Mégret, Father Anthony Désiré, Vermillionville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 December? 27

Mégret received Blanc's letter of the 7th. The Abbot of La Grande Trappe drew on Mégret for $132. This draft was not mentioned by the firm of Didier or Odier of New Orleans; it was 3 years ago. Mégret accepted it and placed this sum in the hands of F. Gautier, a merchant of his town who did his exchanging at that time. The misfortune is that there is no appeal as in less than three months Gautier lost his fortune, leaving $8000 in debts and finally lost his mind. Mégret is without funds just now having been obliged to give $100 to save a poor family who had only a few animals as resources. He has also spent small sums for the presbytery and to complete the fence at the church according to the wish of Valerian Martin . He fears it will be April before he can give Blanc this $132. The arrival of 44 Trappists on the way to Kentucky is proof that they do not believe an establishment here is impossible. If Father Eutrope P oust, O.C.S.O. had ventured half way on Attakapas, Mégret in less than a month would have furnished all the means to establish them there. Mégret has asked ster Elizabeth to bring Blanc a barrel of sugar from his crop. Valerian Martin promised it would be good. Mégret hopes his first present in 7 years will be acceptable. :: V-5-j A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.