Barthe, Father Edward, Houma, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 April 27

Today was the closing of the jubilee. 253 came to the sacraments during these two weeks. He gave Holy Communion to 87 at the Easter High Mass. In spite of his 50 years, he believes he is at the head of their corps. He leaves tomorrow for lower Terrebonne, 30 miles, where at least 60 are waiting for him. Then he has Bayou du Large where some thirty from Thériot have asked for his services which he will render them after visiting Caillou, "ille au vin," and "derniere ille," and "ille au Allemands" which will take almost a month. Blanc can see that this parish is not easy to administer and that the "Aristomatador" of priests of the city does not know half of it. His finances do not permit him to go to the seminary. He made a five-day retreat at Father Charles M. Menard 's where he preached the closing of the jubilee. He owes $100 for his board; Blanc is to write toward the end of May whether he can pay a $60 bond. :: VI-1-a A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.