Grignon, Father Mathurin F., Natchez, Mississippi, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 August 10

Grignon received the cask of wine and the letter announcing it, at almost the same time. Since the Archbishop is on a pastoral visit, it is almost useless to write to him. They are doing what they can in Natchez; they even did something grand, thanks to the priests who came for the service for Bishop John Joseph Chanche . They improvised a retreat and the last day was crowned by a general Communion of 70 persons of whom about 40 were children. The novelty attracted some Protestants to the Mass. Fathers John Andrew Fierabras and Julian M. Guillou left the next day via Port Gibson and Jackson. They were very well when they separated at Jackson. Father Francis Xavier Leray is still at Natchez, he thought of leaving tomorrow but he should not. Sunday night he thought he was going to die; now he is up but weak. The Lord has spared them up to now. They have some isolated cases of the epidemic. Grignon has buried only one victim. An orphan has been sick for 2 weeks and is not out of danger. On the back of the letter in Rousselon's hand: Antoine Rodi and Certa Biancha ; Pomet, 704 D'Orleans, Street. :: VI-1-f A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.