Doutreluingne, C.M., Father P.J., St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Assumption, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1840 August 11

Father Joachim Alabau, C.M. Alabo and Doutreluingne, being sent to the missions of Natchitoches by their superiors, passed through New Orleans but found Blanc absent. They arrived at Natchitoches on May 21 where they found Father John Chandy, C.M. who left for the seminary on their arrival. Doutreluingne visited Cloutierville which is almost 31 miles below Natchitoches where there is a church; the interior is not yet finished; they need a good priest badly. He also visited the mulatto chapel, San Augustine, 10 miles above Cloutierville and 20 miles below Natchitoches. Campti, 10 miles above Natchitoches has a chapel where there are a number of free people of color who seem well disposed to instruction. He also visited the interior, saying Mass at the home of Mr. De Rocque, 35 miles from Natchitoches where there is a large congregation; they want to build a chapel. 40 miles further on at the end of the parish of Natchitoches there is another congregation called Bayou Pierre where they also have wanted to build a chapel for a long time. From there he went to a place called Quilles? about 20 miles further into the interior. This is in Caddo Parish not far from the Sabine where he found several disposed to receive the Sacraments. After that he went to a place called Ille des Prelles Les Presles? on the Red River, 10 miles below Sprissport Shreveport ?. He stopped there 8 or 9 days and 25 persons made their First Communion. Most of the people had never seen a priest. There he started a subscription to build a chapel; he signed for 50 piastres. They are nearly all French Creoles; he promised to come back in November. He had many baptisms and several marriages. He was also in two other Spanish congregations, Grandes Lunes ? and Adailles Adayes. The steamboat is passing so he must finish here. :: V-4-k A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.