Chambost, Father Charles, Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1855 October 6

Chambost has just received Blanc's letter of October 2. The epidemic has taken 3 victims at Chambost's, Father Noir, Mr. Boudet, and a young French cook. He saved four and could perhaps have saved all if they had let themselves be treated. During the retreat of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart at St. Michael, Noir came to visit Father Auguste Chambos t and Noir conformed in character and opinions. Sunday evening, September 9 Noir told how sad he was to leave, and an instant later he was stricken. There was then no case of yellow fever at Plaquemine or at the College. Chambost called Dr. Scratchley but Noir proved to be an unmanageable patient. He refused to take the medicines. Chambost's brother, Mr. Hurley, the cook and a little orphan fell ill the same day. Noir seemed out of danger on Thursday; at four in the morning, he was delirious and he died at 10 Friday morning. Chambost was stricken with a nervous attack brought on by fatigue and when he came to they told him all that had happened and that his brother had only two hours to live. For six days they repeated that Auguste was dying. In the meantime, the French cook and Boudet died. Boudet came with Father Raymond; he was to be their French teacher this year. Auguste overcame all by his patience and is up, as are the other three. Father Peter Lucas also is up. As soon as Lucas became ill, Chambost sent Father R. O'Reilly to him and he stayed at his bedside 7 days and nights. When O'Reilly became ill, Chambost took him away a week ago. Noir made no arrangements. Chambost sent Madame Adine Guinand, R.S.C.J. a note of the cost of his coffin, the hearse, and his doctor. They made him a metal coffin thinking that the Ladies would want to have him taken to the convent. The coffin is $75; the hearse, $25; the doctor $25. Auguste presents his respects; he will go to the city next week. He looks like a skeleton. Mr. Bottis ? is here; Chambost hopes he will be useful. Enclosed in this letter is a clipping from The Iberville Gazette containing a letter from Chambost to Mr. Jennings, the editor. Chambost gives a short sketch of the victims of the epidemic, Noir, Victor Ranchal who came from France at the request of Chambost's brother, and Mr. Boudrt, Boudet?. Philipp Heelin was, after their doctor, their first helper, attending everyone with great skill. :: VI-1-i A.L.S. clipping French 5pp. 12mo. 15