Delahoussaye, S., Franklin, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1854 April 10

Delahoussaye wrote several days ago about the danger threatening them. Today new details have reached him. He knows that Blanc is ill-disposed toward the Catholics of Franklin because of the sad condition of their church. He and his mother Mrs. L. Delahoussaye? and several others have decided to make a trip throughout their parish to collect the necessary money. They are waiting for the sale of the pews which Mr. Black had turned over to the creditors of the church. If this sum does not suffice, they will go again. Inclosed is an account of what is happening here; their entire parish is the prey of fanatics. Since the paper appeared, more than 100 new proselytes have joined their Methodist church. Mrs. Parkinson, a good Catholic until now, has gone over to them with her whole family. Delahoussaye asks Blanc to send them a good preacher, capable of fighting back against these forces. Two ministers live here and two others came from New Orleans yesterday to join them. Delahoussaye's mother was here yesterday, she begs Blanc to have pity on them. Delahoussaye went to their pastor and asked him to forbid their Catholics to go to the Methodist church. He did so energetically. If Blanc could send them a preacher who speaks the two languages, especially English, they would assume the expenses of his trip. Mrs. Bernard will give him a room and Delahoussaye will take charge of his meals. If it was only for one or two weeks, they would be grateful. These are men of great talent, distinguished orators, against whom they must fight. Delahoussaye has heard that they wish to propose a debate with Catholic ministers. Enclosed is a clipping from a newspaper of April 6, 1854 telling of the labors of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the conversion of souls. Reverend Mr. Read of Pattersonville has come to the aid of the ministry so services may be expected for some days yet. :: VI-1-g A.L.S. French 3pp. 16mo.