Chartier, Father Etienne, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans Louisiana, 1845 March 28

Chartier has just learned from his assistant, Father Joseph Richardbole, that the pastor of the Cathedral has complained to Blanc about the preaching. Chartier went to Blanc's house but he was absent so he is writing so that his words will reach Father Constantine Maenhaut if Blanc deems it apropos. Each was to preach in turn; the pastor and Father Felipe Ascensio were to provide a substitute if one or the other did not want to preach. This is how things stood last Monday when Father Petit announced he would be gone on Quasimodo Sunday. Is it not the pastor's turn first? Is it fair that the pastor receives $3,500 to $4,000 for only hearing confessions, marrying, and having one or two funerals a month and that all the rest of the work is the responsibility of Richardbole and Chartier for $70 to $75 a month besides paying board to the pastor? It would be ridiculous for Chartier to enrich by his labors a man already too rich and whose stinginess is a scandal. Chartier preached every Sunday for 14 years and will preach for Maenhaut if he wishes to compensate him for it; for Chartier is in debt. So without compensation or a different division of the fees, Chartier will not preach for Maenhaut. :: V-5-c A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.