Blin, Father J.E., New Iberia, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 March 25

By his letter of March 6 or 7, Blanc learned of Blin's arrival. After spending 11 days at the hotel between life and death, under the yoke of these young priests who claimed not to have received an order to leave nor cease their functions, Blin dared to take possession of the room Father H. Thirion vacated, on March 11, to rejoin his friend who left 3 days earlier. In the middle of the night he was saluted by bricks or something else thrown against the wall, and the same on Saturday of Sunday. But most of the prople trust Blin, whose only crime is his age, and having replaced those who promised what they dare not ask of Blin. Mr. Darby brought him the keys to everything. The kitchen utensils need replacing, the new mattresses made by Mrs. Dubucley are missing. Necessary articles are lacking. As for that little house, Mr. Goujon Goujeon, since he is not obliged to let anyone know about his correspondence with Blanc, they say, must have authorization to stay there. And he will remain there a long time. However, Blin's sulky and Father Julian Priour 's cart are being damaged by the weather. He locks them in the shed and some one puts them outside. He has received nothing as yet and everything must be bought to live. What is coming to him from L'Anse will be to pay the last debts. He left the cemetery there free of debt?. Father Nicholas Francais must have already given Blanc an account of everything. Blin kept all his rights in the house, $2000 and more, advanced from somewhere, would quiet Blin's conscience. Francais will perhaps find that the resources cannot cover everything. It seems that the gentlemen of Patterson are not disposed to give Blin the money from the pew rent for 1850. The fire was put out by the arrival of Blanc's postscript but all the advice in it was followed literally. The agents of the club, stationed in the church by design, come out, indignant at not having heard a word from Blin indicating that he had been the object of shameful treatment. All there is in the sacristy are Priour's vestments; the ciborium is no longer fit. As Priour did, Blin asked a Jesuit priest for Holy Week. While he is here, Blin will open the jubilee, he will prepare for First Communion. The church continues to be frequented and work on Sunday is abundant. English is lacking for some negroes and to attract Protestants. It this fury at his coming to New Iberia a proof that God does not want him here or a punishment for coming to this country almost against the will of his Superiors? Blin leans to the latter, and immediately after Easter, if Blanc permits, Blin will return to France and be rid of pastoral cares which he abhors more and more. Blin will hold no rancor against his enemies. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to. 10