Mènard, Father Charles M., Thibodaux, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 September 16

On the 13th Mènard received Blanc's letter of the 4th from Grand Coteau. Mènard takes the opportunity to send a reply with a Sister of Mount Carmel who is going to Vermillionville and who will leave it with the pastor of New Iberia who will give it Blanc when he arrives for Confirmation. Mènard thanks Blanc for his confidence in him as shown in regard to Father Anthony Carius and also for the charity toward this poor priest. His conduct here is irreproachable; he is worthy of a place in a short time. He seems to have decided to go to Canton, Ohio in case Blanc cannot use him. From what Mènard can see Carius is zealous, a good theologian and they say is a good speaker in the German language. He knows English well; his French pronunciation is defective. There is a difficulty in permitting him to say Mass. His incognito has been kept here since his arrival. To lift it would raise many questions; it would be better to lift it in some other locality. With Blanc's permission, Mènard would suggest that he say Mass in private with Mènard serving, if only 2 or 3 times in order to console and encourage him. As soon as Blanc arrives home, he is to write Mènard on this subject. Carius proposes to pay Blanc a visit on his return. Right now he is at the hotel; Mènard pays for it as Carius has nothing. Mènard will do all he can to go along with Blanc's ideas in regard to Bayou Boeuf . It is very desirable to have a priest at this church. Mènard will try to arrange with Father Claude Paschal Maistre for the success of this affair. :: VI-1-k A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.