Barthe, Father Edward, Houma, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 September 10

On the 9th, the committee met and Barthe addressed them about the means of playing the debts and advancing the work of building. They decided nothing and things were put off to the 15th. Alexandre Liret holder of the subscription, spoke at length to Mr. Boutelou on the conduct of Father Charles Henry Boutelou de St. Aubin, his uncle, saying that St. Aubin had speculated on the building and pocketed the money of the bonds. At their next meeting these men agreed to ask Blanc for 1000 or 1500 piastres. 1848 has been a bad year for the people of Terrebonne . Marriages are always performed civilly; they will not give him a license without a $7000 bond, according to a law of 1845. But he believes that due to the good will of people outside Houma his position will grow better. If the church is built, he could count on about 200 attending every Sunday. If he had a thousandth part of Father Maenhaut's hoard he would wipe out all the sins of usury and avarice. :: V-5-j A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.