Lamy Bishop John, Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, LouisianA, 1853 May 31

During the month Lamy received Blanc's letter dated the middle of April giving him the news that his little niece Marie Lamy was well and that the Ursulines were satisfied with her conduct and progress. The little girl was desolate when he left New Orleans. How he wishes he could leave today for Europe! He would like to make the trip with Blanc but his presence is required here until things are a little more in order. However, with the arrival of some Spanish priests who are expected this year, and some Jesuits from St. Louis, he could be gone by the spring of next year. Blanc is to let him know whether he could wait until next year; he thinks he could be in the United States by April. Since Lamy established some rules to lower the fees, he has encountered much opposition on the part of the Mexican priests; two have already left the territory to take their complaints to Rome; two others have resigned. If he cannot get replacements, he would have to go to Europe for priests. He would take his little niece with him. Since Lamy's return from the council, they have repaired one of the churches in Santa Fe. The Sisters' school has prospered but it has put him in debt to buy a house which cost upwards of 6,000 pesos. He is confident that this establishment, the first of this kind here, will do much good. The Sisters of Loretto already have children from the leading families as boarders and the day school is growing daily. The four Sisters are not sufficient for the work. The motherhouse has promised three more. The Archbishop of St. Louis has written that information from Rome concerning the nominations and decrees of the National Council will not arrive until August or September. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. Spanish 4pp. 4to.