Grignon, Father Mathurin F., Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 June 14

He has been very busy for month. He has even had to go as far as Woodville to see an old lady; she died last week but because of Sunday, Grignon could not return for the funeral. At Natchez, a barkeeper, habitually drunk for years and subject to delirium tremens, died in that state and Grignon refused to bury him. They came to get him before his death but the man said the patient was in a delirious and unconscious state caused by excessive drinking. Grignon said he could do nothing until he returned to himself; the patient died before the man got back. No doubt his wife and others claim that he was sober. They even got Captain John B. Nevitt to talk to Grignon and make amends. Nevitt was reasonable and understood that the church has its laws which Grignon cannot change. Grignon thought he should have new pews made for the church. Often there is no room and non-Catholics say they would come sometimes if there was room. Father J. Fahy Fahé seems to be well satisfied at Natchez. As for the repairs to the episcopal residence, Grignon has contracted to have cracks sealed, roof repaired, and whitewashing done at a cost of $17 and painting done at $35. The same painter, Mr. McKee, presented a bill for 34 or 35 piastres as the balance of the debt for work on the church in past years. Grignon has verified in the book that Bishop Chanche mentions this debt. But he cannot find in the book the claim of Evans Ingram, now living in Canada, for almost 200 piastres as the balance of payment for work at the Cathedral. McKee is acting as Ingram's agent. Grignon believes he has already spoken to Blanc about the sidewalk along the Cathedral. They are obliged by a city ordinance. Nevitt, one of the 2 members of a committee appointed by the trustees said they were asking $450 for all. Nevitt asked Grignon to ask Blanc's advice and approval. Another thing a reception for the new Bishop would produce a very good effect. They could receive him at the landing and accompany him to the church where the congregation would be assembled. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.