Francais, Father Nicholas, Abbeville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 May 9

He recently received Blanc's letter of April 8. His position is still the same but he has some hope of getting out of it. He has not yet been able to start a subscription for his church because of the election to establish the seat of justice. The election is contested. He will be glad if the seat is not here. On Good Shepherd Sunday, Francais gave First Communion to 14 children. He visited different parts of the parish, including St. Landry ten leagues from Abbeville, a place called Queue Tortue where he said Mass twice. More than 200 attended; he baptized 15 and ratified 4 marriages. They ask him to build a little chapel. There is a cemetery, very well kept. The owner offers the cemetery and the land to build a chapel. Francais asks Blanc to send him authority. The inventory of the Church of St. Madeleine of Abbeville lists 3 vestments, one alb, no chalice, ciborium, ostenso rium, censer, holy water sprinkler, or procession cross. There are 28 pews, 7 are not taken; they rented for 200 piastres, not all paid for as yet. He has performed many marriages for nothing; burials are made in all corners of the meadow in order not to pay. Francais stayed four months with Father Ennemond Dupuy and received nothing, a year with Father Julian Priour and did not receive a cent. It would take $2000 to finish the church and presbytery. If the seat of justice does not remain here the court house will no longer be at his disposition. It belongs to Father Anthony Désiré égret who will tell Blanc of his intentions. There is a post office at Abbeville. :: V-5-i A.L.S. French 3pp. folio