Barthe, Father Edward, Houma-Terrebonne, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 August 24

He has been here a year and will give a report. The people are more and more disposed to hear the word of God and many come long distances to Mass. In the missions people come in crowds. He has had 55 First Communions this year. There were 17 deaths; 15 received the sacraments and the majority were people who had not practiced their religion for 15 to 30 years. There were 9 marriages and 11 validated; three of Americans. He baptised 95. Easter Communions were 146. The income was $313. This is not enough for support, trips, etc. There is still much ill feeling and indifference. Although the parish is so extensive, in a few years it will be as moral and religious as any in the diocese. The administrators are well disposed. They are waiting for the moment to secure a loan to pay the debts and, with a new subscription, to finish the work and repay in two years. Barthe, by his way of life, will prove that evangelical poverty is better for a priest than American Ostentation. V-5-l - A.L.S. - French - 4pp. - 4to. - {3}