Hillis?, John H., Pointe Coupée, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1842 May 21

After a trial which lasted three days they have brought the affair of the Congregation of St. Francis to a close. The Court has not yet given its decision but Hillis feels confident that Father Jean Martin will get judgment in his favor. Hillis argued that as Blanc had the exclusive right of appointing and removing parish priests that the Congregation of St. Francis was incompetent to decide upon the qualifications and could not dispense with Martin's services so long as Blanc did not interfere. By the act of incorporation the revenues should be appropriated to the support of a parish priest and he should have the use of the church property. The latter provision was repealed in 1838 provided the wardens thought proper to dispose of the same differently but until 1841 they never exercised that right. Martin has performed all his duties from 1834 to 1842 and was entitled to $1000 a year. Hillis does not presume that the matter will end that the matter will end here and he will have an opportunity before the session of the superior court to have a conversation with Blanc and Father Matthew Bernard Anduze on the subject. Hillis asks Blanc to thank Anduze for the very able opinions that accompany his testimony which was of infinite service to Martin. :: V-4-m A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.