Canavan, Father Patrick, Shreveport, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1852 March 1

After remaining here these last 10 days, he can say that he can build a church here after a great deal of trouble. One of the trustees told him it would be impossible unless a priest remained with them. The lots Canavan told Blanc about are very dear and he intends getting 2 others after April 3 at public auction. He left Monroe February 10 and went through all the vacant missions near Arkansas and then Bossier Parish where he found a few Catholics. He had a fever for two days but is well and returning to Monroe immediately. He changed architects and he is to finish in April. Shreveport is very anxious for a church but there are all different religions and none willing to go ahead with the subscription list. Canavan came here on horseback. He hopes he has a letter from Blanc at Monroe, stating when Blanc can visit Ouachita ; he hopes sometime in May and that the church will be finished. They will have a beautiful church at Monroe. Canavan hopes Blanc will be able to send a priest to Shreveport or Monroe. Yesterday Canavan had a large congregation of every denomination. He baptized 7 children and two who were preparing for two months. The Ouachita mission is about to be prosperous. The Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopalian preachers are leaving there. At Shreveport, there is no circulation of money as yet; some say May will be the best time for their subscription. :: VI-1-c A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.