DeVivaldi, Father Francis, Platteville, Wisconsin, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 June 17

De Vivaldi thanks Blanc for his kindness during his stay in New Orleans. Until De Vivaldi receives orders from Rome he intends to stay in the flourishing diocese of Milwaukee under Bishop John Martin Henni whom he has known for many years. Platteville is a city of importance and very rich on account of mining although the Catholics are of very limited means because the valuable lands are in possession of the Protestants. DeVivaldi's congregation is of about 1200 souls and he serves many others because from here he has all the facilities of visiting that portion of the Winnebago Indians who never would ratify the treaties with the United States government and still inhabit their native lands. These Indians cannot but interest a missionary who, having passed the best part of his life amongst them, can know their wants. Henni has forwarded the letters Blanc sent him for DeVivaldi, except for the first three which he gave to a gentleman of their acquaintance to deliver and till this day DeVivaldi has not seen him. DeVivaldi would be obliged if Blanc would forward that package of photographs which got to New Orleans after he left. They will be precious to his relations and friends of Italy. He encloses a five dollar bill for postage. Should he be able to render any service Blanc is to command him. :: VI-1-j A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.