Barthe, Father Edward, Houma. Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 November 2

Barthe had promised to write 10 days after Blanc was here but Mr. Froste, the brick maker had not set a price for the bricks for the church until today. He estimates 27,000 bricks to do the work and his price is $400. Barthe writes to have Blanc's consent to this. He received Blanc's letter of October 11 today; he thanks him for the Mass stipends. When Father Charles M. Menard goes or has the ordo brought next month they could be brought at the same time. Barthe spent 5 days at Terrebonne and was very edified by the good will of these people. He gave First Communion to 15 young people over 12, very well instructed by Mr. Fournier, the teacher there. If he had one like him at Houma his task would be easier. At the same place he gave Communion to 21 persons of all ages. He was also at Bayou Black but the children were not sufficiently instructed; he will go back next week. There is little faith there. He will go to Grand Cailloux, which, like Terrebonne, is 18 miles from Houma. And after that he will go to the seminary. Yesterday and today he had several confessions before Mass but like the people of Petit Cailloux and Bayou Cannes, Houma is insensible. People come from afar for Mass and those who are near do not come. :: V-5-j A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.