Berthaud, Father F., Salt Creek, Calmouliers, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1865 February 9

He owes Purcell some details on his position. His parishioners agreed to give $200 annually to the priest. At Napoleon they will give $8 for each visit the priest makes. This means about $80 yearly. Berthaud does not know if the priest will regularly receive this amount. He has taken up quarters at the presbytery with a servant who gives him lessons in English. The servant belongs to the family who lives nearest the presbytery. Berthaud searched in vain for another. About 80 persons received Communion at Christmas. He is occupied now in teaching catechism to the children two or three times a week. After that he has nothing to do. His life is difficult because of the lack of something to do and his inability in learning English. He had to spend all his meager savings for the voyage to America. He will remain at his post for the duration of Lent, but he asks Purcell to remove him as he does not think he is very useful. :: II-5-c A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.