Legrand, Father F., Pont Breaux, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 March 22

Leaving New Orleans on March 3, Legrand arrived at St. Martin the following Monday. Father Louis Dufour was absent and returned on Wednesday. Legrand was much frightened when Dufour told him that Father F. Zéler had left partisans who would turn against Legrand. However, Legrand left the next day for his post in Dufour's carriage accompanied by a young man who lives with Dufour. He was received coldly but sees that day by day he is gaining their confidence. He has set up catechism classes and Vespers. He has had 8 baptisms, most of them slaves. The renting of the pews on December 25 brought $360. He lives in the cabin just built and several families have offered his food. He tells of the subscription opened by Zéler, mentions Mr. Caillet and Mr. Bulliard, his brother-in-law, and gives details of the plans for the presbytery. Dufour thinks there is no need to hurry in blessing the new cemetery. His plans for the cemetery would use that at New Iberia as a model. A new church will be indispensable in a few years. Some of the ladies have told him they will take up a collection for the church. :: V-5-i A.L.S. French 6pp. 4to.