Ménard, Father Charles M., Lafourche Interieure, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 January 29

Ménard asks Blanc to grant a dispensation for Paul Joachim Thibodaux and Elisabeth Boudraux . Ménard arrived last Sunday from a mission at Chenière. All went well enough but there is a profound ignorance of the truths of the faith of those who made their First Communion during the recent missions made by Father M.F.?. The parents and children themselves as much as said that it was Blanc's fault that they did not have enough instruction. Ménard admitted to the sacraments only 4 or 5 of a large number. Of those who made their First Communion in the missions made by Ménard and Father Hyacinthe Tumoine, almost all approached the sacraments. He announced Blanc's visit during the summer to give Confirmation; there are only five confirmed. Chenière has 68 households, about 450 souls. There will be about 100 to confirm. Father Philibert? Jourdain ? sends respects. P.S. Ménard has just learned that Jean Baptiste Roger for whom he asked permission to marry his sister-in-law, has written Blanc for the same purpose since Ménard did not want to write again. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.