Baillie, Sosthene A. and others, Alexandria, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 September 24

They have just learned that Blanc is about to remove their pastor, Father Bellier. Scarcely 18 months have elapsed since he arrived; they had had no pastor for 12 months previous. Since he has been amongst them, their church has been entirely finished, the cemetery enclosed, and the clergymen's house nearly completed. His amiable course has endeared him not only to Catholics but to the Protestants. During the recent flood Bellier raised a temporary second floor to his house and gathered several poor families whom he fed at his own expense. They know they have been favored in having two clergymen but if they are to lose one, they beg it will not be Bellier. The anxiety Blanc has always manifested for the success of St. Francois Xavier Church has emboldened them to make this request. There are 61 signatures. - L.S. - V-5-l - A.L.S., L.S. - 6pp. - 4to. - {4}