In the annals of Vauban (AFM, 212.54, pp. 4-5) Bro. Avit informs us that:

The brothers had no chaplain for the first weeks.... The bishop soon sent them Fr. Beurrier as chaplain. He was a very sincere priest, and could have done a great deal for the brothers, but he was soon replaced by Fr. Ducharme, who was a holy priest, totally involved in his ministry.

It was this Fr. Beurrier who received Fr. Champagnat when he went to visit the château of Vauban for the first time, since the bishop had placed him there to manage the property from the time it was acquired until the brothers took over. So we can understand why, when he returned as chaplain, he also took care of material arrangements, which he had done earlier in preparation for the brothers arrival. The letter he wrote to Fr. Champagnat at that time, on 5th September 1839, shows what genuine interest he took in the house: I am still doing all I can for the good of the house. Right now, I am having all the roofs checked (Annales de Vauban, p. 2). So Fr. Champagnat is really writing to a friend here.

Father,

The beds we agreed on are finished. I had them brought to Lyons on 17th February, to Mr. Bailly, the successor to Mr. Comte, in the Cours des Archers. I leave it to your wisdom to decide how to have them picked up at that address or to arrange something with the parish priest of Chauffailles who was good enough to offer to have them brought to his place. Father, I still recommend the establishment of Vauban to you in a special way. Knowing your zeal, your prudence and the great interest you have in this work, I am leaning on you for its spiritual and temporal direction, and I ask you to convey my intention to the brothers.

I am totally convinced that you will do all you can to assure its success and further its development. Also, I cannot tell you how grateful the Society of Mary is for your goodness to it. As for me, I see particularly, and with the greatest pleasure, that His Lordship, in extolling your zeal, your unselfishness and your skill in directing a house, was merely anticipating the feelings of esteem and gratitude that my own pleasant experience has brought me.

I hope, Father, that you will also find some way to interest the fine parish priests of the diocese of Autun in this work, and through their involvement, to increase the number of subjects in Vauban. Please be assured that we, for our part, will do everything in our power to comply with your generous efforts and to give you effective proof of the sincere and respectful devotedness with which 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