Avenard, Father John Baptist, Wytheville, Virginia, to Bishop Francis Xavier Leray, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1882 August 26

Avenard left Alexandria on the 16th and reached here on the 19th. Since his visit last year to New Orleans and Chatowa Avenard's health has been much better. Father Menard, owing to a telegram sent Avenard by Father Jean Baptiste Bres, thought it certain that Brés reached Alexandria during Passion week, and he had already moved to Pineville. Bres arrived only on Saturday to relieve Avenard a little. The next morning Avenard relapsed into a severe attack of asthma; there was no improvement. On his doctor's advice, Avenard left to go Western Virginia. He called on Father dicharry for his testimonial letter. He stopped at Vermillionville and spent 4 hours with Father Forge. The next day he landed at New Orleans. Avenard had heard of Leray's probable absence for Grande Isle and of cases of yellow fever so he put off his visit to Leray until he returned. He checked his trunk to Wytheville; at the depot he met Father Pellouin with whom he traveled. His asthma has virtually disappeared. Father J. Mullin is rector of St. Mary's Church; he will be absent until September 1. :: VI-3-d A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.