Duffy, Father P., University of Notre Dame, Indiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 September 6

Seeing by the paper that some of Blanc's priests have died and others prostrated by the epidemic, Duffy offers himself to Blanc as a subject. He cannot speak French with any fluency but he can read and translate it. He came to this country from Maynooth College with Bishop Michael O'Connor and remained with him for 7 years, part of which time he was superior of the seminary in Pittsburgh. The confinement and smoke not agreeing with his health, Duffy came to the West. For the last year he has been in Detroit where, on the death of Father Michael? Shawe, he was appointed pastor of the Cathedral. He did not like this place, for reasons he will explain, and came to the University with a view of taking charge of the logic class. He finds this place extremely unhealthy, none escaping fever and ague which generally renders them unfit for duty for the first year or 18 months. He has declined to make any positive engagement here until he hears from Blanc. P.S. He has his exeat from Bishop LeFevere, Detroit. :: VI-1-f A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.