O'Dougherty, Father Julius J., Monroe, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 April 4

O'Dougherty found Dr. C.H. Dabbs absent on his arrival and so went to the tavern, where he remains. He has discovered no more than three practical families here, and some 8 or 10 individuals who make an indifferent profession of adherence to the Church; some 15 negroes are under instruction. He has found a strong prejudice amongst the non-Catholic people. Madam Julia Dabbs admitted the impracticability of retaining a clergyman here. O'Dougherty is convinced that he cannot remain without some other source of support. He has not been invited to their houses. However, he thinks he has removed the prejudice he found and stimulated a few Catholics. He pays $26 a month at the boarding house. The church is progressing slowly toward outward completion. He has had the door, the windows in front, and the little cupola finished, and the bell hung. Nothing is done on the inside and the funds are exhausted. A planter named J.Frank? Pargoud has subscribed $900 and Madam Dabbs said the principal dependence was an additional subscription from Pargoud and an expected gift from a non-Catholic, Major King, who resides some 40 miles down the river. The church is 34 by 48 feet with a vestry at the end, 16 by 18 feet. O'Dougherty has not made any visits westward as he learned from a gentleman from Shreveport that a clergyman had visited them a very short time ago. He has not gone east to Miligan's Milliken's Bend? not being aware whether or not Father Michael Kelly continued there. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.