Mènard, Father Charles M., Lafourche Intérierre, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1852 December 20

He has just arrived from Houma from the commission Blanc gave him; he regrets not being able to do it completely. Everyone was excited in the capital of Terrebonne at the news of the departure of their ex-pastor. Sentiments were mixed; the Catholics were glad. The Protestants said he was a good fellow. Mènard recognized that it was a deliverance from public calamity. It was impossible to make the list of articles necessary for services and those for the use of the priest. Father Edward Barthe supposedly had the key to the presbytery with him; Mènard went to the record office to inform the trustees, J. Aycock and Verret of his mission and to find out if it was possible to get an inventory of articles belonging to their church. Aycock, clerk of the court, made the visit in the presence of five witnesses. The presbytery having been opened, they could verify as belonging to the church only some glass candlesticks, a cross, and two lanterns, a bedstead and 3 mattresses. The chalice, vestments, linens, etc. were thought to be in 4 trunks for which the keys were lacking. It was impossible to proceed further as Barthe had creditors who were complaining loudly. Some put the total of his debts at 200 piastres, others at 3 or 400. The creditors purpose to take action for fraudulent bankruptcy as soon as they are sure Barthe is out of the state. It would be imprudent to live in the presbytery before clearing up this affair. Blanc could send a statement attesting that he had left the state. Mènard could hasten the conclusion of this affair indirectly. They are about to put the floor in the church, at the expense of 4 subscribers. P.S. Mènard sent Father Rousselon the procuration asked for. :: VI-1-d A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.