Ménard, Father Charles M., Lafourche Interieure, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 October 10

According to the instructions in Blanc's letter of September 25 concerning the building of St. Mary's Church, Ménard has begun the work. He gave the letter of approbation to the trustees. Then he called a meeting of the people to let them know the means to take. They arranged for the subscription to run from March 1850 to March 1851. Ménard hopes to get $1500 or $1800, enough to build a church for their needs. He will not give the contract before spring. The church at Longueville, 21 miles above Thibodaux, will be ready for services the first part of January. It is almost the same size as that of St. Philomene. Longueville, or Lockport, as the Americans call it, is on Bayou Lafourche where the Barataria or great Attakapas canal comes and so opposite another canal into Lake Fields. Lockport is destined to become one of the most important places on the Bayou. Ménard has not asked Blanc to come for Confirmation because of sickness which has reigned almost continually and because of the bad roads. He has heard nothing recently of Father Barthe. Father Tumoine is well and sends respects. V-5-l - A.L.S. - French - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}