Zeller, Father Ferdinand, Carrollton, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, St. James, Louisiana, 1857 May 9

Zeller is once again going to write about his leaving. He will not repeat the reasons which authorized him to ask verbally for permission to retire from the missions. Every day brings new proofs of his physical weakness and the near impossibility of serving his parish. Blanc said to do what he could but there are circumstances where he can do things only by halves or omit them altogether. He does not want to carry the burden of ministry to the age where corporal infirmities coincide with intellectual weakness. Zeller has set the Sunday after Ascension for First Communion for Carrollton. If Blanc could give Confirmation that day it would reduce the burden by half. He has learned that Blanc is to confirm in two places that day - at the Jesuits and at St. Joseph. Father Curioz? says he could have it at his place at 7 in the morning which would permit Blanc to be at Carrollton on the 9 o'clock car. As Zeller supposes that the installation of the Bishop of Natchez will take up several weeks, Blanc will have to confirm some places on the same day. In any case they will be ready. :: VI-1-l A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.