cambiaso, S.J ., advised Gilles to show his manuscript to Father Napoleon Joseph Perché and to authorize Perché to publish extracts in his paper, provided Perché took all the responsibility. So Gilles counts on acceptance in advance; he has 200 piastres. He will give Blanc all the profits for the orphans and claim only 150 copies which he will send to distinguished persons in France and America. He has already given their names to Perché. For the other 3 or 400 copies, there is not a mother, wife, or sister who will not want a copy to convert someone. As Father Maccarthy says, unbelief is deep in the hearts of more persons than we think. In promising 300 souls in Blanc's diocese brought back in a year, Gilles is not promising too much. P.S. By printing the pamphlet, Perché will lose none of his rights. He can criticize it as severely as he wishes. If Perché, by Easter, wishes to send this little gift to the distinguished men Gilles has named, Mr. Veuillot and Mr. du Panloup will be pleased. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. French 4pp. folio