Auffray, William, Minor Seminary of, Plouguernevel, Cotes-du-Nord, France, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M. of New Orleans, Lyons, France, 1862 September 20

Auffray was studying at the minor seminary, uncertain of his vocation, when the misfortunes of Pius IX afflicted him. He left Brittany to go to the defense of the Church and he was there for two years when the pleas of his parents forced him to come back in order to pursue his studies. He has been back for two months, and a voice is calling him to the high mission of converting souls. He plans to leave at the end of this year for the missions or the colonies. He thought about China but it was beyond his power, and he was still uncertain about what corner of the earth he should choose when the letters of friends told him of Odin's visit to the grand seminary of St. Brieuc, and the conditions he had proposed. Confirmed in these feelings and sure of his vocation, he writes to Odin in his own name and that of several fellow students. However, new obstacles have appeared; being of the class of 1863 he is carried on the conscription list and a certificate is indispensable. He can easily procure one for France or its colonies but he does not know about the United States. Before making their decision, he and some fellow students wish to know if Odin can procure them. For Auffray the English language is not unknown because he cultivated it for a year. :: VI-2-f A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.