Darby, F.O., St. Marie ?, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 May 2

A week before the renting of the pews at St. Peter's Church, New Iberia, Darby's mother learned that Father Anthony Thèves intended to put up for bids the pew which had been given her when the church was bought?. She went to the presbytery and told Thèves that Blanc had given her a pew in the church and that Father Julian Priour and Father J.E. Blin Blain, his predecessors had always respected this donation. Thèves said the pew would be sold. When his mother reported this to Darby, he went to see Thèves and told him that there was still time to get information from Blanc about this and that if Blanc had not given this favor, his mother was ready to pay. Thèves promised not to put the pew up for a bid. On Easter, Darby was in the church at St. Martinville. Thèves went back on his word; he put the pew up for sale. Fortunately their cousin, Viel Darby, bought the pew for Darby's mother. He hopes Blanc will make the gift in writing and reprimand Thèves. The church is frequented very little. Darby believes if Blanc could give them Father Louis Rocoffort, S.J. Roquofort that he could do much good here. Darby feels it his duty to inform Blanc. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.