Donnet, Archbishop Ferdinand, Bordeaux, France, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 April 26

Archbishop John Baptist Purcell was there several weeks ago; they talked of Blanc, why did he not come? He is not surprised at the straying of the one Blanc spoke of. His past record was so favorable that the Bishop of Belley had for two years permitted? him to exercise his ministry in Bordeaux where some of his family lived. The solitude of a country parish and the irreligious spirit? of the place caused his ruin. The conversion of such unfortunate ones is difficult. Blanc will recall the one who also went to seek refuge in America. Returned to France, they tried him out for 5 years; he was reduced to lay Communion. They thought he was converted. He went into a church college as a professor. He stole from teachers and students, and today is in prison. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. French 2pp. 12mo.