Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, Baltimore, Maryland, 1852 April 24

regretted that, after writing how much it was desirable to have Bishop John Joseph Chanche give his resignation, he had not added that it would be the most honorable and least humiliating, for, if he returned from the Council, in which they have put their hope for so long, they will expose their position to the Propagation of the Faith who would not furnish funds for such a deplorable state of things. One person has already thought of writing to Rome if there remained no other way. The society women, who are all for the Bishop, say with joy, "At least there will not be another Council for ten years." After getting rid of the two priests who were only here in passing, the Bishop would be alone and then--what misfortune! The Bishop was ill when he left and the young Abbé accompanied him at least part of the way. The excellent priest, who was taken away, left an immense void. One does not need to cite the conduct of the family that never approaches the sacraments. The one they call the Bishop's woman, did not appear in church on Good Friday; she spent it, as she does other days, rocking in a chair beside the Bishop. There is so much evil here, and so much good to be done. One could always say when he saw someone doing good, that he would not stay. It is not difficult to see that passions are the cause of all the evils and that there is only evil to expect as long as he remains. P.S. It is important that the Bishop does not know that it is by letters that Blanc has been informed. It was apparent that his departure caused anxiety. :: VI-1-c A.L. French 4pp. 12mo.