Doyle, Father A., Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 February 3

Doyle received Blanc's letter of January 4. He congratulates Blanc on the reception of the pallium, the account of which and his installation in St. Patrick's Church, Doyle read in one of the city papers. Yesterday Doyle opened the church for services for the first time. Some of their dissenting brethren have made application for instruction. The windows have been repaired, a temporary altar erected, and good benches made. The house for the priest is on the lot and nearly ready to live in. The chimneys are being built by Mr. Minnis whose faith is now firm. When Doyle came here, Minnis was almost determined never to receive another priest in his house. Some of the other members of the Congregation misconstrued a word from Doyle on the first Sunday he was here. It will require much kindness to bring the few here back to the discipline of the Church. Mr. Morancey has come to Mass; Doyle spoke to him of the necessity for the sake of public edification. His example would be very encouraging as he is esteemed as a well educated man and a good citizen. Mrs. Briscoe has been in twice from Richmond to hear Mass. The people are anxious to know when Blanc could come; few have been confirmed. Doyle would like the pastoral on the jubilee and the regulation for Lent. How is he to act with respect to the Negroes who are Catholic or disposed to be so, as their principal food is bread and meat. The people are anxious for a visit from Father Theobald Mathew when on his way to St. Louis. Father Pitrat' s book, "The Jesuit Unveiled", is published and the people here are very desirous to read it, even the Catholics. Doyle would like to have some book written in their defense as an antidote against this infamous book. If the Church can be dedicated before it is plastered, a large congregation would be here when Father Mathew would come. Mr. and Mrs. Minnis ask to be remembered. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.