Denavit, Father, Lyons, France, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1863 November 17

They read Odin's letter of October, and are pained by the unfortunate state of Odin's diocese and all America. Denavit wrote Odin several months ago, but apparently he has not received it. He also wrote Bishop Claude Mary Dubuis, C.M. several times, but he believes he did not receive them. They saw Father Augustine Gaudet, O.M.I. who is chaplain of the Sisters at Brownsville, who had left Texas in June. He, Dubuis, and Fathers Buffard, Savoie. And John Anthony Forest, had a good trip. Gaudet was to leave recently by a State ship going to Mexico and from there he will return to Brownsville. He did not wish to take charge of any letters for Louisiana, not knowing how to forward them. If they find any good vocations, they will save some for Odin. As long as there is a war, he does not think their young men will want to go to America. They have not received any news of their nine seminarians whom Dubuis left at Bouligny. The Superior Father Duplay received Odin's letter. Duplay charged Denavit to tell Odin that when he thought conditions favorable for sending some missionaries it would be necessary for him to come to France and make an appearance at the seminary. This year they have 230 seminarians. Thus their gift to Dubuis of eleven students has not impoverished them. :: VI-2-g A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.