Canavan, Father Patrick, Monroe, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1852 January 18

Blanc's letter of the 13th came to hand. Doyle can regulate the mission of Monroe and that of Shreveport a while longer since Blanc cannot send a priest here. The church in Monroe is getting along very slowly; it will be finished about the middle of March. The architect is very sickly. The people are anxious about a school of the Sisters. Mrs. Julia Dabbs is about writing to the convent as she promised Blanc. Shreveport mission is a very hard one at present. The are "wild" for a church and religion; thy have fallen out with their ministers. One, an Episcopalian, wanted $1400 a year; another, a Presbyterian, $1200. A Baptist demands $900, a Methodist, $400. Under these circumstances, Canavan said nothing about his pension. All he can do is to get a church built and then make them pay. Two asked to whom the lot should be deeded. Canavan will remain at Shreveport about 3 weeks; he won't bring a horse, he will go around on steamboat. Keeping a horse there is $18 a month. There are a few Irish there who would be willing to keep a priest but have no place. In a little time they will have a house of their own and then no expense in hotels. Canavan is very content that Blanc will give Dr. Father Aylward another trial; he hopes he will not disappoint Blanc. Canavan would have been very sorry that he might have thrown him on the world. :: VI-1-c A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.