the Gazette that the Reverend Father Accolti sent me. I have brought the affair of the respectable Doctor McLoughlin to the attention of Senator Benton.
St. Louis University, Nov. 13, 1851
Reverend Father HELIAS, S. J., St. Xavier's Church, P. C.: Reverend and Very Dear Father in Christ.- Dear Father, since last I wrote to your Reverence I have suffered much and lost much. I lost my good companion, Father Hoeken, and was left alone like an orphan to find my way through the wilderness, surrounded by a thousand dangers. At my return I found my superior buried, in whom I lost not only a father and brother in Christ, but a faithful friend and a true and sure guide, by his good counsels and examples. The Lord be praised - both died like saints - this consoles and strengthens me in my loss.
Whilst traveling in the plains and mountains, kind Providence has watched over me. I escaped from a dangerous illness, from the attacks of wild beasts and enemies, from the smallpox and cholera. I passed through a camp where people were dying and rottening, alive, unhurt and untouched. I slept among the dying and dead for over a month, handling and attending on the cholera patients, and returned safe and sound. I had the happiness to place the holy waters of baptism on the foreheads of 1,586 children and adults, of whom many have since fallen victims of the two mentioned diseases, and are now forever happy.
Let us be friends. I will be more serious in my letters for the future, as I have perceived that they have not been taken as I meant them (in a joke) ; for I certainly could not and would not act against your Reverence for whom I shall ever entertain the highest esteem and respect.
Reverend and Dear Father, etc.