Cognardeau, St. James Parish, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1854 December

Their intention being to pontificate on Christmas day, they ask Blanc to grant them a dispensation from the use of the Ordinary. Their greatest desire is to live in mutual agreement with their neighbors, to peacefully accomplish their work of social regeneration. To achieve this goal they are ready to conform to the usage and customs of the country in which they have received their mission from on high. Language alone makes the difference in their worship. Blanc adores God in Latin and they pray in French; it is the same in German. God alone is great and Abbé Chutel is his prophet. On Christmas day they propose to give a discourse on horticulture, rendering homage to the grand architect of the universe. That day there will be the great exhibition by Humbug. Blanc is asked to honor it with his presence. France is watching? them and the sovereign pontiff Chutel the First, of whom Cognardeau is the minister in partibus infidelium for the effect of his? gracious authority in its long view directed from this side of the Atlantic. This calendar may not correctly interpret this document. :: VI-1-h A.L.S. French 2pp. folio