Andrieu, C.M., Father Anthony, Assumption Seminary, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 July 31

Andrieu received Blanc's letter of the 27th yesterday. Father John Brands, C.M. left for Bouligny 6 days ago; he hopes the terrible epidemic has not reached there. Andrieu will explain his conduct in the affair of the 3 seminarians. Some time ago he wrote Blanc that he thought Louis Déroche ? Déroches needed to prove his vocation at his parents' home. When he left they agreed that he should spend several days with Father G. Valcourt? Gauthreaux' s parents. Déroches said he would not return to New Orleans until he learned that he fever was lessening. When Andrieu told Messrs. William Edwards and M. Lyons that Blanc was opposed to any seminarian going to New Orleans they acted as if beside themselves. Mr. Henriot told Andrieu that Lyons was furious. They said the yellow fever was not a reason; they did not have to stop at New Orleans; they were to go direct to Springhill. Andrieu replied that he believed their reasons were satisfactory but that he could not give them permission. So they decided to write a letter together to the Vicar General. The next day Lyons told Andrieu that he was upset and that Andrieu should let him go to Donaldson on horseback. Andrieu made no objection but talked to him about obedience. He replied that he was not master of his own mind. Then Andrieu told him, and he believes he was wrong, that he could presume the vicar general's permission and go down to New Orleans by the first boat. He enjoined them to go directly to the Archbishopric to ask Blanc's permission. This morning, Andrieu announced from the pulpit that they were ready to give Catechism to the slaves every Sunday after Vespers in the church. He exhorted masters to send their servants. Baptiste Guillot, president of the trustees, rose and said that the administration was opposed to this. Andrieu did not reply; he does not know what to do. The advice of his confreres does not agree; they are exasperated. :: VI-1-f A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.