Badin, Father Stephen Theodore, Vermillionville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 April 20

Although Badin does not belong to Blanc's diocese he has written some reflexions of which Father Julian Priour of New Iberville will be the bearer, after having been his secretary. From information gleaned the past three months, the Catholic population in these western parts of Blanc's diocese is fully equal to that of all Kentucky where they have as many priests as are employed in Blanc's diocese and want more. Badin suggested that a respectable Vicar General in these parts might do much good and measurably exonerate Blanc's conscience. P.S. Badin intends to make his retreat at Grand Coteau and visit Blanc before he returns to Kentucky. On the address side of the letter: The workmen are hurrying with the moving in order to get their money sooner; one of them said he could have had it built for 5000 piastres less. The pulpit has been moved into the new building; the ladies protested; the trustees meet tomorrow. Badin read his letter Friday after Mass; there were only 30 or 40 people as he had forbidden the bell to be rung. A.L.S. On the same paper: