Nicholson, C., Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 June 10

On or about May 25, Michael Johnston who kept The Globe Hotel here, died. He had been sick only 3 or 4 days. His wife dispatched a messenger to Father Mathurin Grignon . But strange to say, he would not come. Grignon was requested to attend his funeral and allow his remains to be taken to the church. He objected to this and refused to go to the grave yard. Nicholson admits that Johnston was not regular in attending his duties but he was always a Catholic and contributed to the church. His wife was also a Catholic and very regular in her duties. Another matter which aggravates the case it that a Mr. Pomate ? who died 3 weeks previously and who was not any more regular in his duties was attended by Grignon and given the last rites of the Church. There was not a more honest man in this community than Johnston. Nicholson encloses a small obituary from one of their papers. This has caused great excitement here. There will soon be an empty church and no congregation unless Blanc will send Grignon an assistant who will better understand the people here. Nicholson has given Blanc these facts at the request of the widow. P.S. Mrs. Johnson refers Blanc to Captain John B. Nevitt :: VI-1-e A.L.S. Clipping 3pp. 4to.