Chambost, Father Charles, Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1858 July 7

Chambost received Blanc's letter two days ago. He asks Blanc to recall that he made no request; Blanc offered Baton Rouge to him. Chambost asked for the ordination of the third priest that he has formed without a mite of expense to the diocese. He would never leave his post without the sanction of his superiors, but does Blanc think that he can leave priests in a post where it is impossible to live without going into debts which they can never repay? If Chambost has merited anything by his six years of obedience and devotion in Blanc's diocese, he asks the favor of an exeat for himself and for his brother Father Auguste Chambost . They will retire to their old father. His brother will remain there and after a little rest, Chambost will enter a monastery or go to Rome for a mission. Their auction will take place on the 20th of the month and they hope to leave by the 30th. They will leave immediately for France if Blanc permits. The wish of their 80 year old father who wishes to see his sons before he dies, the misfortunes and heartaches of recent times, the threat of apoplexy, all demand Blanc's generosity. As soon as Father Peter Lucas returns from Pascagoula, Chambost will make a retreat with Father Perché before his departure. Their cousin Benoit Chambost , his brother and sister, having acquaintances in the North, have decided to go there as soon as possible for fear of the yellow fever; Benoit thanks Blanc for all his favors. He does not intend to return South. :: VI-1-o A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.