Barthe, Father Edward, Houma, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 August 25

He waited so long because he was waiting for a meeting of the building committee. In going to Houma he passed the home of the president. Cleborne Thibodeau who seemed well disposed and spent the first days visiting the members who live near. All made fine promises. But they did not meet. He saw Mr. Gagné and Mr. Priant ? several times; they said the roads were too bad or the time not favorable to collect, etc. The two first days he lived in the presbytery-cabin, 15 feet square. a Mr. Fiter asked if he intended to continue living there. When Barthe said yes he said he had a permit to sell until the money which the Bishop still owed him for it was paid. It was $14 so Barthe paid it. The first week Barthe had a floor laid in the chancel of the church and set up a little altar. On Sundays about 30 or 40 attend; on Assumption Day about 80 came. He told Mr. Gotreau he was surprised but a fellow in the crowd said it was the good weather and curiosity to see the third money grabber the Bishop had sent. These good Creoles, these pious people of Houma, today marry their children by civil rites, baptize their children privately, accompany their relatives to the cemetery. all without the priest. This was done last week in 2 marriages at Bayou Black and a burial at Petit Caillou. Since Barthe has been here he has had 4 baptisms and blessed a marriage contracted three months ago. The good people of Terrebonne fear he will go into debt and make him pay in advance. Mr. Guedry, the baker, said he would not give him a loaf of bread without ten sous in his hand. Confidence in a priest has been entirely lost and they conduct their religious affairs themselves. He will not be discouraged as long as the difficulties seem surmountable. :: V-5-j A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.