Dear Count,

The city of St-Etienne has definitively decided to carry out the project of an establishment for deaf-mutes on behalf of its large population, and has finally asked us officially for brothers from our institution capable of directing this work. Desiring to further their works of charity, I am writing to ask you, Sir, to please request the admission of two of our brothers to the establishment for deaf-mutes in Paris. I hope that through your intervention and that of Mr. De Gérando, to whom we are writing on the same subject, they will be accepted there free of charge.

We would have taken advantage sooner of the kind offers you were good enough to make to me in this regard and the strong hope which a letter from the director of the establishment gave me, but the problem of finding two available subjects and the lack of a positive request from the city of St-Etienne held us back. Today that obstacle has been removed, so we would be infinitely grateful for whatever steps you would be willing to take to make it possible for us to answer the entreaties which are made to us. I continue at the same time to recommend to your benevolence the matter of our authorization which we are still pursuing. I hope that when the occasion presents itself you will be so good as to second my requests and help me through your powerful influence.

In the hopes of obtaining from your goodness and through your intervention the double favor I desire, I have the honor to be, etc….

Champagnat

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. 174, nº 217