Poup0013

10 September 1840 — Letter of Victor Poupinel to François Yvert

Based on the summary in his own hand APM 2277/11691. Edited in CS1 doc.197.

Translated by ChatGPT, February 2024

Mister Yvert at Caen

10 September 1840

[1]

We have the utmost confidence that the good Lord, who has inspired you with the courageous will to take charge of the printing press in the interest of His glory, will also grant you the grace to bring this matter to its full perfection. As for the purchase of what is necessary for this printing press, your views are excellent, and the father superior fully relies on your prudence. Certainly, the press should not be brought to Lyon; but since we do not yet know if the embarkation will take place in Le Havre, your sagacity will determine whether it is appropriate, at this time, to leave these items in Paris. It might be wise to only buy the paper and ink at the time of departure, as well as for the organs, but since the small ones are of no value, these should be left.

[2]

Reverend Father Colin was greatly comforted by the news of the dedication shown by Fr. Poisson. Unable to write to him himself due to numerous affairs that have overwhelmed him since yesterday until the moment he leaves for Belley, he instructs his replacement to write to him on his behalf. Otherwise, he had intended to write a few words to you, as well as to the priest of Saint-Pierre, to express his gratitude for the great interest he deigns to take in the mission.

[3]

In addition to the press, Archbishop Pompallier has requested the purchase of a ship in France. For this purpose, the father recently wrote to Mr. Émile Franque, a maritime broker, at Grand Quai 71, and to Mr. Normand, both good Christians, great friends of Archbishop of Maronée, and devoted to missions. They have replied and would like the superior or someone on his behalf to go to Le Havre to handle this matter properly. However, Father Colin would advise postponing this purchase, 1º because it would absorb the entire allocation given to us by the Propagation, 2º because the times seem increasingly unfavorable.

[4]

Nevertheless, sir, in the event that this journey is convenient for you, father would be pleased if you could see these gentlemen, express his gratitude to them, and gather all the information that will be useful to us when we resume this important matter. But if this journey should inconvenience you, the father superior will himself explain his reasons to these gentlemen.

Victor Poupinel, Marist priest