Foltier, Father Stephen Jules, Vermillionville, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 February 9

Valerien Martin, who is going down to the city, plans to see Blanc about a school run by the Brothers of Christian Doctrine. Everyone seems to want it; there is a large house here, known as Academy, owned by the corporation, which would be easy to have for the Brothers. Foltier is sure that the richest and most influential in the parish would unite to guarantee what would be needed. The real difficulty is to have Brothers who would teach only English. They want only that language, particularly for the boys; only Creoles knowing English well could occupy the principal offices. To what house shall they write, to St. Louis or New Jersey? Foltier counts on Blanc's protection. As for the convent, the Sisters of Mount Carmel are beginning to spread out? up there. But they still have strong opposition, not because of ill will but because they are not equal to their mission. In large towns where they have only day scholars, they can meet all requirements because their houses are attended only by the working class and the poor. In the country and particularly at Lafayette they cannot exist without taking boarders and the parents expect the same education as in other convents. The Sisters are not capable of teaching, especially English. Lately they were sent a poor Irish Sister, good only for the laundry. A lady from the village, Mrs. Naguazoni ? took over the course; it cost the Sisters 150 piastres. Foltier hopes one now in the North will be sent to them. Lafayette parish merits attention; the parish seems to be reviving. The Latiolais and Mouton families have returned to the Church, they had not been see for 10 years. It may be only momentary: but would be revenue coming to Foltier. If he can maintain this unity, it would be one of the finest parishes in Louisiana in view of the number of Catholics. He asks Blanc to help them by sending more capable teachers and by erecting a school of Brothers. Also he asks Blanc to intercede in an affair about which he has written to Father Stephen Rousselon ; it concerns the choice of a music teacher. The Superior says she does not know whether their rule would allow a man to teach music in the convent. Foltier cannot find a woman to do so. Father Anthony de Chaignon, S.J . has strongly advised him to hire a man known throughout the area as judicious and honest. He awaits only Foltier's replay to come from Opelousas to resettle at Vermillionville where he lived last year. He would teach music at the convent and play the organ at church. On the part of the south, Foltier only regrets that he was too generous. He gave a bed, organ, vestments, valued at 600 piastres. He gave about 5000 pieces of wood which he had just got from the mill at 35 piastres per thousand. Is it possible then that the pew rent before the collapse of the church would be contested and that he would be represented as having feathered his nest. As for Foltier's parish, all is going well. The church tower is as pretty a sight as you will see in Louisiana. :: VI-1-j A.L.S. French 5pp. 4to. 11