Barthe, Father Edward, Houma, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1850 July 22

The men who showed their good will at the time of Blanc's pastoral visit, are beginning to get to work. Mr. Lirette is to begin this week, a portion of the wood for the floor. A. Verret has made arrangements with the carpenter. Mr. Boutelou came to the presbytery where he subscribed for a good portion of the pews. Mr. Claiborne sent to get the window frames. Barthe talked with the most interested creditors. The Germans to whom they owe $900 do not wish to make any concession and at the fall court, they want to sell the church building if they can. Barthe believes they can easily deal with the other creditors. He is also going to write to the pastor, Father Charles M. Menard to have the doors made by his carpenter. Barthe's position is still the same; he has no work. At the end of the month he must pay $40 remaining for his board and lodging. He have had enough but the work he had done at the church took his last resource. If he only had Mass stipends, but in 2 months he has had only four. :: V-5-n A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.