Aliquot, Carrollton, Louisiana, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans Louisiana, 1853 April 1

She is embarrassed at not having been to the city for so long a time. Not having seen Rousselon she has said nothing to their pastor, Father F. Zeller ? for fear he would decide to leave them. It would be difficult to replace him; he preaches in three languages; he settles affairs where others could not. If he thought a small church should be built on this bank, it would soon be done. He told Aliquot about a month ago that he had $1000. He has masons and carpenters who will work without pay, who could not contribute by other means. If the undertaking is postponed, God's work will suffer. 7 persons have died without a priest, all within several months. Another reason is that the man who is giving the land may die soon. He had an attack of apoplexy a month ago. Aliquot talked to the pastor about it. He replied that they would respect his wishes just as they did for the land, the workers, and the lumber and other things for a future church. The contract was let several months ago; everything is just talk. When Aliquot was in town last February she determined never to return; she can do nothing without a church. She writes from the home of Mrs. Waggaman Wauggamen. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. French 2pp. folio