Mégret, Father Anthony Désiré, Vermilionville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1847 October 4

Mégret's adversaries have fallen into the ditch they dug for him. After forbidding him to sell the seized articles, they prevented him three times from selling his free property. Mégret received Blanc's letter authorizing him with Father John Francis Abbadie, S.J. but he wanted it only as a precaution and does not wish to use it. He is taking another method. On September 3 he placed $1200 with the deputy sheriff with his word and signature that he would advance him $600 in a week; he let himself be taken over by the evil doers and kept it all. A letter from Adrien Dumartrait to the sheriff was against giving Mégret even one hour. Mégret had told Abbadie and Dauterive? that St. Michael would confound his enemies; he said Mass for the Community. There he saw where the spiritual evil came from. Returning to the pastor, he found his friends there, at their head André Martin who came to offer assistance. The same day Abbadie received the letter from his Superior authorizing him to turn over the money? to Mégret who turned it all over to Martin to complete the affair for Megret. Father Louis Dufour whom Mégret visited, had let him leave without offering any financial help. Mégret placed with his constables, about 3000 piastres; he settled with Abbadie for January, with the workmen at the presbytery for April and other small debts were paid. When Father Julien Priour returns Mégret will give him his $50. He owes on one except a little in New Orleans and he will soon settle. Blanc is not to believe reports which are all more or less false. He sold part of his animals for $65 and kept all his property and 3000 piastres. Also the lumber for St. Martin Church, at least $800, plus property of which he never spoke, 4 arpents by 40 on the Bayou which he will offer in good time, to the Trappists . Mégret's assistant Father Hyacinthe Tumoine will establish himself with difficulty at Abbeville. He could scarcely be placed at Thibodeauville because of certain persons. This young priest is thoughtless and without understanding. Mégret asks Blanc to grant what Tumoine asked—not to hear the Sisters' confessions. Mégret intended to have him live at Abbeville, a priest is needed there, Mégret will look after everything. Mégret expects Mother Théèse Chevrel, O. Carm. soon. :: V-5-h A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to. 11