Lucas, Father Peter, St. Martin, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1845 May 9

Father Giles F.? Martin owes Lucas, assistant, 41 piastres, 60 cents from January 1 to March 16 out of $200 a year. Also 17 piastres for 17 services and another 30 piastres for all the Sunday High Masses since Lucas' arrival at St. Martin making a total of $88.60. Father Louis Dufour told Lucas that Martin did not wish to give Lucas any-Martin had. Any changes would depend on the Bishop and the pastor who would come. They would be glad to have him as the pastor but Lucas firmly believes that it would not be prudent because an assistant has not the chance that a new pastor has. As a young priest he has been surrounded by difficulties which he has got out of as best he can and he wants to leave without reproach. So Blanc is to send a pastor as soon as possible. They give the pastor $1000, the low Masses, marriages, baptisms and certificates; the singer $300, the beadle $120 and the two altar boys $100. Lucas sends his respects to Martin. Blanc would do well to send Martin's account book so the collector could have it. :: V-5-c A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.