Bonniot, Father J.M., Chambéry, France, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1866 April 16

Last year Bonniot acknowledged the receipt of 803 francs which Paul Rousselon, Father Rousselon's nephew, gave him to pay the 240 piastres of Bonniot's pension due annually from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The difficulty of exchange reduced his pension during the war but now he hopes to receive it in its entirety. He will expect it in July, the usual time. He was also pleased to receive news of Rousselon, Bishop Odin and all others. The years since he left have weakened his strength but not his love of the missions. They enjoy perfect peace which is agreeably interrupted by the seminarians of Chambéry on their holiday once a week. Their presence recalls his youth. He recalls the professor who talked of Louisiana, Father Depéry who died as Bishop of Gap and Bishop Dubourg who came to France looking for missionaries for Louisiana. It seems he left here only yesterday and that he is finding everything the same after 45 years. Felix shares his love for the missions but his strength does not permit him to follow it. The doctor at the seminary found him in the same state as the Archbishop saw him. He does not forget Archbishop Odin nor does he lose hope of one day working under him. :: VI-2-k A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.