Ménard, Father Charles M., Lafourche Interieure, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 January 19

According to Blanc's wish, and Father Edward Barthe's invitation, Ménard went to Houma last week to examine the work on the church. Everything seems acceptable. Barthe was to write the details to Blanc. Barthe is much esteemed. He will need the courage it takes to establish a parish and build a church. The church at Thibodaux progresses every day and they hope to rent the pews by Easter. This rent will help pay the carpenters who have consented to wait for payment until March 1850 and 1851. Although times are very hard Ménard has begun a new subscription and he dares say they may have their church ready without having debts. The carpenters' contract calls for their work to be done April 1. They have had only 7 or 8 isolated cases of cholera; 3 were the slaves of Mr. Key. But in the last 4 or 5 days it has appeared in several places. Amedée Tete it seems will lose 11 slaves. Father Hyacinthe Tumoine is much better since his return from the city. Next week Ménard will write about Mrs. A. Donand who wishes to have an orphan but Blanc is not to consider her because of religion. V-5-k - A.L.S. - French - 4pp. - 4to. - {8}