Barthe, Father Edward, Houma, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 April 9

The church committee want to see the church ready for services but the returns from the subscription will not be enough to pay the debts of $2800. They ask Barthe to inquire whether they could not borrow $2000 in the city. This would be paid back in 2 or 3 years. Their names are Claiborne Thibodaux; Alexandre Lirette, sheriff; V. Boutelout, property owner; Adolphe Verret, recorder; Jo? Aycock, clerk of court; From? Gagné, warehouse keeper. Yesterday, Easter, Barthe had 4 Communions so Blanc can see there is much good to be done. He leaves tomorrow for Terrebonne, 18 miles away where he hopes to have 60 Communions. Next week he will go to Grand and Petit Caillou which comprises almost half of the population of the parish. Next he will go to Bayou Black and Bayou du Large, all too far to come to Houma. This parish needs two priests. V-5-k - A.L.S. - French - 3pp. - 4to. - {10}