Borias, Father Antoine, Beaumont, Texas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1854 October 30

His return to Beaumont was fortunate. The big rains came while he was still at Carcassio. The roads became difficult; his horse had to swim several bayous. Borias stopped at three places where he had several First Communions. The people wish to have a priest. They talk of building three chapels, two of them will be built this winter. Borias promised them another visit next year. He had planned to build a chapel at Beaumont as soon as he returned but he has changed his mind. He will put this off to next year and he is going to have a school in Orange County which is part of his parish but almost entirely separated from Beaumont by swamps which are often impassible. This latter plan offers two advantages: the first, to build a little chapel there, to instruct and convert several persons who have never seen a church, hardly knowing the name of the Catholic religion. The second advantage is that in teaching in English, Borias would have the chance to learn it. It will be difficult to have this school because almost all the people are American and Borias speaks English very badly, but the schoolhouse, which will be his house, is to be begun the day after All Saints. He asks Blanc for some Mass intentions. If there are any Blanc is to send them to the Vicar General of Galveston; Borias is to go there around Christmas. :: VI-1-h A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.