Beauprez, Father Peter Francis, Vermillionville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1840 September 25

Beauprez received Blanc's letter of August 29 reproaching him for lodging his servant and his sacristan under the same roof. His old, pious Irish sacristan has just left for the College at Grand Coteau because he did not get paid. Beauprez doubts that the church he planned will ever be built. Four months ago they were to submit the church accounts for examination and have never done it; this caused the resignation of Moses Hebert, president. Blanc knows the troubles LaFayette has been exposed to for 4 weeks. Beauprez has also been victimized by insults and curses for having wished to assist the Negroes who were hanged. They wanted to carry their rage to the College at Grand Coteau which they wished to demolish or burn because they regarded the Jesuits as the instigators of the insurrection of the slaves. Beauprez has already prepared a letter asking Blanc to give him permission to return to his old post at New Iberia as it is now with St. Mary's Parish attached. Here is a letter Beauprez has just received: "Although they have a good pastor, she asks Beauprez to come to visit her and Mrs. Charles Smith; he is their spiritual Father and they would like him to hear their confessions. New Iberia, September 21, 1840; signed Constance Darby." Since leaving New Iberia, Beauprez has said Mass for them from time to time, heard their confessions, made sick calls, and held services since Blanc had not withdrawn his faculties and they did not want the services of Father F. Charles Boutelou de St. Aubin. Many men made their Easter duty; 40 whites and several slaves; Beauprez believes that Father Julian Priour will do well here. Dr. Smith has not made his Easter duty; after what Father Victor Paillasson told him Beauprez thinks he can bring him to his duty. At LaFayette they are circulating a subscription to build a college at Vermillionville, the legislature having allotted $2500; they were talking of turning the old church into a public school after building a new church; now all is to the contrary. St. Aubin proposed that Beauprez change places with him saying that Blanc would have no objection since he had already offered Beauprez LaFayette. Beauprez would be glad if this change could take place. He is afraid he cannot last much longer here unless there is a great change of spirit. :: V-4-k A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.