L E T T E R S

517There was not a moment to lose especially since, beside general Christianobligations, we had other particular obligations toward him. He is a relative of oneof our best confreres, and long ago 607 we entered into close communication withhim, accepting a kind of familial care for him as well as responsibility before God.Consequently, I collocted whatever funds I could beg or borrow, and determinedto snatch him by force from the place where he was residing (Clamency,departament de la Nievre).Having arrenged with his creditors for part-payment of his debts, I plannedto obtain for him from the Prefect a temporary passport to Paris; once he wasthere, I hoped to be able to obtain permission for him to remain. Karski could notleave Paris for this purpose because of his duties at College Stanislaus. I could notdelegate this mission to any of the other brothers. Therefore, setting aside all otherinterests and needs in Paris, I had to take this task upon myself. Thus, I came toClemency a month ago. The young man surrendered himself to me completely;but, with tears in his eyes, he has been pleadind that I do not abandon him, andthat I definitely take him with myself to Paris.Within a few days I managed to pay a portion of his debts; I had to obligemyself to pay another portion within a designated time. I obtained a passport fromthe sub-prefect which allowed him to go to the seat of the department and thus wecame to Nevers. Through the director of the seminary, to whom I had beenrecommended, I got to see the Prefect. The latter, despite a most favorableacceptance of my presentation, states that in no way, even for a few days, can heissue a passport to Paris without recourse to the Minister.Should I write such a petition and then wait? I think it would be better towrite a petition immediately for a ―permisto sejour‖ 608 ! This is what I did. I sent itin care of Prince Adam Czartoryski 609 . As for myself, I wanted to return to Paris.But my poor Mikulski is all tears, petitions, desperation... He doesn’t want to letme go! Thinking that a resolution would come within 10 days, especially since thePrefect had added his own strong recommendation. Fearing that my pupil who607 That is, from the half of 1836.608 Permission for residence.609 February 10, 1838