Darby, Constance, New Iberia, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 January 6

She received Blanc's letter several days ago; Blanc promised her the Sisters and she thanks him. She asks him to talk to Madame Maria Cutts, R.S.C.J. to dispose her in Darby's favor so that she can carry out her plan. Blanc speaks of this house at Baton Rouge which he counted on establishing. He could tell them that there is a thousand piastres for New Iberia. The church and all around it has never coat Blanc anything; there is still 2000 piastres due her on this debt. If she had this, it would help here with her convent since her husband is dead. Her children would help her if they could but they owe 60,000 ? piastres for the house they have bought. This purchase was made for settling the estate?. Father Julian Priour had begun the subscription; she is going to finish it. Before the fire at the convent she had put more than 2000 piastres on this land and she must begin again. Blanc says he will make a trip to France; if he gets Sisters they could hope to have them this fall. She would like to justify herself in regard to those Ladies whom he asked for for New Iberia. He told her through St. Marc Darby? that he had asked the Sisters of ? St. Joseph for Sisters and that is was useless to count on them. Darby herself asked them and they replied that they were going to refuse the Bishop and they told her to apply to the Ladies of the Sacred Heart . That is why she went to Grand Coteau. P.S. She believes Father Louis Rocoffort, S.J. will replace Priour; they need someone alert who can take care of all Priour did. Mrs. Jules Darby? and she are doing everything they can to take care of the church. It is important to have their pastor; they cemetery is in a desolate state, all the fences are down. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.