Mégret, Father Anthony Désiré, Abbeville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1846 February 11

In the meeting of the trustees of which the last was the 2nd of this month, it was resolved that the cemetery be divided into squares, that paths be made, and all given over to the care of Mégret. On the 4th he had three paths ploughed, making six squares. People seemed satisfied with the order he had established. On the 5th, about 30 Protestants came to find him in the cemetery; their spokesman insulted him, calling him a Jesuit. This same Protestant hit Megret in the face. Another, whom Mégret had pardoned 2 years ago, drew a pistol. But an angelic hand, that of Jarussin? Bernard deflected the shot. Grey, the one who had hit him, for 20 years cashier at the bank, justice of the peace, clerk of court, compromised his honor by spreading the word that Mégret had molested the tombs. He called a meeting at the courthouse on Sunday, the 8th. They decided to write to Blanc to ask for another pastor. One Catholic, Joseph Berandt, came to Mégret's defence. Mégret is glad about the delay of the Sisters; in this sad circumstance they would have judged the parish more unfavorably than it deserves. P.S. As he finished this letter he received one from the trustees and people, dated the 10th, saying that all was restored to order, that the trustees had called a meeting of all the people for next Sunday. They urged Mégret to come to talk with them before the meeting. He will go next Wednesday. He will take measures that Protestants will no longer be buried in the Catholic cemetery. Perhaps it would be good, to make them see their crime, for Blanc to interdict the church and cemetery. Father Lawrence Peyretti was struck, also Father Peter Francis Beauprez ? and Mégret; he would not like to see the majority punished for a long time because of a few guilty ones. :: V-5-e A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.