Blin, Father J.E., Charenton, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1850 February 25

Blanc's last letter put him in an embarrassing position. He considers himself from that time on, as not having to remain here and yet to act as if he were to remain always. Therefore the debts paid, new expenses are on his head. Lent is going very badly; the church is less attended than ever, only 4 children came to catechism. To obtain more he will have to go from house at last year. All however say he is a good priest; how to explain their indifference except by their neglect to receive instruction. Perhaps God is rejecting him for this ministry; Blin does not know whether to accept another or to return to France and enter the Society of Jesus of the Trappists. Salvation seems so difficult for someone charged with the salvation of souls. A priest here could enjoy material things. The fees suffice to live; they could double for a priest knowing the two languages. The pews of the church at Patterson were sold at a good price on the first Sunday of the year; henceforth this will be for the priest but Blin has received nothing yet. A young man came to ask Blin to go to marry him. He fell ill at the presbytery; God gave him a day to think of his salvation and the following night he died. The New Orleans affair gave the mortal blow here to a faith already so wavering. Someone wanted Blin to give instructions to the negroes at a certain plantation?; Blin did not believe he should accept, fearing results which experience confirmed. Some negroes have given great consolations which seem to announce a better future. P.S. His "l'on" has special reference to a person whom Blanc will easily guess. :: V-5-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.