Bonnaffé, Father Juan José, Santiago, Cuba, to Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1875 March 13

Replying to Perché's letter of February 18, Bonnaffé would like to help alleviate the evils which press down upon his diocese, but he is prevented by the situation in Cuba . The daughters of the very unfortunate Mr. Commonfort implored his assistance in the name of their martyred father, but he could only help them a little. He is thus unable to come to the aid of a diocese which, upon his arrival in America he adopted. Nevertheless, he is sending a small sum in memory of New Orleans, the convent of the Ursulines, and their ex-chaplain. One of their priests has told him that it was hoped to form a Spanish congregation in New Orleans, but that he was prevented from doing so by the necessity of building a church. Bonnaffé has some funds in France due from the State. If Perché will answer some questions about the costs of construction and of land, after seeking the advice of Mr. Paux, Bonnaffé will determine if he can spend his last days in New Orleans. He does not know of Father Ignace Santo, S.J., has presented to Perché his greetings, a task with which he charged him in a letter announcing that Cardinal Lucien Bonaparte had sent to Bonnaffé, directly from Rome, the bull relieving him of the censure he had incurred unintentionally for having given allegiance to the Archbishop elected by the Spanish nation but not approved by the Holy Father. Marie, who is raising two young orphans, whom they will confide to the care of the Ursulines if they return to New Orleans, asks him to thank Perché for his remembrance. P.S. For Mr. Paux: Bonnaffé has asked the king for his pension in order to build a church in New Orleans for the Spanish population which he will do as soon as possible with the assistance and approval of Perché. P.P.S. In order to avoid all the formalities which the Spanish require and to save Perché the expenses which the small sum that he is sending would require, he has sent his order to E. Olivier, the banker of Pope Pius IX in France, who also handles Bonnaffé's affairs. :: VI-2-o A.L.S. French Spanish 4pp. 4to. 11