Fr. Champagnat used every means he could in hopes of finally obtaining the authorization he so much desired. In this letter, he turns to the district committee. According to the law of 28th June 1833:

In each arrondissement of each sub-prefecture there will be set up a committee specially responsible for overseeing and encouraging primary instruction....
(art. 18).

The prefect will preside by right of office over all the committees of the department, and the sub-prefect over all those of the arrondissement...(art. 49).

Therefore, as to be expected, he addresses himself to the sub-prefect, as president of the committee.

Mr. Sub-Prefect,

The kindness with which you welcomed me on the various occasions when I had the honor to request an interview with you, gives me great confidence in asking you to please urge the district committee to draw up a request concerning the sanctioning of the approval which the Royal Council of Public Instruction willingly granted by modifying the statutes which we presented to it on 8th February 1834. A great number of influential persons have urged us to make another attempt and have promised to back it up with their full authority.

We want to work in true harmony with the government. Please help us, Sir, and we will be eternally grateful.

Edition: Translation from: Lettres de Marcellin J. B. Champagnat (1789-1840) Fondateur de l?Institut des Frères Maristes, présentés par Frère Paul Sester,1985.

fonte: Daprès la minute, AFM, RCLA 1, p. 72, nº78