Menet has already written to inform Lefevere that the commissioners of the government have received orders not to take up the claim of the Catholic Church. The commander at Fort Brady, Michigan came to see Menet twice to tell him that he intended to take possession of a piece of land opposite the church to use for the garrison, and later more could be taken without indemnity. Thus the Catholics would be forced out of the American side and the missionaries would have to withdraw to the English side where they have a site with a church started. The claim of the Catholic Church at Sault goes back to 1796, and in 1823 the commissioners recognized the legitimacy of the claim. Catholic missionaries first came to Sault Ste. Marie 200 years ago. The Catholics of Sault acquired another piece of property through Bishop Frederick Rese valued at perhaps $6,000. The Commandant will make no attempt to occupy the property without express orders and will write as they must also do. At least this is the explanation given Menet and Mr. Barbeau who is also writing. Lefevere will see how urgent it is; the claims are to be sent to Washington and the land not occupied will be sold immediately after. Apr.20: Menet believes it useful to add some observations to his letter. The garrison's commander, although Protestant, does not show a hostile spirit to our religion, and he has not complained of his dealings. However, it is good to know what is happening. The Colonel caused talk of his unfavorable dispositions toward the Catholic Faith by forcing their Catholic soldiers to go to a Protestant Church. Menet does not know how it has turned out, but it is a subject of complaint in Catholic papers and of Archbishop John Hughes. What is certain is that a bad spirit is in this company: almost all the soldiers are Catholic, but in name only. Father August Kohler, S.J. and Menet have found the soldiers are ruled by human respect. The Catholic soldiers at the Sault give them consolation. The Captain seems to have a good reason to occupy church property, because it is excellent because of its care, and also he has lost the vast country around the Indian agency. Menet is tempted to facilitate the occupation of the church-ground by proposing an exchange with the government but the territory of the government is too far from the center, and no one will reimburse him for this exchange. He also told Menet that to show his impartiality, he had occupied land belonging to the Baptist Mission but their territory is vast, and their claim not as solidly established as theirs; the officer agrees with it; and, besides, who knows the arrangements which they have made between them? Between wolves one could understand; and Menet believes that the sectarian wolves are not changed in what they wish to execute; as it were, the burden. It is also a rather astonishing thing that they persist in wishing to build a fort in the center of the town, as if they were in a conquered country and disposed to revolt. That is rather harmful to the development of the town, and the inhabitants view it with an evil eye. But what matters to them is the views of the military government. :: III-2-i A.L.S. French 6pp. 4to.