Megret, Father A.D., Vermillionville, Louisiana, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1843 May 7

Easter kept him so busy that he could not write the Bishop while he was in New Orleans and now he is not there. The law just passed about marriages is causing trouble. Megret is far from being a citizen and did not come to Louisiana to perform civil functions and does not think the State can prevent him from exercising his functions as a priest. Some look on him as unfit for these functions because he is not a citizen. In order not to send his parishioners to a priest who is a citizen, Megret has arranged with the parish judge so that while the law stands the young couple will have a civil contract and the same day go to the church for the nuptial blessing. The judge will take $6 and Megret will get $5. This way he hopes to bless all the civil unions. Ed. Meunier sends Rousselon his newspaper. Megret hopes Rousselon is pleased with it. Rousselon will see that Meunier has lost Mr. Lemoine' s collaboration. Megret talked to Lemoine and tried to dissuade him from cards and cafés. As soon as Megret can get rid of it, he will do so very willingly. His people are pleased with the paper and he has the hope that the opposition will no longer attack religion. Megret is waiting for the Bishop's return to talk over all these things. Megret's fabrique has authorized Megret to pay the sum reclaimed through Rousselon's mediation. They had a meeting three weeks ago and all went well. :: V-4-n A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.