Foltier, Father Stephen Jules, Vermillionville, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 September 20

Not having seen Blanc again on his return from Grand Coteau, Foltier writes the news of Abbeville . Father Jean Arthur Poyet was certainly welcome. If the sight of the ruins of the church and the village gave him a painful impression, the people consoled him by their devotion and generosity. Foltier took him to all the families and Thursday the men met at the rectory. A subscription was opened amounting at 605 piastres for the town alone. Blanc subscribed 500; Foltier and Poyet 200; so the pastor of Abbeville already has 1305 piastres. No doubt the people will subscribe 2 or 3 hundred so they could count on 1500. The collection made at New Orleans would finish the church and enlarge the presbytery. Pierre was to have begun clearing it last Thursday. All the posts can be used again as well as the windows, doors, some of the pews, all the scantlings, the floor and much of the wood. Foltier thinks that the church will be up before 3 months. He sends this news to lessen the sadness Blanc felt at the news of the collapse of the church. Foltier left half of his household goods, the organ, the vestments, and much of the food. He has left no debts for Poyet. There is still something to be paid for the wood but he will settle with all these debts. Foltier believes he has fulfilled his promise to do all he can for the new pastor who has all the talent to carry out the undertaking. :: VI-1-k A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.