Buteux, Father Stanislaus, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 August 15

Buteux received Blanc's two letters, dated the 8th and the 11th. He assures Blanc he will follow the first faithfully. After the receipt of the second one which he shared with Mother Eulalie, S.S.J.B. the five Sisters of St. Joseph of Bourg came to Confession. The Mother had not only not told the Sisters of her resolution to withdraw but had told them she had received the authority from France without giving them other proof but her word. She added that she could leave two Sisters at the Bay if this suited Buteux. Buteux replied that he would have to consult his Archbishop or his Bishop if he arrived soon. Would it not be necessary to authorize Father Henry Aubert to ask to see these powers from France? Does it not seem strange after sending three new Sisters, that is, since June 1? How is it that the Mother told Buteux that she, herself, had weighed the reasons she had to withdraw? How could she say that she would not return to France, that she would go about until someone received her? How could she talk of so much latitude when she had said all 5 would leave, that they would not be separated? One of the Sisters told Buteux that the Superior General had told her that they would hold his establishment until it succeeded. Buteux has written to France but has received no answer. Buteux desires the retreat with all his heart and believes one of the results of Aubert's visit will be to inspire the Sisters to have one in September. :: VI-1-k A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.