Chartier, Father Etienne, Alexandria, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 January 18

Conforming with Blanc's letter of December 15, Chartier published in the two newspapers of the town, the notice which Blanc will find on one of the pages Chartier is sending. This appeal has remained without effect to this day. Chartier has no more courage to try to procure the means to stay. IfMr. Biossat had not given him his board on credit, Chartier would be starving. He regrets that the Vicar General of Vincennes advised him to come to Louisiana. In all he has received from Avoyelles $50.25 and $46.50 from Rapides. He owes Father Nicolas Francais $200 and almost a hundred piastres rent at Hydropolis. His longing for Lower Canada and his disgust for Louisiana have led him to write to the Bishop of Quebec to ask to be readmitted to his native diocese. He leaves Blanc's diocese with sincere esteem for Blanc himself and a deep interest in his troubles of the moment. P.S. In the notice, by the designedly ambiguous words "proper accommodations" Chartier means not only horse, saddle, or carriage but above all, traveling money. He has never been to Plaisance ; he did not have the money. If the rising waters had not prevented, he would have gone to visit what they call Laprairie. He plans to leave tomorrow for Avoyelles. He will go for the DeGééè family and three other women who make up the only actually Catholic part of Avoyelles. :: V-5-a A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.