Blin, Father J.E., Charenton, Louisiana, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 December 5

Unforeseen circumstances force Blin to dismiss Rousselon's protégé. During his absence at the retreat someone turned the head of his servant so that he can no longer count on him and the old negress hired out to him is going to be sold. So Blin will be alone and must board out; which completely upsets their plans. The boy, in spite of his good qualities, is not capable of spending time enough alone at his desk. Blin is obliged to be absent quite often. To keep him Blin would have to have him in his room all the study time, so it is impossible. If the Bishop talks of replacing Blin here with a priest who knows English, Rousselon is to support the idea. For the priest from here should serve Franklin and it would be easier than going from Paterson from which it is 6 leagues away, while only 8 miles from here. A priest can live at Charenton but then he has to furnish a beadle, a chanter, and a server, pay construction costs, etc. The isolation is so contrary to Blin's health that he sees himself forced to escape from it. V-5-n - A.L.S. - French - 4pp. - 12mo. - {2}