Doyle, Father A., Millikens Bend, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 January 22

Doyle left the 13th on the Montgomery and arrived here Thursday. He first went to C.B. Minnis, Esquire, who expressed his pleasure at the opportunity for himself and family to attend Mass. The church is roofed in, the flooring laid. The windows were in but nearly all the glass is broken. The few Catholics here have become very lukewarm. The priest sent here last year spent the greater part of the time in sapping the foundations of religion. Last Sunday Doyle said Mass at Minnis' house and at 3 p.m. preached in the schoolhouse. Minnis is the principal Catholic, all look up to him. The few families who built the church propose to have the windows repaired, the church cleaned, and temporary benches and alter put in. This week Minnis bought a house and is removing it to the church lot as a residence for the priest. There is no one to serve Mass but Mr. Fitzwilliam ; if he could attend on Sundays, it is the most he could do. If Doyle had a boy from the asylum, it would be well. Minnis and others said if Doyle only remained 6 or 7 months, it would be necessary to have a boy. Doyle will write to Judge Byrne on the matter. It would be a great service of Blanc could come up to dedicate the church. Minnis and lady send regards. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.