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17-24 May 1841 – Letter of Victor Poupinel to François Pompallier

Based on the summary in his hand, APM 1487/21195, summarised in EG n. 43. Edited in CS1 doc 262. Translated by ChatGPT, February 2024.

For the greater glory of God and the honour of the Mother of God.

May 17, 1841

This is the substance of the letter I wrote to Bishop Pompallier.

Bishop,

[1]

Our very Reverend Father Superior General charges me with again and briefly presenting to your eminence the current state of the mission fund.

[2]

In my letter of November 22 or 23, 1840, I had the honour of providing your eminence with the details of the income and expenses. The total income was 92,377 francs.

[3]

Expenses, including money given to the missionaries, amounted to the sum of 85,400 francs. We reserved 13,911 francs to cover the remaining expenses (and for the gentlemen of Picpus). However, the unfortunate bankruptcy of Messrs. Wright and Company forced us to withdraw 10,550 francs from the Propagation of the Faith, the absolute remainder of the allocations made up to this day by the association.

[4]

So we had in hand the sum of 24,461. From this sum, we must now subtract 7,500 for the gentlemen of Picpus; - furthermore, 7,600 for expenses paid since departure. Therefore, we have the sum of 9,361 remaining. We will have to pay the bill of Messrs. Cooper and Company, which amounts to over 10,000 francs. We will also have to add some expenses that he paid in London, a total of 10,200 francs. Finally, we reserve the right to honour Mr. Ratau de Paimbœuf's bill, who advanced 10,000 francs to you at the Bay of Islands; in addition, we subscribed to a new Roman missal for 981 francs, with expenses still to be paid of 200 francs. Thus, we find ourselves in a huge deficit of 12,020 francs. Fortunately, the Propagation of the Faith will be able to advance us for the year 1841.

[5]

With the help of God and His holy Mother, I am about to begin, Bishop, a work on all your letters to take advantage of all the advice you give us and to respond accurately to your requests. I have no ill will. However, I make many mistakes out of ignorance and imprudence. We will certainly avoid sending so many books in the future and will carefully choose those that are requested.

[6]

I have calculated that the packaging and shipping costs of packages to London for the last departure amounted to 4,000 francs; the journey of thirteen missionaries to London cost no less than 2,700 francs. Now, speak of sea travel expenses, and you have an enormous sum; the Father Superior has explained this circumstance to the councils of the work.

[summary]

[in margin]

To Bishop Pompallier.

42. Lyon, May 20, 1841

[7]

This letter provided accounts to Bishop Pompallier, promised to fulfill his intentions as best as possible, and warned his eminence that not writing to the councils of the Propagation of the Faith, was causing great harm to his mission.

Signed: Poupinel, secretary.