Poup0006

6 February 1840. — Letter of Victor Poupinel to Thomas Heptonstall.

According to the draft, 2 pages, APM 2276/11652.

Original in English

Lyons, 6th February 1840

Reverend Doctor,

[1]

There was spread abroad by some French news-papers that a society was established in London for the colonising of New-Zealand; according to these news-papers, it intended to receive gratis on its ships catholic missionaries. We are particularly desirous of having some sure inquiries upon it and I am daring to make them near you. Perhaps it should be a favourable opportunity for us to send other missioner(s) into New-Zealand, and we would be very much indebted to you, reverend doctor, if you were kind enough to tell us what you think of it.

[2]

[The French government has also proposed to our general superior to receive gratis our priests on the men of war, who go away from time to time to protect French commerce in Islands.] Two priests and two brethren of our Society have sailed from Brest for this fortnight on a French man of war who goes away to.

[3]

There are almost three months since we received some letters from our four missioners who put up last month of July at the Cape Verde Islands. As we received these letters by the medium of the French ambassador in London, I think they were directed to you. They will write from Sydney to us, and we hope their letters will arrive before two months. They were very much contented with the captain and passengers.

[4]

The minister of foreign affairs has granted us the favour of transmitting our letters to you by the medium of French embassy. You could employ this direction : Monsieur Colin, supérieur des missionnaires maristes, montée Saint-Barthélemy à Lyon, and below : pour la mission de l’Océanie occidentale. I hope you know that Mr Weld is authorised to repay you expenses made for us.

[5]

I beg, reverend doctor, excuse yet my bad language. I was obliged to leave off quite the study of English from the beginning of last May. I am applying myself again to it for a few weeks, and my teacher is an English native of London, good catholic and whose life is very edifying.

[6]

Pray, transmit the letter here annexed to the right reverend doctor Griffiths.

[7]

We have received no letter from the right reverend Pompallier last month of April ago; if you heard some news, you’ll do a great pleasure to acquaint us. With thanks.

[8]

Receive our superior’s most humble respects and sincere thanks.

[9]

I remain with the most humble respect your obedient servant,

Victor Poupinel.