We do not have either the bishops letter or the copy of the contract which must have been enclosed with this reply. The orphanage in question is the one in Saint-Nizier, Lyons, directed by the brothers since 1840 (L. 306). As for the project in Grenoble, it never materialized, as far as the Marist Brothers were concerned.

My Lord Bishop of Grenoble,

Perhaps I am slow in sending Your Grandeur the information which you asked our Brother Assistant to send you, about our establishment for orphans in Lyons. I would have done so sooner, but I thought, after the report I received, that you intended to send me a letter. Fearing that on the contrary you are expecting a reply from us, I am making it a point to send you the conditions we established with the administration of the hospice for orphans.
I had them copied textually, just as they were drawn up and adopted by both parties.

My Lord, I ask Your Grandeur to please examine the various articles of this contract. I would like them to be the basis of the arrangement which will put us in a position to work under your esteemed auspices at the good work which your liberal charity has founded in the city of Grenoble, for the indigent and orphans. I will also be happy to receive any comments which Your Grandeur would like to send me, and I will do all I can to go along with your desires and show you how grateful the Society of Mary is for all the goodness with which you have graciously honored it.

I am, 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. 179, nº 224